Georgian Bay Housing Market Outlook 2025.

Georgian Bay Housing Market Outlook 2025: A Rebound with a Splash of Humor

The Georgian Bay housing market is on the cusp of an intriguing turnaround—a story of recovery, rebirth, and, dare we say, a touch of whimsy. For years, this picturesque region, with its sparkling waterfronts and serene landscapes, has captivated the imagination of vacationers, retirees, and even the occasional adventurous family. In 2024, however, the market experienced a dramatic twist: a 28.7% drop in average prices compared to 2023. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, experts predict a robust rebound with average prices climbing to approximately $988,594—a healthy 9% increase from 2024’s average of $906,967. Let’s dive into the factors driving this forecast and explore what buyers and sellers alike might expect in the coming year.

1. A Brief Historical Perspective

Before we get too carried away with predictions and projections, it’s essential to understand the path that has brought us here. Georgian Bay, with its idyllic mix of cottage charm and natural beauty, has long been a favored destination for those seeking a refuge from urban hustle. Traditionally, vacation and retirement properties—think cozy cottages and elegant waterfront homes—have commanded premium prices due to their scarcity and high demand.

The Roller Coaster Ride of Recent Years

  • 2023: The market was on fire, with average prices peaking at around $1,272,917. Demand was high, and sellers enjoyed robust offers in return.
  • 2024: In a surprising twist, prices dropped sharply by 28.7%, leading to an average price of $906,967. This dramatic decline, as noted in the RE/MAX 2024 Cottage Trends Report, suggested a temporary buyer’s market possibly influenced by economic pressures such as rising interest rates and a surplus of available inventory.

While such a steep fall might have felt like the proverbial “cottage-core nightmare” for sellers, it set the stage for a healthy market correction. Much like a roller coaster that takes a deep dive before soaring sky-high again, the 2024 dip has positioned the market for a significant recovery in 2025.

2. The 2025 Price Prediction: Climbing Back Up

Experts are increasingly confident that the market will not only recover but thrive in 2025. Several influential factors contribute to the optimistic forecast:

The Numbers at a Glance

Based on recent data and economic projections:

  • 2024 Average Price: $906,967
  • Predicted Increase: 9%
  • Estimated 2025 Average Price: Approximately $988,594

This 9% increase is driven by a combination of limited inventory, strong buyer demand, and favorable economic conditions. In simple terms, think of it as a phoenix rising from the ashes—but with a more refined palette of waterfront cottages and vacation retreats.

Price Trends and Predictions Table

Region2023 Average Price2024 Average PricePredicted 2025 Price (9% Increase)
Southeast Georgian Bay, Honey Harbour, Port Severn$1,272,917$906,967$988,594

(Source: RE/MAX 2024 Cottage Trends Report; TD Bank’s Housing Market Forecast; Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Market Update – October 2024)

The anticipated price increase isn’t just a numerical adjustment; it signifies market stabilization after a period of volatility. After all, every market has its off years, and a 28.7% drop in 2024 may have been a necessary correction that ultimately paves the way for a healthier, more sustainable growth trajectory.

3. Who’s Buying and Why? The Demographic Pulse

The Gen X Factor

A key driver behind the 2025 market rebound is the purchasing power and preferences of Generation X. In their early to mid-40s to late 50s, these savvy buyers are looking for properties that can serve dual purposes: as a retreat from their bustling urban lives and a secure investment for the future. With many in this demographic enjoying stable careers and strong incomes, their appetite for vacation homes and potential retirement sanctuaries is well documented.

Near-Retirees and Their Golden Savings

Equally important are near-retirees who have spent decades building up their savings and home equity. These buyers are increasingly attracted to Georgian Bay for its promise of tranquility, scenic beauty, and a slower pace of life. With the market showing signs of recovery, these buyers are more confident than ever in making significant investments in properties that offer both lifestyle benefits and long-term value appreciation.

A Mixed Bag of Buyers

It’s not just the older generations that are in the mix. Successful Gen Xers, often with young families, are also contributing to the surge in demand. They’re drawn to the area not just for its natural beauty, but for the promise of quality life experiences—imagine trading rush-hour traffic for a leisurely paddle on a calm bay. This blend of buyers—from families seeking a summer getaway to individuals planning their retirement dreams—creates a robust and diverse market dynamic.

4. Market Dynamics: Inventory, Demand, and the Ever-Changing Economic Landscape

Limited Inventory and the Scarcity Effect

One of the most compelling factors behind the anticipated 9% price increase is the scarcity of available properties. Even though 2024 saw a significant drop in prices, much of that decline was driven by an excess of inventory that has since been absorbed by the market. As we move into 2025, the inventory is expected to tighten—thanks in part to regulatory changes and the hesitancy of some owners to list their cherished cottages.

Imagine trying to find a parking spot at a popular summer festival: when spaces are few, competition drives up the “price” of that coveted spot. Similarly, as the number of available vacation and retirement homes dwindles, the price per property naturally climbs.

Economic Conditions and Mortgage Rates

The economic environment plays a pivotal role in shaping market behavior. Recent adjustments in mortgage rates and expectations of further cuts by the Bank of Canada have made financing more accessible for potential buyers. With the prime rate predicted to dip below 5%, the affordability factor improves considerably, sparking renewed buyer interest.

Lower mortgage rates not only reduce monthly payments but also encourage buyers to invest in properties that might have once seemed financially out of reach. This dynamic is particularly evident among first-time cottage buyers and those looking to upgrade their current vacation retreats.

The Impact of a Pandemic-Era Surge

A significant number of properties in the Georgian Bay region were purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when remote work and the need for more spacious living environments drove many buyers to the countryside. As these buyers now consider their long-term plans, some may decide to sell, adding to the inventory mix. However, with new regulations affecting short-term rentals and other economic uncertainties, many former owners are opting to hold onto their properties, further constraining supply and supporting price growth.

5. Regional Variations and Local Market Nuances

Southeast Georgian Bay: The Heart of Cottage Living

Southeast Georgian Bay remains the jewel in the region’s crown, known for its breathtaking vistas and an array of waterfront properties. Areas such as Honey Harbour and Port Severn are especially popular among buyers, thanks to their combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a well-established community vibe. Here, the market dynamics are slightly different from the broader region, with luxury and high-end properties showing resilient demand despite overall market fluctuations.

Price Discrepancies and Market Recovery

The dramatic price drop in 2024—from $1,272,917 in 2023 to $906,967—was not uniform across all sub-regions. Some pockets, particularly those with high-end properties or unique waterfront views, may have experienced less severe declines. For instance, insauga.com noted that in certain regions, cottage prices were expected to approach $1,194,340 in 2024. Such discrepancies highlight the importance of localized market analyses and suggest that while the overall market is on an upward trajectory, individual regions may follow slightly different paths.

Local Market Activity: A Tale of Two Markets

Local reports, such as the Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Market Update from October 2024, painted a picture of a buyer’s market in the latter part of 2024. The median sale price for residential properties—including but not limited to cottages—was reported at around $718,000. While this figure is lower than the average for vacation properties, it underscores the segmentation within the market. As the 2025 recovery unfolds, buyers focusing on premium vacation homes and retirement properties are likely to see significant appreciation, whereas more modest properties may follow a different growth curve.

6. The Broader Economic Context and Its Influence

A Stabilizing Provincial Market

The housing market in Ontario as a whole has been experiencing a period of stabilization. According to the Ontario Housing Market: Jan. 21st, 2025 Update from WOWA.ca, the broader market is expected to see modest price increases, buoyed by declining mortgage rates and robust population growth in urban centers. This stabilization creates a spillover effect into niche markets such as Georgian Bay, where the demand for vacation and retirement homes is intimately tied to the overall economic climate.

The Role of Interest Rates and Bank Policies

Economic forecasts from TD Bank’s Housing Market Forecast and the National Real Estate Market Update for 2025 – Southern Georgian Bay Living all point to favorable conditions for buyers in 2025. The anticipation of lower mortgage rates and potential rate cuts by the Bank of Canada is a critical factor here. With financing becoming more affordable, more buyers are likely to take the plunge into the market. It’s almost as if the banks have decided to play Santa Claus, doling out interest rate “gifts” that make home ownership a more enticing prospect.

Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic

The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to influence market dynamics. On one hand, the pandemic-induced surge in property acquisitions brought many new buyers into the market, many of whom have now settled in and are less inclined to sell. On the other hand, as the economy adjusts to post-pandemic realities, there’s been a recalibration of market expectations. The recovery we’re witnessing in 2025 can be seen as a natural progression—a market finding its equilibrium after a period of intense volatility.

7. Buyer Psychology and Investment Strategies

The Allure of a Second Home

For many, buying a vacation home in Georgian Bay is not just about owning property—it’s about securing a personal sanctuary. The dream of a quiet lakeside retreat, where one can escape the daily grind and perhaps even pick up a paddle or two, is a powerful motivator. Even if the idea of “sleeping in a cabin” conjures images of rustic living with the occasional raccoon as a roommate, the modern cottage market in Georgian Bay offers a blend of luxury and nature that appeals to a wide array of buyers.

