Residential Purchases

Vacation & Cottage Property Financing in Ontario

Financing a seasonal cottage or a secondary home for family use operates under two distinct underwriting categories that dictate downpayment, rate and amortization.

Type A Properties — Year-Round Homes

Fully winterized homes with permanent foundations, year-round road access, and reliable municipal or drilled-well water systems. These can be financed with as little as 5% down under standard primary residential interest rates.

Type B Properties — Seasonal Cabins

Seasonal cottages, water-access-only cabins, or properties utilizing holding tanks and wood stoves. These require a minimum 10% downpayment, carry minor interest rate premiums, and cannot be amortized beyond 25 years.

Documents Your Lender Will Want

  • MLS listing and water-source / heating disclosures.
  • Road access confirmation (year-round municipal vs. seasonal vs. water-only).
  • Proof of insurability — some carriers will not insure wood-stove-only properties.
  • Septic and well certificates where applicable.

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