Sell Your Cottage Fast in Ontario

Q: Do you buy cottages that are not winterized?

Yes. Seasonal, three-season and fully winterized cottages are all fine. We factor the construction and the heating into the offer.

Q: Can you buy my cottage in the off-season?

Yes. We can visit and make an offer any time of year. You do not have to wait for spring or open the cottage up for showings.

Q: Does the septic system or well need to be fixed first?

No. We buy as-is. Tell us what you know about the septic, the well and any repairs, and we price it into the offer instead of asking you to fix anything.

Q: Can I leave the furniture and contents?

Yes. Take what you want to keep and leave the rest. You do not need to empty or clean the cottage before closing.

Q: Do I pay capital gains tax when I sell a cottage?

It depends on whether the cottage is your principal residence for tax purposes. If it is not, any gain is generally taxable. This is general information, not tax advice, so talk to an accountant about your situation.

Q: Are there any commissions or fees?

None. No commission and no administration fees. The offer you accept is what you receive at closing, subject only to the usual tax and utility adjustments.

Cottages are harder to sell than houses. The buying season is short, fewer buyers can finance a seasonal property, and wells, septic systems and access roads all raise questions. PrivateDeals buys cottages directly, as-is, in any season. One visit, a written offer in 24 to 48 hours, and a closing date that suits you.

No commissions or fees

Written offer in 24–48 hours

Close in 7 days to 6 months

Get my cash offer (647) 333-0170

Wood-sided cottage among tall pine trees in morning light

How it works

Tell us about the cottage

Where it is, how you get there, whether it is winterized, and how the water and septic work. Rough details are fine. We ask about anything we need.

We visit once

Any time of year, including the off-season. No need to open it up, clean it or stage it for showings.

Written offer

Usually within 24 to 48 hours. The offer already accounts for the condition, the septic and well, and the access, so we do not renegotiate after the visit.

Close on your date

As soon as 7 days or as far out as 6 months, so you can fit in a last season or close before the next one. Leave behind the furniture and contents you do not want.

Covered timber porch of a wood-sided cottage surrounded by trees

Why cottages are harder to sell than houses

Most cottage buyers shop in spring and summer, so a cottage listed in the fall can sit through the winter. Many lenders treat seasonal or non-winterized properties differently from a principal home, which can mean a larger down payment and fewer qualified buyers. Buyers usually want a water test and a septic inspection, and properties with seasonal road access or water access only narrow the field further. If the cottage is not your principal residence, selling it can also trigger capital gains tax, so it is worth speaking to an accountant early. A direct sale removes the seasonal timing and the financing condition from the equation.

This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Talk to an accountant about capital gains and to a real estate lawyer about your specific property before you sell.

Listing instead? On the average Ontario home, a realtor costs about $35,655.

Commission at 4% plus 13% HST. See the number for your home’s price.

What would a realtor cost me?