Investment Savvy and Long-Term Value

Savvy investors view the 2025 market recovery as an opportunity to secure assets that are likely to appreciate over time. With limited inventory and a growing pool of buyers—especially from Gen X and the near-retiree demographic—properties purchased now could yield significant returns in the long run. This strategic mindset is reminiscent of buying beachfront property in a town that’s just discovering its “it” factor. The difference, of course, is that Georgian Bay’s charm is timeless, and its properties offer both a lifestyle upgrade and a prudent investment.

A Touch of Humor in the Investment Game

Investing in real estate can sometimes feel as unpredictable as the weather in Georgian Bay—sunny one moment, and then suddenly a downpour of market news the next. Yet, there’s always room for a bit of humor. Picture a potential buyer saying, “I came for the views and stayed for the interest rate cuts,” or a realtor quipping, “Our properties are appreciating faster than my kids’ heights during puberty!” These light-hearted moments remind us that while the numbers and forecasts are serious business, there’s always a human element at play in every transaction.

8. The Future Beyond 2025: What’s on the Horizon?

While our focus today is firmly on the 2025 market outlook, it’s worth considering what lies beyond. The trends we’re observing suggest that Georgian Bay will continue to be a magnet for buyers looking for a blend of relaxation and long-term investment. As urban sprawl intensifies and more people seek refuge in nature, the demand for high-quality vacation and retirement properties is expected to persist.

Anticipated Developments and Trends

  • Sustainable Living: With growing awareness of environmental issues, many buyers are now looking for properties that offer sustainable features. Whether it’s energy-efficient designs, solar panels, or water-conserving systems, eco-friendly attributes could soon become a standard expectation in the Georgian Bay market.
  • Tech-Enabled Homes: The integration of smart home technologies—everything from automated lighting to remote security systems—is transforming how people view vacation properties. Future listings might tout features like voice-activated assistants that remind you when it’s time to take out the trash (or, perhaps, to finally call your in-laws).
  • Community and Connectivity: Despite the allure of remote living, buyers are increasingly interested in communities that offer a strong sense of connection. Local events, community centers, and even neighborhood social media groups are becoming as much a selling point as the scenic views.

Challenges on the Road Ahead

Of course, no market is without its challenges. While the 2025 forecast is largely positive, several factors could temper the upward trend:

  • Regulatory Changes: New policies affecting short-term rentals and property taxes might influence investor sentiment. For example, if local regulations tighten further, it could temporarily slow down market activity.
  • Economic Uncertainties: Global economic factors, such as inflation and shifts in trade policies, could have ripple effects that impact local real estate trends. Investors and buyers alike must stay informed and flexible.
  • Environmental Concerns: As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, there could be long-term impacts on property desirability, particularly for waterfront properties. Buyers might need to consider additional measures for sustainability and resilience.

Nonetheless, these challenges are not insurmountable. If anything, they add to the rich tapestry of market dynamics that make Georgian Bay’s housing market both intriguing and resilient.

9. Practical Recommendations for Buyers and Sellers

Given the dynamic nature of the market and the forecasted recovery in 2025, here are some practical recommendations for various stakeholders:

For Buyers

  • Do Your Homework: Before making an offer, consult local real estate experts who can provide nuanced insights into the sub-regional trends. The market can vary significantly between areas like Honey Harbour, Port Severn, and other parts of Southeast Georgian Bay.
  • Secure Financing Early: With the expectation of lower mortgage rates, now is the time to lock in favorable terms. Ensure that your financing is pre-approved to give you an edge in a competitive market.
  • Think Long-Term: Even if you’re purchasing a vacation home primarily for leisure, consider its long-term investment potential. A property in a recovering market like Georgian Bay could be a valuable asset in your portfolio.

For Sellers

  • Timing Is Everything: If you’re considering selling, 2025 might be the opportune moment to capitalize on the market rebound. However, be mindful of regional differences and price your property competitively.
  • Enhance Your Property’s Appeal: Small upgrades and staging can significantly impact buyer perceptions. After all, a well-presented cottage is like a well-tailored suit—immediately appealing and hard to resist.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local market reports and economic updates. Tools like the Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Market Update and insights from TD Bank’s Housing Market Forecast can help you time your sale perfectly.

For Investors

  • Diversify Your Portfolio: Consider Georgian Bay properties as part of a broader investment strategy. The blend of vacation appeal and long-term value makes these properties a compelling addition to any diversified portfolio.
  • Plan for the Long Haul: Real estate investments typically yield the best returns over time. While short-term fluctuations are inevitable, the long-term trajectory for Georgian Bay looks promising.
  • Keep an Eye on Trends: From technological upgrades to sustainability initiatives, staying ahead of market trends can help you identify properties with the greatest potential for appreciation.

10. A Few Light-Hearted Observations

In the midst of all these forecasts, numbers, and market analyses, it’s important to remember that real estate is as much about lifestyle as it is about investments. Imagine hosting a summer barbecue on your new waterfront property, where the only thing rising faster than the temperature is the property value. Or consider the irony of a near-retiree saying, “I finally traded in my office for an office with a view—of the lake!” Such moments remind us that while the market is driven by serious economic forces, the ultimate goal is to enhance our quality of life.

Humor aside, the Georgian Bay housing market represents an opportunity to blend financial prudence with the joy of owning a piece of nature’s paradise. In a world where markets can be as unpredictable as the weather, it’s reassuring to see a forecast that promises both stability and growth.

11. Conclusion: Navigating the 2025 Georgian Bay Market

The 2025 outlook for vacation and retirement properties in Georgian Bay is one of cautious optimism. After a steep price drop in 2024 that rattled the market, experts now project a recovery—driven by strong demand from Gen X buyers, near-retirees, and families seeking a better quality of life. With an anticipated average price of around $988,594, the market is set to experience a healthy 9% increase from last year’s figures.

This rebound is supported by several key factors:

  • Limited Inventory: Fewer properties on the market mean that each available home is a prized commodity.
  • Favorable Economic Conditions: Lower mortgage rates and a stable provincial market are creating the perfect storm for growth.
  • Diverse Buyer Demographics: From the savvy Gen Xers to the cautious near-retirees, a broad spectrum of buyers is driving demand.
  • Regional Nuances: Despite variations across sub-regions, the overall trend points to stabilization and recovery.

For anyone considering entering the market—whether as a buyer, seller, or investor—the message is clear: Georgian Bay is not just a destination; it’s a dynamic market that promises both lifestyle enhancements and solid long-term returns.

In closing, while the numbers and forecasts provide a robust framework for understanding what lies ahead, the true value of Georgian Bay properties extends beyond dollars and cents. It’s about the promise of a quieter life, the allure of pristine natural surroundings, and yes, even a few laughs along the way as you navigate a market that, much like the bay itself, can be both serene and surprising.

So, whether you’re planning to spend your weekends kayaking on the clear waters or dreaming of a retirement where your biggest worry is whether to host a barbecue or a bonfire, the 2025 Georgian Bay housing market beckons with opportunity and charm. And as the market continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: in Georgian Bay, every home has a story—and maybe even a quirky anecdote or two about how the property values can rise as swiftly as the tides.

Final Thoughts

The tale of the Georgian Bay housing market is one of resilience, adaptation, and eventual prosperity. The dramatic correction of 2024, marked by a 28.7% price drop, might have initially left many feeling adrift, but the market’s inherent strength, combined with favorable economic conditions and shifting buyer demographics, sets the stage for a robust 2025 recovery.

For those keeping an eye on trends, the forecast is more than just numbers on a page—it’s a narrative of hope and renewal in a region known for its natural beauty. As demand surges, inventory tightens, and the economic outlook brightens, Georgian Bay emerges as a beacon for both lifestyle enthusiasts and shrewd investors alike.

In summary:

  • Historical Trends: The market’s dramatic dip in 2024 provided the necessary reset, creating a buyer-friendly environment that is now poised for recovery.
  • Price Predictions: With a projected 9% increase, the average price in 2025 is set to reach around $988,594, a reflection of renewed confidence and strong demand.
  • Buyer Demographics: The influx of Gen Xers, near-retirees, and young families underscores the market’s diverse appeal, ensuring a steady demand.
  • Economic Factors: Lower mortgage rates, combined with a stable provincial market and proactive lending policies, create a fertile environment for growth.
  • Regional Nuances: Despite varying trends across different areas of Georgian Bay, the overall outlook remains positive—each sub-region contributes its own flavor to the market’s rich tapestry.

As you consider your next steps in this evolving market, remember that Georgian Bay is more than just a collection of properties—it’s a lifestyle destination where every home offers not only a retreat but also a wise investment in your future. And if nothing else, you can always enjoy the humorous side of it: even in the most serious of markets, there’s always room for a little lighthearted banter about rising prices and the unpredictable nature of real estate.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer eager to explore the cottage lifestyle or a seasoned investor ready to ride the wave of market recovery, the future of Georgian Bay looks both promising and, dare we say, a bit amusing in its own endearing way. So here’s to 2025—a year where the sun shines on the bay, property values rebound, and every new listing comes with a side of humor and a view that’s simply priceless.

