Want to buy a cottage and make money?
Smart idea. Ontario’s cottage rental market is hot right now.
But here’s the truth. Most people jump in blind. They think it’s easy money. Buy cottage. List on Airbnb. Get rich. Wrong.
The Reality Check You Need
Ontario cottage rental investment isn’t like buying a regular rental property. It’s a whole different game. And the rules changed big time in the last few years.
Remember when you could throw up any listing and make bank? Those days are dead. Now you’re competing with pros who know the tricks.
Mistake #1: Thinking Any Cottage Will Work
Not all cottage areas are created equal. Muskoka? Sure, it’s famous. But properties cost millions. Prince Edward County? Great returns, but good luck getting a license.
Here’s what’s crazy. Some small Ontario markets nobody talks about are crushing it. Places you’ve never heard of are making owners serious cash. The secret? Water access and smart marketing.
The Money Truth Nobody Shares
Want real numbers? Most new cottage owners spend $50,000 on furniture and think they’re done. Then they wonder why bookings suck.
The winners? They’re dropping $90,000 or more. Why? Because guests compare everything. Your cottage versus the fancy one down the lake. Guess who wins?
Licensing: The Investment Killer
This is where dreams die. Some Ontario areas stopped giving out new short-term rental licenses. Period.
Buy a cottage in the wrong spot? You just bought an expensive vacation home you can’t rent out. Ouch.
The 11 PM Toilet Emergency
Picture this. You’re having dinner with family. Your phone buzzes. Guest can’t flush the toilet. In a long-term rental, they wait. With cottage guests? Every hour costs you money and reviews.
This is why smart investors hire pros. They handle the midnight emergencies while you sleep.
Hidden Markets Making Bank
Everyone knows about Muskoka and Algonquin. But what about areas near Grand Bend? Or cottage spots outside Windsor?
These markets fly under the radar. Lower buy-in costs, solid returns, less competition. The smart money is moving there now.
Photography That Pays
Bad photos kill bookings faster than high prices. Most cottage owners snap pics with their phone and wonder why nobody books.
The pros use special photographers. They know which angles work. Which amenities to highlight. It’s the difference between empty weekends and sold-out seasons.
The Furnishing Formula
Here’s insider info: guests can filter by 60+ amenities on Airbnb. Each checkmark boosts your search ranking.
No blender? You’re invisible to smoothie lovers. No games? Families scroll past. Every missing item costs you bookings.
Insurance Claims Reality
Guest breaks something? Good luck getting paid back. Airbnb and VRBO changed the rules. Now you need timestamped photos, receipts, and perfect documentation.
Miss one step? You eat the cost. This is why cottage pros document everything before and after each stay.
The Two-Question Test
Before you buy any cottage, ask yourself:
- Do I want to use this place myself?
- Is this purely about making money?
Your answer changes everything. Investment strategy, location, budget – it all depends on this choice.
What the Podcast Reveals
Kevin Breitner and cottage expert Brad McRae dive deep into all this stuff. They share real stories, actual numbers, and mistakes that cost investors thousands.
Brad manages cottages across Ontario. He’s seen it all. The wins, the disasters, the regulatory nightmares. Kevin brings the investor perspective – what works, what doesn’t.
They break down markets from Muskoka to Prince Edward County. Share licensing secrets. Reveal the real costs of competing in 2025.
Your Next Move
Ontario cottage rental investment can build serious wealth. But only if you do it right.
Listen to the full episode. Get the insider knowledge before you buy. Because in this game, what you don’t know will cost you.
The cottage market isn’t slowing down. Ontario families want getaways. Investors want returns. The question is: will you be ready?
Ready to learn the real secrets? Check out the full Ontario Landlord Series episode with Kevin and Brad. Your future cottage investment depends on it.
Looking for expert guidance on Ontario cottage rental investment? Connect with Kevin at cresi.ca or Brad at yourstrulyhospitality.ca
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