Key Citations:

  • RE/MAX 2024 Cottage Trends Report detailed analysis of cottage market trends
  • TD Bank’s Housing Market Forecast economic projections for 2025
  • Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Market Update – October 2024 local market insights
  • What Ontario’s Cottage Market Could Look Like In 2025 cottage market predictions
  • Ontario Housing Market: Jan. 21st, 2025 Update | Interactive Map provincial housing trends
  • National Real Estate Market Update for 2025 – Southern Georgian Bay Living regional market outlook

With careful planning, informed decision-making, and a dash of humor to keep spirits high, the Georgian Bay housing market in 2025 is set to be a rewarding venture for anyone looking to invest in a slice of paradise. As the market continues to evolve, potential buyers and sellers would do well to stay informed, remain flexible, and above all, enjoy the journey—a journey that promises breathtaking views, engaging community stories, and yes, the occasional laugh at the quirks of a market that truly mirrors the beauty and unpredictability of Georgian Bay itself.

Happy house hunting, and here’s to a prosperous 2025 in Georgian Bay!

reduce my home insurance costs

Cost to Build a House in Ontario 2025: Understanding the Average Custom Home Costs

reduce my home insurance costs

Building a custom home is an exciting journey, but let’s not sugarcoat it—it’s also a financial commitment that requires some serious number crunching. In Ontario, the costs of custom home building can swing wildly depending on where you are, what you’re building, and how extravagant you want to go. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down into digestible, wallet-conscious nuggets.

General Cost Range: A Starting Point

The average cost of building a custom home in Ontario sits somewhere between $320 and $550 per square foot. That’s quite the range, isn’t it? Think of it like choosing between driving a trusty sedan and cruising in a fully loaded luxury SUV—both will get you places, but one comes with heated seats and a killer sound system.

This cost variation boils down to a mix of factors: location, size, design complexity, and materials. If you’re aiming for a no-frills home in a rural area, you’ll land on the lower end. Opting for a high-end, intricately designed home in Toronto? Well, buckle up for the upper range.

Urban vs. Rural Costs: The Real Estate Tug-of-War

In Ontario, where you build plays a big role in determining costs. Urban areas—especially Southern Ontario’s hot zones like Toronto and Ottawa—tend to be pricier due to higher land values and labor costs. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Urban areas: $340 to $410 per square foot
  • Toronto area: $400 to $550 per square foot for high-end custom homes

In contrast, rural areas offer a more budget-friendly vibe. But let’s not forget: rural builds might come with added costs for things like septic systems or longer utility runs.

Cost by Home Size: Let’s Do Some Math

To put those numbers into perspective, here’s what you might expect to pay for various home sizes in the Toronto area:

  • 2,000 sq. ft. home: $800,000 to $1,000,000
  • 3,300 sq. ft. home: $1,320,000 to $1,815,000
  • 6,600 sq. ft. home: $2,640,000 to $3,630,000
  • 10,000 sq. ft. home: $4,000,000 to $5,500,000

Feel free to gasp—it’s a lot to take in. But remember, these numbers represent high-end, custom builds in a premium location. If you’re building outside of Toronto or scaling back on luxury finishes, you’ll likely spend less.

Soft Costs: The Silent Budget Eaters

Now that we’ve tackled the construction costs, let’s talk about the sneaky expenses that often fly under the radar: soft costs. These include architectural drawings, permits, and legal fees, which can add another $20 to $50 per square foot.

Here’s a quick rundown of common soft costs:

  • Architectural fees: 5-15% of total construction costs
  • Permits: $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the municipality
  • Legal fees: $2,000 to $5,000
  • Site surveys and engineering: $3,000 to $10,000

What Affects Your Home’s Price Tag?

Every custom home is as unique as a snowflake (or a fingerprint, if you’re not into winter metaphors). The final cost of your build depends on several factors:

  1. Architectural Uniqueness: Want a home shaped like a giant maple leaf? Expect to pay extra for complex designs.
  2. Ceiling Heights: Higher ceilings add grandeur but also increase material and labor costs.
  3. Quality of Materials: From builder-grade to luxury finishes, your choices here can swing your budget dramatically.
  4. Lot Size and Location: Larger, sloped, or remote lots often come with added preparation costs.
  5. Basement Excavation: Digging deeper costs more—simple as that.

How to Keep Costs Under Control

Here are a few tips to help you stick to your budget (or at least not blow it entirely):

  1. Prioritize Your Must-Haves: Splurge on the kitchen of your dreams, but maybe skip the gold-plated faucets.
  2. Plan for Contingencies: Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected costs. Spoiler: there will be unexpected costs.
  3. Work with Experienced Builders: A seasoned builder can help you avoid costly mistakes. (Hint: this is where we shine!)
  4. Choose Your Lot Wisely: A tricky lot can inflate costs before you’ve even poured the foundation.
  5. Consider Energy Efficiency: Features like ICF walls, radiant floor heating, and solar panels might cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run.

The Value of Customization

While building a custom home might seem more expensive than buying an existing property, you’re getting exactly what you want. From layout to finishes, every decision reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. Plus, custom homes often boast better energy efficiency and higher resale values.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

If you’re dreaming of a home tailored to your every whim, the costs in Ontario might feel steep, but they’re an investment in a space that’s truly yours. Remember, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to work with professionals who can guide you through the process and provide tailored advice.

And if you’re ready to turn that dream into reality, you know where to find us. We’ve got the expertise, the tools, and a few dad jokes to keep things light along the way. Let’s build something amazing together!

Cedar Ridge – Now You’re Home

Sad but true: Climate change is altering our air quality, and water shortages are becoming an increasingly prevalent problem with negative repercussions on human health and animal habitats.

Cedar Ridge is one unique place that nature has spared

Imagine yourself where sunrise powders the sky in a wash of watercolor, and little waves gently melt the sand and flow along the shoreline. Where skiffs sail by on the tide, leaving bobbing seabirds in their wake.

What would it be like to retreat in your personal oasis? Or to go fishing at your leisure or boating whenever the mood strikes you? Or to take a leisure walk through miles of trails and country roads? Or just relax by the beach with a good book on your lap. Or maybe go for a set or two of tennis with your best friend.

The quiet calm of your lakeside hideaway will refresh your senses, and the aroma of golden fields will escort you home. When you live here, every day is a wonder.

Let Us Tell You About a Place Unlike Any Other

Nestled off scenic beaches of Georgian Bay is a premier executive community of Cedar Ridge. Uniquely located in the peak of the area’s most sought-after location, its incredible features make it a place unlike anywhere else.

Just outside of historical Lafontaine, the ‘potatoes capital’ of Southern Ontario – “Cedar Ridge Estates” on Georgian Bay, is the perfect place to relocate, retire, vacation, live, work, and play.

A short drive along Highway 400 North from Toronto (1.5 hours) makes Cedar Ridge Estates very convenient as well as affordable. The breathtaking landscape and rich culture that is in Tiny Township has made it one of Ontario’s most desired retirement areas.

Sandy beaches, winding roads, cleared fields, and stunning sunsets along the Georgian Bay make for a laid back, a serene lifestyle, that you can enjoy for years to come.

It offers a variety of beautiful homesites ranging from 1.5 acres each across a full 300 acres of rolling hills, pasturelands, breathtaking vistas, and beautiful custom homes; all surrounded by the beautiful clear waters of Georgian Bay.

Country living in Ontario has never looked quite this good.

Ownership in your very own Cedar Ridge real estate property will give you your own personal place in this paradise that is sure to appreciate steadily over time.

Although this development is already over 55% sold out, there are 14 immediately available lots with private waterfront access and two very private lots with 150 feet of lake frontage.

It offers a variety of beautiful homesites ranging from 1.5 -2.5 acres each, across a full 300 acres of rolling hills, pasturelands, breathtaking vistas, and beautiful custom homes; all surrounded by the beautiful clear waters of Lake Huron.

Built-in amenities are among the finest around and include an on-site; miles of nature-filled bridle paths; scenic walking trails surrounding the lake and, of course, plenty of swimming and kayaking!

Choice of views; elevated vistas, waters edge or wooded lots:

Choose from our beautiful and expansive selection of lakefront, vista, and wooded private lots! Many acreages and sizes available, ALL with a limited-opportunity discount pricing of 10% OFF till March the 1st, 2017!

This incredible opportunity to build your dream home at Georgian Bay’s most outstanding address only comes once in a lifetime.

Custom-build your new home from our spectacular array of grand house plans, offered by a selection of nationally-acclaimed architects, or bring us your custom plans. For most popular ICF plans click here!   This collection of stunning single-family homes, offers exceptional affordability and the ability to personalize, with outstanding comfort, built with modern materials.

Floor Plan of the Month
Floor Plan of the Month

Reap the reward of success with this extraordinary home that provides a combination of luxury and practicality creating a showcase for elegant living and brilliant craftsmanship.

cedar-ridge-siteplan
Cedar Ridge Site Plan – click to enlarge!

Don’t miss this rare opportunity!

The area has a rich history. By 1639, French Jesuits founded Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Ontario’s first European community, on the Wye River. In the early 1840’s, families from Quebec, attracted by promises of cheap and fertile land, came to the area of Tiny Township and settled on the present site of Lafontaine, just minutes from Cedar Ridge.

Arts, culture, sports and active lifestyle.

The area has thriving art and culture with places such as the King’s Wharf  Theatre, the Midland Cultural Centre and local art galleries.  You will find plenty to do in the summer with the local farmer’s markets, many festivals such as the annual Festival du Loup, Pow Wow, Canada Day celebrations only to name a few.  In the winter, you will keep busy with the many winter festivals in the area and all the outdoor activities nature has to offer.  A very special place for family and friends to enjoy.

Perfect for nature lovers with a diverse selection of plants, animals, birds and aquatic life – the water of the bay is crystal clear. Located at the convergence of the southern and northern ranges of numerous bird species making it ideal for birdwatchers.

Adjacent to Cedar Ridge you can connect with the main snowmobile trail and will find many cross country ski trails.  The nearby Tiny Township Trail system is 22 kilometers long with 13 bridges that crisscross meandering rivers, streams and intersecting concession roads.

[message type=”info”]

Pricing Example:

“The Rawenswood II” – 2100 square feet

Georgian Bay For Sale
Model Shown Already Built

-Energy Efficient Package-

  • 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms if lower level finished)
  • Walkout model available – total square feet 4200
  • 30% more energy efficient than comparable homes in the neighbourhood
  • Fully built with Insulated Concrete Forms (Nudura).
  • No mainetance exteriors, stone & manufactured wood siding.
  • Vaulted and coffered 9′-12′ ceilings throughout.
  • Flooring: natural stone and engineered hardwood.
  • Floor to ceiling stone fireplace,
  • Custom kitchen, full wood cabinets
  • Granite countertops – kitchen and bathrooms
  • Radiant floor heating throughout,
  • On demand water heater, 98% efficiency rate,
  • Heat Recovery Ventilator,
  • High-efficiency air conditioning,
  • 200 amp service
  • On approx. 2 acre very private wooded lot.

$799,000.00 including HST

[/message]

At ICFhome.ca, we build more than homes. We build communities. For more than 30 years, we’ve been building communities in picturesque settings where luxury meets convenience, and where neighbours become lifelong friends.

energy-efficient-upgrades

Each ICFhome.ca’s home offers a combination of quality materials and superior design, where every detail is meticulously crafted, and every enhancement you select is seamlessly added to create a customized home that is uniquely yours.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed before, during, and after the building of your new home!

For More Info: 1 866-868-6606

More Cedar Ridge Pics:

Georgian Bay Cottages For Sale

Georgian Bay Cottages For Sale – Enter Paradise!

Georgian Bay Cottages For Sale

While searching for Georgian Bay cottages for sale, you may be attracted to the idyllic setting and the casual remoteness of Tiny Township. It is located directly north of Barrie, along the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario’s cottage country.

The area’s villages, municipalities and lake communities offer a quieter lifestyle to what is ordinarily seen in other parts of cottage country. The Township is only minutes by road to the town of Penetanguishene, providing the quaintness of a small Southern Ontario lake community.

Town of Midland is also just a short drive away and can be related to an urban centre extending many necessary amenities such as stores, hospitals and golf courses.

Beautiful Georgian Bay Cottages For Sale

When you begin your search for Georgian Bay cottages for sale, breathtaking views and scenery of this area won’t be the only thing grabbing your attention. You will be welcomed with the firm sense of community, peacefulness and solitude.

Welcome to ICFhome.ca. We are the leading custom home and cottage builder in Georgian Bay Area.

We have a wide selection of spec homes, lots and plans, which are capable of meeting the needs of you and your family. If you are interested in checking out our cottages for sale, we are ready to help you make the right decision.

We give you an ultimate package of comprehensive home building services, to successfully build your home or cottage.

You’ll be pleasingly surprised at the features that come included in all of our homes: stone and wood siding fronts, cathedral and nine-foot ceilings, granite countertops, tile backsplash in the kitchen, hardwood floors, premium kitchens and bathrooms.

You also benefit from our “Energy Efficient Package”, that includes radiant floor heat and 98% efficient on-demand water heater extra insulation etc..

We take exceptional pride in constructing energy efficient homes and reducing the carbon imprint we make on our climate. Conditional on the options chosen, our homes use 30% to 70% less energy than houses built to the current Ontario Building Code.

Your Choices:

From luxury waterfront homes and executive cottages in a Southern Ontario’s cottage country, Tiny Township is a destination renowned for its many beautiful beaches, abundant sports and recreational opportunities, charming little towns, and beautiful wilderness vistas.

Georgian Bay Cottages For Sale
Georgian Bay Cottages For Sale

Our inventory of Georgian Bay cottages for sale includes the following:

Tiny Beaches Enclave, by ICFhome.ca offers a country setting to call home within the rural hamlet of Lafontaine, Ontario. There are six custom estate homes available, all of which are nestled a stone throw to a beautiful beach. More…

Estate Properties For Sale: “Woods By The Water” – Looking to reconnect with nature, get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, or bust out the paint brushes?  Let us share with you, our vision of “Woods By The Water”, the place that is is quickly becoming Georgian Bay’s most prestigious address. More…

Looking For a Reasonably Priced Lot To Build On?  Georgian Bay area features a number of selected lots for any style of home. Compared to the big city, you can save a bundle. For availability and prices click here…

For our most popular models and pricing to build, please click here…

Floor Plan of the Month

5 Reasons You Need to Buy a New Home at Tiny Beaches Enclave

Woodlands-1971
Woodlands

Tiny Beaches Enclave by ICFhome.ca offers a country setting to call home within the rural hamlet of Lafontaine, Ontario. There are six custom estate homes available (one is already sold), all of which are nestled next to beautiful beaches of Georgian Bay.

For those who are already familiar with ICFhome.ca’s impeccable reputation for building high-quality custom homes, this would be enough info to get you in the door of a show home. For those who have not had the pleasure of living within ICFhome.ca community, we have five pretty convincing reasons why you should change that.

1. Ideal Lake Location

Tiny Beaches Enclave offers a small town feel without completely secluding you from the amenities you need and desire. All the shops, dining, schools and cultural venues like theatres and museums of Midland and Barrie are a short drive away. Also, Toronto is only 90 minutes away, and Pearson International Airport is within 100 minutes.

The beach is right across the street from your home; traffic is next to non-existent and taxes are at one of the lowest rates in Ontario.

2. All Homes Are Energy Efficient

We incorporated many “green features” into every one of our new homes, from souped-up insulation to 98% efficient “on demand water heater”.

You will be surprised how affordable your energy bills are! You will never worry about the heating bill because it is so affordable. And best of all, you will never be cold! Heated floors will see to that.

3. Less Work, More Play

Though the price new construction may be more expensive than a resale home on the front end, a new home may need fewer repairs and replacements since everything is brand new. Plus, new homes come with many different warranties.

At the same time, our new homes are engineered specifically to minimize maintenance requirements. For example, we use stone, aluminum or composite products for a home’s exterior instead of wood, which could rot or need repainting.

So, forget repair and maintenance. You will not need to do any of those for years to come. Go out and play!

4. Better More Open Design

People’s needs are changing rapidly. If your builder is building the same home, he was five years ago; it’s time for a change.

Some of the new home trends that are gaining popularity are drop zones off the garage entry, cell phone charging stations, large floating kitchen islands open to the “Grand Room”, spacious master showers, and flex space – a place for a media room or family entertainment room.

There’s less emphasis on formal rooms, and more emphasis on quality.

5. An Abundance Of Activities

Georgian Bay and the surrounding trails offer opportunities for all sorts of activities, including canoeing, swimming, picnicking, and fishing for trout. The trails and woods are also ideal for four-season recreational activities, such as bird-watching, hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

Whatever you dream up for your new custom home, ICFhome.ca’s professional Design Team can make it a reality. Our design experts will work with you every step of the way, assisting in the selection of every feature and finish so that your home best reflects your unique personality. From the exterior to the interior, your home represents your family’s nature, and ICFhome.ca can help make it shine.

After those five reasons, you must be itching to learn more about how you can call Tiny Beaches Enclave home. To visit us or to book your private appointment call 1-866 868-6606

Prices start in the $350,000s. 

Sorry, all the homes at Tiny Beaches Enclave are sold!

13 Winning “Beaver Homes And Cottages” Designs With Virtual Tour

Waterfront Land For Sale – Northern Ontario

Waterfront Land For Sale - Northern Ontario
Land For Sale

Georgian Bay – Where the Good Life Is The Way Of Life.

At ICFhome.ca, we know that few decisions are as important as choosing a place to live. So let us share with you, our vision of “Woods by the Water”, the place that is is quickly becoming Georgian Bay’s most prestigious address.

Nestled amid a canopy of pines, oaks and maples, blended with a spectacular scenery of emerald green farmer fields, is a place where dreams of the good life become reality.

ICFhome.ca invites you to be part of the “Woods by the Water” exclusive community, a collection of beautifully forested 1.5 acre lots to build your four-season retreat. Lots include your own direct access to our private sandy Beach Club on the sheltered shores of Georgian Bay, opposite Christian Island.

Less than an hour’s drive from the City of Barrie lies this gorgeous expanse of crystal clear waters ideal for boating, sailing and swimming, a distinct alternative vacation destination to Lake Simcoe, Muskoka, Horseshoe Valley and Collingwood. Come and live in synch with nature and the outdoors in a spectacularly peaceful environment today.

In accord with untouched nature’s enhancement, which offers the lifetime experience of living the traditional way with all the elegant luxuries you want, capture the beauty of unchanged environs and enjoy the complete piece of mind far from the maddening crowd of the city.

Break free from the polluted and hectic city life and indulge in the luxury of your country estate.

Each property is laid out in perfect harmony with nature, promising beauty and privacy. A game of soccer with your family, tree climbing with the children, endless hours amongst mother nature. Let us take you down the memory lane.

In each person’s mind, there is a vision of perfect four-season living

At the heart of “Woods by the Water” is a natural, unspoiled environment that will fulfill the expectations of anyone for their ultimate dream residence. Here, you will find a sheltered, peaceful landscape overlooking a secluded channel on the southern tip of Georgian Bay, rich in amenities and spectacular panoramas. For a privileged few, “Woods by the Water” will be the opportunity of a lifetime.

This unique development of 500 acres on 7,500 feet waterfront of beautiful crystal clear waterfront on the Georgian Bay shoreline.

Choice of views: raised vistas, waters edge or wooded lots:

  • 10 Minutes from Lafontaine
  • 20 minutes from Midland
  • 50 Minutes from Collingwood and Barrie
  • 100 Minutes from Toronto (weekend traffic is far less than other destinations such as Muskoka) It’s a much easier drive on a busy weekend compared to most recreational destinations – the last half of the drive (from Barrie to Cedar Point) is widely through picturesque, quiet rolling farm country. Click here for more info on Georgian Bay.

The area has a rich history – By 1639, French Jesuits founded Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Ontario’s first European community, on the Wye River – In the early 1840’s, families from Quebec, attracted by promises of cheap and fertile land, came to the area of Tiny Township and settled on the present site of Lafontaine, just minutes from Cedar Ridge.

Arts, culture, sports and active lifestyle.

The area has thriving art and culture with places such as the King’s Wharf Theatre, the Midland Cultural Centre and local art galleries.  You will find plenty to do in the summer with the local farmer’s markets, many festivals such as the annual Festival du Loup, Pow Wow, Canada Day celebrations only to name a few.  In the winter, you will keep busy with the many winter festivals in the area and all the outdoor activities nature has to offer.  A very special place for family and friends to enjoy.

Perfect for nature lovers with a diverse selection of plants, animals, birds and aquatic life – the water of the bay is crystal clear. Located at the convergence of the southern and northern ranges of numerous bird species making it ideal for birdwatchers.

Adjacent to Cedar Ridge you can connect with the main snowmobile trail and will find many cross country ski trails.  The nearby Tiny Township Trail system is 22 kilometers long with 13 bridges that crisscross meandering rivers, streams and intersecting concession roads that you can take full advantage all year long hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and more.

1832 Square Feet Bungalow: $799,900

Georgian Bay For Sale

Award winning energy efficient model:

Outside finishes are stone and wood siding.

Inside you will find three bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms with soaring vaulted and coffered ceilings. Flooring is made of natural stone and hardwood.

Virtual Tour:

Let’s not forget a large family room with well-centered fireplace, a master suite with walk-in closet and private bathroom and the utility room including complete laundry facilities and space for a sink.

Stone fireplace, custom kitchen, radiant floor heating, on demand water heater, HRV, high-efficiency air conditioning, 200 amp service.

 

At ICFhome.ca, we build more than homes. We build communities. For more than 30 years, we’ve been building communities in picturesque settings where luxury meets convenience, and where neighbours become lifelong friends.

Each ICFhome.ca’s home offers a combination of quality materials and superior design, where every detail is meticulously crafted, and every enhancement you select is seamlessly added to create a customized home that is uniquely yours.

For Sale Georgian Bay

energy-efficient-upgrades

 

Georgian Bay

11 Reasons You’ll Never Regret Buying Tiny Township Real Estate

Georgian Bay
Beautiful View From Lafontaine Beach in Tiny Township

Looking to relocate to a peaceful, scenic area away from city living?

If this sounds appealing, consider Tiny Township as your new location.

Tiny Township is located on the peninsula that separates Severn Sound and Nottawasaga Bay at the south end of Georgian Bay. It extends southward into the Wye River watershed.

The township is home to Awenda Provincial Park on Georgian Bay at the north end, and the Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area, the source of the Wye River, in the south.

With over 70 kilometres of stunning coastline, Tiny Township provides residents with beautiful views and a multitude of activities to enjoy. 

Consider these eleven reasons if you are thinking about relocating to Tiny Township.

1. Tiny Township real estate is affordable to buy

Affordable lots give home buyers an excellent reason to consider building a new home and moving to Tiny Township. Starting around $35,000, prime lots are more reasonably priced than anywhere else along the shores of Georgian Bay. Average lots are relatively large: 100″ x 160″ and covered with mature pines, maples and oaks. You are never more than 5 minutes drive from one of the beautiful beaches.

2. Crime Rate in Tiny Township is next to nothing

It offers excellent security. Neighbours watch out for each other. The community feel of country living goes beyond saying. It is secured and provides a wonderful way to take care of one another while still maintaining that sense of privacy that everyone wants.

The cost of policing is only $125.00 per household per year. This is one of the lowest rates in Ontario.  

A community surrounds your family, so you know that they will be safe when they are outside playing. Everyone watches out for one another and make the whole neighbourhood safe. The only difference is that everyone has their home and the sense of privacy that they desire.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

3. Water sports make summer all the more exciting

It is no surprise that Tiny Township residents spend their summers enjoying the vast variety of water sports. At Balm Beach wake-boarding, water-skiing, tubing, kayaking, and boating are just a few of the activities popular with locals and tourists alike. Nearby shops provide rentals for visitors or residents that do not own water equipment, such as boats and jet skis.

Even residents with less active lifestyles enjoy sunbathing on the shore or a quick dip in the water. Activities on the lake infuse endless enjoyment into residential life during the long summer months.

4. Your backyard is a sanctuary for abundant wildlife

The wetlands of Tiny Marsh are home to dozens of bird species. A glance along the coast might yield a sighting of a majestic Great Blue Heron.

Around 250 species of birds have been observed in the marsh, including the provincially threatened Least Bitterns and Black Terns. Ospreys nest at the marsh, as well as 11 species of duck. The shallow waters attract other waterfowl during most of the year.

Foxes, deer, racoons, squirrels, chipmunks and porcupines are almost a daily occurrence.

Occasionally, hawks make their home in the nearby woods along the farmer’s fields. Even nature enthusiasts that know little about the sport of bird watching will enjoy spotting these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

5. Your home becomes the place where everyone wants to gather

With beautiful landscapes and quiet living, Tiny Township makes the perfect location for family events. Visits from family and friends become much more frequent when you have a home in a prime location near the lake.

When holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving roll around, don’t be surprised when friends and relatives beg you to host.

6. Delicious local dining options abound

Whether a casual night out or a big date night is on the horizon, nearby towns of Midland and Penetanguishene have restaurants of every caliber within a short drive. A favorite spot for locals, The Piccolo restaurant, offers casual dining during the day and formal dinners in the evening.

7. The Bay is an excellent fishing hole

Georgian Bay fishing consists of cold water species such as the rainbow trout, chinook, and coho salmon, as well as cool water species like yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and walleye.

These cold water species are found approximately six to ten miles offshore during the summer months. Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and sunfish are taken from late spring to early fall along the entire bay shoreline.

Avid anglers flock to the waters edge year-round. Some of the best ice fishing is in the whole of Georgian Bay area is off the shores of the beaches of Tiny Township.

If you take a more relaxed approach to your fishing expeditions, you’ll discover open and calm waters with plenty of room for casting and reeling.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

8. Your porch overlooks a stunning lake view

Worn out after so many activities? Kick back and end the days enjoying perfect sunsets that can only be found in charming places like Tiny Township. The serene waters provide a calm backdrop for residents, making it an ideal location for homebuilders looking for a laidback lifestyle.

The beautiful landscape and clean, fresh water of Georgian Bay give new residents the benefits of lakefront view without crowded shores and overpriced real estate. Whether you are drawn to water sports, weekend camping trips or just desire a slower pace for your life, relocating to Tiny guarantees the luxury lifestyle that will fit your needs.

9. It is an excellent place to raise the family.

A community surrounds your family, so you know that they will be safe when they are outside playing. Everyone can watch out for one another and make the whole environment like extended roommates.

You have everything that you want, without any of the things that you don’t. Someone is always there for you if you need it, but stays to away when you don’t.

10. Low taxes

Construction and other costs for a new home are about the same everywhere in Simcoe County. But Midland charges $2,983 in tax just for local services on a $300,000 home while Tiny charges $825 and Wasaga Beach charges $1,446. This is clearly why new home builders and buyers choose places like Tiny instead of other places.

That all brakes down to approximately $2,500.00 a year in taxes for an average new house.

11. Clean Air

Families that live in the country have the benefit overcrowded cities and industrial areas of having fresh air. Sitting outside at night and being able to view the stars and moon in all their glory is clear evidence of the air quality in the country.

Smog and air pollution are far and few between in the country. Bright blue clouds and sun can be seen clearly, and pollutants from crowded highways, exhaust fumes and manufacturing companies are nowhere in sight. For most rural families, the worst air they might encounter is a trip back into the pig pen or chicken coop.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

Certainly there are other benefits to living a rural life such as taking the view of the sun on fire as it sets over the pasture or a quiet Sunday drive to visit friends and family or even the feeling of community to belonging to a small rural town. Families that have traded in their city digs for a piece of the country look forward to growing their kids high as the corn fields in August and giving them a taste of heaven on earth.

Furthermore, life in the country is slower, so people there have time for each other. As a result, they tend to be friendlier and more open. If you need help, people always have time to help you.

Lot For Sale

Buying Property in Ontario

Lot For Sale
Buying Property in Ontario

Many people in Ontario will buy a home or a piece of land at some point in their life.

This is one of the biggest decisions anyone makes. It entails spending a lot of money and for decades making payments on a mortgage. Therefore, before you make any decisions, it is important to learn as much as possible about the task of buying property.

Why do we need real estate agents?

Most people who sell property use a real estate agent to do so. Real estate agents in Ontario are governed by The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). RECO administers the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, which regulates real estate brokerages, brokers and salespersons in Ontario.

Agents must be licensed in order to sell a property. Licensing ensures that they follow certain standards of ethical practice, or they risk losing their license. It is crucial to grasp that the real estate agent is hired and acts for the seller, not the buyer.

In Ontario, agents can rent, buy or sell a property for clients.

They also study property listings, advertise the property, interview prospective clients, book viewings, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, follow the instructions of the Seller in any negotiations and draw up real estate contracts.

The Seller also called the Vendor, signs a  “Listing Agreement” with the real estate agent for a period of time – usually three to six months. In this agreement, the seller agrees to pay the agent a commission when the property sells – usually 5 or 6 percent of the selling price of the property, but this is negotiable.

If the property has not sold after the term of the contract is over, the seller can re-list with the same agency, list with another company, or try to sell it on his own.

Some sellers decide to sell privately in order to avoid real estate fees

They may place a sign on the property, list it in newspapers, or advertise it on the internet. If you are looking to buy, it is a good idea to check out private sales as well.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

What happens first?

Before you begin a search for a suitable home or piece of land, you should look at your financial situation to decide what you can afford. Often this can be done together with a mortgage company or bank. The bank will tell you about their lending range and conditions you must meet to qualify for a mortgage. The bank may give pre-approval for a mortgage up to a certain value even before you have found a place to buy.

Once you know your price range, you can find the place you want to buy. If your plan is to buy land and build on it, it is important to check the provincial laws and all municipal and community by-laws for that location. There may be restrictions on land use, or on a type of development, or access to the highway. Most subdivisions have restrictive covenants that govern construction specifications and land use.

The developer may be trying to ensure that all homes in a community are of a similar size or built to a certain standard. It is the Buyer’s responsibility to make sure that your construction plans are possible before you make an offer to buy.

One way to do this is to include, as part of the “Agreement of Purchase and Sale”, conditions that must be met before the purchase goes ahead – for example, you could include that “this offer is conditional upon the purchaser obtaining a building permit for a 2000 sq.ft. home.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

I’ve found a property I want to buy. What Now?

Once you find a property, you make an “Offer to Purchase,” listing the proposed purchase price and any conditions you want to be included. The conditions could be things like being able to get a mortgage, being able to sell your present home, or having the seller agree to get particular work done to the property before the deal closes.

It is recommended that you hire a qualified home inspector and have a satisfactory inspection included as a condition for completing the sale. It is important to be very clear about what the conditions are and to have them in writing.

The seller will either accept the offer and sign it or refuse the offer and make a counteroffer.

Some negotiation usually takes place before a final agreement is reached. Generally, the offers and counter-offers include time limits to respond.

If you need more time to meet conditions, it is important to get a written extension through lawyers or real estate agents. Time limits are taken very seriously in real estate transactions.

Why Do I need a lawyer?

Both Buyer and Seller need the services of separate lawyers to complete a sale. The lawyers’ job is to protect their clients and to ensure that their client, either the Buyer or the Seller, is treated fairly. Using lawyers from the same law firm raises concerns about a conflict of interest.

The Law Society requires that, if lawyers from the same firm act for both sides of a property transaction, they must advise their clients of this and have a conflict of interest form signed. If an actual conflict arises that cannot be resolved, then both lawyers must withdraw from the transaction and new lawyers must be hired.

He or she will check to make sure that liens, like property taxes and sewer and water charges, are paid to the date of closing. Adjustments will be made to the amount you must pay to cover expenses like legal fees and registration costs, or unused heating fuel left with a house. Your lawyer will get declarations that the furnace, hot water heating systems, and propane tanks are owned and not leased.

 Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

Do I need a title search?

It is in your best interest to have the title to the property searched. A standard clause in “Agreements of Purchase and Sale” gives time limits for your lawyer to perform the title search. In a title search, the ownership of the land is traced back at least forty years, and a chain of ownership is completed to be sure that the seller owns the land he or she is trying to sell, and that no one else has a claim to that land.

A claim could come about, for example, if there were judgments against the owner for unpaid bills or if the description of the land is inconsistent with other deeds for the land around it. If there is no clear title to the property, it is the responsibility of the Seller to correct this within a set period of time.

Most of the time a lawyer will recommend that you get “Title Insurance.” This can be used to cover expenses arising from any problems with the title.

What happens after I have reached a deal with the seller?

The signed accepted offer is referred to as the “Agreement of Purchase and Sale”. This is often on a real estate company’s standard form. It is a binding contract, so both sides should have it reviewed by a lawyer before signing it. If not done before signing, your lawyer should go over the form with you later to explain any conditional clauses, so you follow them to the letter. No contract for purchase and sale of land is binding unless it is in writing.

The Buyer often makes a deposit on the property to be held “in trust” by the real estate company or the seller’s lawyer until the closing date. If you break the deal, this deposit will be forfeited, and you may be responsible for other costs as well, such as legal fees or other costs incurred by the seller in preparing for the sale. Depending on the circumstances, the seller may have the right to force the completion of the sale through court action.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

How do I get a mortgage?

When you have a signed “Agreement of Purchase and Sale”, you will need to approach a mortgage company unless you are paying in cash. If you are approved for the mortgage, the mortgage instructions will be sent to your lawyer, and the lawyer will prepare the documents required for the mortgage and the closing of the sale.

If there are buildings on the property, the mortgage company will require fire insurance to be in place by the closing date. The fire insurance policy should have the loss payable first to the mortgage company. This is usually for the replacement value of the home.

The mortgage company or the insurance company will also require that the seller provides a clean water certificate and warranty that hazardous products like urea formaldehyde insulation are not used in any buildings on the property. It is a good idea to check the property, especially outbuildings, to be sure stockpiles of hazardous materials have not been left behind.

Do I need a survey done? Why?

If the purchase is financed with a mortgage, the mortgage company will usually require a survey plot plan. The mortgage company wants to be sure that any buildings are located within the property lines and that you are receiving what has been sold.

Usually, a deed describes the boundaries of the property in words and makes no reference to buildings on the land. Often the wording in deeds is very old and the only way to be sure that the deed reflects exactly what you were shown is to have a surveyor pin the boundaries of the property and draw a survey plan from which a more accurate description can be drawn.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

What happens if I find problems with the property?

Any defect known to the seller and not apparent to the purchaser on visual inspection must be disclosed before purchase. If you find yourself in a situation where full disclosure was not made, you should speak with a lawyer. If you have been deceived or misled by the seller or the real estate agency, you can sue to recover losses.

If you or a real estate agent has suffered losses because of deliberate misinformation, a lawsuit is also possible. Depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the situation, a criminal charge of fraud is also a possibility. Do not forget, however, that the old expression “Let the buyer beware” applies in real estate transactions.

What happens at closing?

On the closing date, each party meets with their lawyer to sign all documentation. You, the buyer, will be required to pay all fees connected to the transfer, such as deed registration costs, mortgage registration fees, title search fees, lawyer fees, “Title Insurance” premiums, and so on. Your lawyer then distributes the money to the appropriate places, gives or delivers a cheque for the balance of the selling price to the seller’s lawyer, and sends the new deed and mortgage to the “Registry of Deeds”. The sale is then complete.

Your lawyer will send a reporting letter to you after the closing confirming all the details of the transaction and either certifying title or providing the Title Insurance policy. When buying a property in Ontario, the Deed and the majority of closing costs are the responsibility of the buyer. The seller must pay out any existing mortgage, leases, and other encumbrances in order to provide a good and clear title.

Be sure to ask your lawyer to explain anything you do not understand in the paperwork or the process, at any step along the way. It is your right to have things explained to you so that you understand what you are agreeing to and signing. Any competent real estate lawyer will usually do this as part of the transaction fee.

163 Chartwell Road , Oakville

13 Most Expensive Luxury Homes in Ontario

The most expensive house in Canada isn’t in Vancouver. It isn’t even in Toronto. It’s on the outskirts of Calgary:

Most Expensive Home in Canada
Most Expensive Home in Canada

Property values are going up in the ultra-luxury market. Of the 20 Most Expensive Homes In The World owned by members of the Forbes Billionaires List, only six were priced at less than $100 million. Several either traded hands or boast an assessed value of more than twice that figure. The least expensive of these ultra-pricey homes traded hands for $88 million.

For the first time in a long time, the most expensive house in Canada isn’t in Vancouver. It isn’t even in Toronto. It’s on the outskirts of Calgary, a sure sign that the long-running oil boom has added the Alberta city to the list of Canadian markets with outrageous prices. A $37.8-million property once belonged to Ford family (the car, not the major).

Luxury Homes in Ontario:

The following is the list of 13 of Ontario’s most expensive properties, and the prices are as unique as the homes.

#13.) 163 Chartwell Road, Oakville

Price: $11,388,000.00

Approximately 14,700 sq. ft. of elegantly finished living space, on a full 1.15-acre lot on one of south-east Oakville’s most exclusive streets.

163 Chartwell Road , Oakville
163 Chartwell Road, Oakville

Entertainer’s delight, grand kitchen plus a summer kitchen & a servery; a handsome wine room accents the dining room; the great room boasts a soaring ceiling, 2-storey wood burning fireplace & wet bar.

163 Chartwell Road Back
Back Yard

5,121 sq. ft. in the lower level houses a soundproofed theatre, games & rec rooms, wet bar, gym, bedroom & walk-out. All of that on the 334′ deep lot with its infinity pool, hot tub, cabana with bar and a terrace with a fireplace & retractable screens.

Granite exterior, copper topped portico & lush landscaping add old world charm. Extensive use of black walnut on floors, staircase and main floor den. Custom millwork abounds.

163 Chartwell Road Interior
Entrance Hall

Built-in cabinetry throughout. Opulent master bedroom walks out to a balcony & offers a romantic fireplace, dressing room plus walk-in closet, vaulted ceiling plus a 5-piece spa inspired ensuite.

The second level boasts a den & a gallery hall with barrel roll ceiling. Seven fireplaces; 5 + 4 baths; built-in audio system; elevator; gated entry; detached office.

#12.) Bass Island, Muskoka

Price: $11,800,000.00

Elegantly Designed Architectural Masterpiece On Lake Muskoka Presenting 11,000 Square Feet Of Luxury Living.

Bass Island
Bass Island

Expert Craftsmanship and exquisite building materials sourced from around the globe offer the best quality available. Bi-folding Doors & Glass Walls Made With Pacific Reflective Blue Glass Show Off Panoramic Sunset Views.

Flooring Includes Tile Imported From Italy, Spain & Walnut From The USA.

Gourmet Kitchen With Glass Illuminated countertop is elegantly finished with top of the line Bosch and Electrolux appliances and handmade cabinetry.

Bass Island Kitchen
Bass Island Kitchen

Each room has individual Digital touch screen thermostat panels to regulate the temperature from anywhere in the world with just the touch of your smartphone or computer.

Bass Island Master
Bass Island Master

Bask in the luxury of the state of the art Finnish dry sauna or Turkish steam room.Some of the features of the 1200 sq ft spa include handmade heated marble benches, a six ft deep cold plunge pool and resistance swimming pool with Badu jets and heated stone flooring.

#11.) 61 The Bridle Path, Toronto

Price: $12,788,000.00

A world class luxury residence situated on most spectacular secluded 2 acres gated estate, located on prestigious Bridle Path. The home was owned by acclaimed international music celebrity.

61 Bridle Path front
61 Bridle Path

Approx. 14,280 Sq Ft of living space. This sensational bungalow offers a dramatic floor plan and a majestic ambience for entertaining.

61 The Bridle Path 3
Entrance Hall

Chef inspired Downsview kitchen! Oversized skylights.

61 THE BRIDLE PATH kitchen
Kitchen

Encompassed by lavish foliage, sprawling grounds tennis court, award winning pool, heated cabana with 3 Pc. Ensuite and kitchen. Serene tranquility abounds!

#10.)  2533 Ridge Road West, Oro-Medonte

Price: $13,000,000.00

Welcome to your private resort. Gated 17 1/2 acres of exquisite living,

2533 Ridge Rd. W., Oro-Medonte
2533 Ridge Road West, Oro-Medonte

4 treed acres for your complete privacy with 730 Ft of pristine water frontage on Kempenfelt Bay.

Just 10 minutes from downtown Barrie and one hour from Toronto.

2533 Ridge Rd. W., Oro-Medonte2
The View From the Back Door of the House

This property consists of a 6100 Sq.Ft of living space.

2533 Ridge Rd. W., Oro-Medonte7
View from the Living Room

5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms. Inground custom made infinity pool with a swim-up bar and hot tub.

2533 Ridge Rd. W., Oro-Medonte9
Ensuite

Another hot tub located on the water with a custom bar to just lay back and relax.

#9.)  75 Highland Crescent, Toronto

Price: $13,950,000.00

Awe-inspiring views over The Rosedale Ravine and golf course.  A 4 bedroom and five bathrooms cutting-edge design of approximately 13,000 Sq. Ft. (Inc. Lower Level)

75 HIGHLAND CRES, Toronto
75 Highland Crescent

Property with the steel frame and concrete construction.  Private spa, wine cellar and wet bar.  Indoor walk-in pool, whirlpool and cold plunge.

75 HIGHLAND CRES, Toronto2
Central Hallway

Smart Home Integration And Underground Hydraulic Garage Lift.

75 HIGHLAND CRES - kitchen
Custom Boffi Kitchen

Custom Boffi Kitchen. White oak flooring, three mechanical rooms, 18′ deep cooling tower.

75 Highland Crescent, Toronto, Canada | Luxury Real Estate
Lower Level Swimming Pool

Radiant heat flooring, power entry gate, security cameras and driveway snow melting system.

#8.)  5 Park Lane Circle, Toronto

Price: $13,980,000.00

Stately gated 15,785 custom built residence on a beautiful 2-acre lot.

5 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto
5 Park Lane Circle

Lowest price per foot in Bridle Path Estates area. Pristine manicured gardens with circular driveway, tennis court, indoor pool, hot tub and spa.

5 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto2
2 Storey Grand Salon Entry

Two storey grand salon entry. Crema Marfil marble floors. Extensive millwork and crown moulding. Gourmet size kitchen. Main floor theatre, Library.  Lavish seven pc. ensuite. Grand 5 bedroom suites with 10-foot ceilings

5 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto3
Great Room

Upper lounge and bar.  & Bd. Study. Gold leaf detailing, gold plated hardware, wrought iron & marble grand staircase.

5 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto5
Catering Kitchen

,

5 Car garage, Dectron pool system.  Shutters. Hardwood and marble throughout. In-ground sprinkler system.

#7.)  40 Park Lane Circle, Toronto

Price: $13,980,000.00

The Bridle Path Estate. Offered at final stages of completion.

40 Park Lane Circle 1
40 Park Lane Circle

Fashioned after the palace of Versailles in France, influenced by Louis the 14 era and the Palladian styles of Europe.

40 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto4
Unfinished Front Hall

Over 21,000 square feet of living space. The Bridle Path Estate is a one-of-a-kind property situated on a lush 2.3 acres with panoramic views overlooking an immense conservation area and nestled within the famed Bridle Path area of Toronto.

40 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto2
Ensuite

Grand Ballroom, In+Outdoor Pools, W/O To Terraces, Mn Flr. Hm.Theatre Rm. Sep.Winged Off.Or In-Laws Suite W/Fp, Lr Or Boardroom,

40 PARK LANE CIRC, Toronto6
Walk-in Closet

 

#6.)  14 The Bridle Path, Toronto

Price: $14,950,000.00

Opulent Gated Palatial Estate On Most Prestigious Bridle Path.

14 The Bridle Path, Toronto1
14 Bridle Path

Boasting over 22,000 square feet of luxurious living space. 2-story grand salon entry with spectacular millwork.

14 The Bridle Path, Toronto8
2 Storey Grand Salon Entry

Auto gated entries. Elevator. 4 car garage. Crestron system.

14 The Bridle Path, Toronto3
Kitchen

Two gourmet Neff Kitchens. Magazine featured. Chef inspired kitchen. An entertainers dream with a movie theatre, ballroom, indoor pool & 3rd kitchen. Awe inspiring private master bedroom retreat with boudoir.

14 The Bridle Path, Toronto2
Theatre Room

Separate in-law suite with two bathrooms  & 2 bedrooms. Wine cellar. Heated floors. Built-in speakers, antique vanities & light fixtures.

#5.)  263 Warren Road, Toronto

Price: $15,680,000

Spectacular custom built residence graced with impeccable appointments & finest of architectural details.

263 Warren Road
263 Warren Road

Mahogany framed glass front door with decorative iron & 24 carats gilded grill. Polished mahogany cabinetry in library & office.

French doors from living & family rooms open to the terrace, gardens & pool. There is an 8′ radial breakfast area in family room.

263 Warren Road1
Entrance Hall

Gas fireplaces (convert to wood ) in living, dining, library & master suite. Custom Falcon kitchen. Mud room with change room & 3-piece bathroom. Loggia with limestone and granite floor.

263 Warren Road2
Great Room

Glass domed coffered ceiling. Outdoor kitchen with freezer, fridge, Wolf grill. Lower level lounge, wet bar with kitchen, Wine cellar, massage room, spa, yoga room, gym.

263 Warren Road3
Lower Level

Double entry to potential home theatre Landscaped gardens, heated walkway to the hot tub, dramatic lighting. Pool ( 30′ X 16′). Snowmelt on major walkways.

#4.)  28 Valleyanna Dr, Toronto

Price: $16,800,000

Framed in broad, verdant beauty, this Valleyanna masterpiece stands majestically in a storybook setting surrounded by the beauty of exquisite gardens.

28 Valleyanna Dr
28 Valleyanna Dr

Natural light freely cascades through w-w windows in living & dining rooms, library, master suite & other bedrooms creating an ambience of spacious flow.

28 Valleyanna Dr2
Exquisite Gardens

Lower family room features fieldstone wood-burning fireplace, walk-out to terrace & games room complimented by a fully-serviced wet bar. . 32 seat home theatre. Indoor pool & lounge area with walk-out & 2 change rooms Expansive north & south terraces provide dramatic vistas of the valley.

28 Valleyanna Dr1
More Gardens

Reflecting pool, manicured hedges, waterfalls descending 100 feet to Don River & bucolic, pastoral meadow to enjoy the natural habitat.

28 Valleyanna Dr6
Catering Kitchen

Coach house (1,375 sq. ft). 2 bedrooms, finished lower level. Excellent location. Close to best private & public schools, recreation facilities & parks, easy access downtown& public transit on Bayview Ave.

#3.)  46 Park Lane Circle, Toronto

Price: $16,900,000

Magnificent three years new French country chateau inspired masterpiece on most prestigious Park Lane Circle.

46 Park Lane Circle
46 Park Lane Circle

Grandeur and elegance abound at this gated, custom 13,385 total square foot home (+2,650 square foot garage). Built by renowned Mazenga Building Group. Situated on approximately 4 acres of private, pristine ravine.

46 Park Lane Circle2
Situated on approximately 4 acres of private, pristine ravine

Manicured extensively landscaped gardens with Infiniti hot tub, circular drive and flagstone terraces. Chef inspired kitchen with walk-in pantry. Anteroom, butler’s server and convenient centre island with breakfast bar. Unparalleled master bedroom retreat with soaring ceilings, stone terrace balcony overlooking ravine.

46 Park Lane Circle3
Entrance Hall

Lavish his and hers closets and opulent seven-piece ensuite. Upper-level family room and office. Heated marble floors throughout and extensive millwork. Separate nanny apartment with kitchen, living room, laundry room and four pieces ensuite.

46 Park Lane Circle5
Kitchen

Lower Level Boasts Recreation Room, Games Room, Spa, Gym And Wine Cellar. Grand Marble Slab Staircase With Wrought-Iron Detailing. Snowmelt For Driveway, Front Steps And Stone Terrace. Slate Roof. Elevator. 8 Car Garage. Oasis Awaits!

#2.) 35 High Point Road, Toronto

Price: $19,800,000

The house has more amenities than some condominiums in the city. With its very own indoor pool and spa, exercise room, his and hers change rooms, party room with commercial grade kitchen, wine cellar, billiards room, home theatre and tennis court, it truly has something for everyone.

35 High Point Road3
35 High Point Road3

It even features its own playroom with specialized rubber for the little ones.

35 High Point Road4
35 High Point Road Rear of the House

The exquisitely landscaped grounds make living in the city feel like cottage country.Hand carved marble mantles.

2-Stry pool/ball room-50′ Pool with Dedon furniture.

35 High Point Road6
Kitchen

Stn Terr W/Euro.Kettal/Tucci Furn. Aged Ital.Marb.Flrs. Elab.C/Mould. Fr.Drs. Downsv Kit, Eleven, Mbr W/H+H Ens+Boudoirs, Butlers Loft, 7 Wood Fps, Dectron Pl Sys,

35 High Point Road8
Pool/Ball Room

Tennis, gazebo, potting cabin. Gently sloping to Wilket Creek ravine.

#1.) 68 Bridle Path, Toronto

Price: $25,000,000

The gated four-acre property and 28,000 sq. ft. home at 68 The Bridle Path was built by financier and real estate developer Robert Campeau in the early 1980s.

68-the-bridle-path
68 Bridle Path

An extravagant 10-bedroom, 14-washroom gated French-style chateau on the Bridle Path has an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a retractable floor that turns the space into a ballroom.

68-the-bridle-path3
Entrance

The home has played host to notable guests like Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Jane Fonda. Even better, it played the home of one of the Olsen twins in the movie It Takes Two.

68-the-bridle-path4
Pool

Space is now move-in ready and equipped with antique furnishings, crystal chandeliers and original artwork.

68-the-bridle-path5
Kitchen

40-car garage, seven wood-burning fireplaces, three storeys, elevator, tennis court.

68-the-bridle-pathl
Night Time

For sale in Georgian Bay

For sale in Georgian Bay

Welcome to your brand new ICFhome.ca dream house.

Model: Ravenswood – For virtual tour and the price click here!

This is the perfect three bedroom, two bathrooms, single level home design, offering 1839 square feet of luxurious living space.

For sale in Georgian Bay:

Georgian Bay Sale
For sale in Georgian Bay

The home design features a post and beams front porch. Upon entering the home, the foyer leads you into the large open concept family room with a vaulted ceiling and an inviting fireplace. The family room flows nicely into the breakfast nook and modern kitchen. The kitchen features a breakfast bar and 40” glass cabinets.

Off of the kitchen is a hallway that on one side leads you into the laundry room that offers quick access to the two-car garage. The other end of the hall takes you to the spacious master suite, which also features tray ceilings.

The master suite offers home buyers a gorgeous master bathroom with large soaking tub and separate walk-in shower, a double sink vanity plus his and her walk-in closets.

1800floor3dplan

If you venture to the opposite side of the great room, you will find the two additional bedrooms that share their personal bathroom. This floor plan allows for the ultimate privacy for you and your guest.

georgian-floor-plan
For sale in Georgian Bay floor plan

Features:

  • Energy Efficient Luxury Bungalow
  • Three bedrooms and two bathrooms + roughed-in
  • 1839 sq.ft.
  • High-Efficiency Radiant Floor Heat
  • On Demand water heater
  • High-Efficiency Panorama Windows
  • Stone and Siding Finish
  • Hardwood and Tile Flooring
  • Peninsula Eating Bar Breakfast Nook
  • 12′ and 9′ Valued Ceilings
  • Granite Kitchen and Bathroom Counters
  • Stone Fireplace
  • Direct access to the garage

Sorry, this home is sold!

On a beautiful lot in Tiny Township: 

Should You Stage Your Home

Should You Stage Your Home To Sell Quickly?

Should You Stage Your Home
Should You Stage Your Home

When selling your home, you want it seen by as many potential buyers as possible.

First and foremost, you’ll want to find an agent that specializes in your geographical area and has a strong internet presence; ninety percent of all buyers begin their property search online.

When you list a property it becomes more than a home; it is now a product for sale. Once you have qualified buyers interested in viewing your property, to sell it quickly, you should stage your home to make it attractive to all potential buyers. Professional home staging highlights the two luxuries in any home: light and space.

Stage Your Home in Five Simple Steps

Clean and Organize: Make sure your home is clean and uncluttered; buyers will notice dusty baseboards and ceiling fans. A thorough cleaning is essential, as is storing items
away that create clutter.

Feature Focal Points: Go through your home and note any focal points like fireplaces, bay windows or vaulted ceilings and decorate or reposition furniture to show off these features.

Return Rooms to Original State: If you’re using a spare bedroom as a catch-all storage room, you’ll want to box up items that are causing clutter and recreate the room as the
bedroom it was meant to be. You don’t necessarily need to go out and purchase a bed, simply place a series of boxes in the shape of a bed and cover will a comforter and pillows. Be creative and you won’t have to spend money unnecessarily.

Enhance Curb Appeal: While a complete landscaping renovation is not in order, sprucing up your front lawn and/or driveways will do wonders to increase curb appeal. Pulling weeds, cutting back shrubs, or painting your porch are inexpensive ways to add new life to your front yard.

Replace and Update Fixtures: Small changes like replacing light fixtures, kitchen cabinet hardware or bathroom faucets are a great way to update the selling points of your home if you don’t have the funds available for a kitchen or bath renovation.

Did you know that homes that have been staged, sell not only faster, but on an average of 6.4% above list price?! How about that. 90% of potential buyers cannot look past dirt, clutter and imperfections? So why not put your best foot forward, for it is a proven fact that home staging helps sell houses.

Should You Stage Your Home

[slideshow_deploy id=’424′]

Lot For Sale

49 Things You Need to Know When Buying A Lot To Build A Home In Ontario…

Lot For Sale
Lot For Sale in Ontario

It all starts with buying a building lot. 

Whether you long for the privacy a couple of acres in the country promises, or you’ve got your eye on a cute little residential lot in a subdivision, buying a lot and building a house on it is a dream for many of us.

There’s nothing more thrilling than having a couple of acres of your own and building your home from the ground up.

But, buying a lot is very different from buying a house or condo, where most problems can be easily identified by a competent builder or home inspector.

Even if you are quite familiar with home construction, an undeveloped piece of land can hold numerous surprises both on and below the surface, determining what can and cannot be built.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

At the first impression, the most obvious things jump out – the land, the lakefront, the view, distance from towns, amenities, or other people – typically the main reasons why people like the particular lot.

But there are some crucial and much less visible details that can have a significant effect on the enjoyment or the cost of developing that property – or even whether you can build there as planned.

What you can see with your eyes is important. Still, what you may not see — subsurface soil and water conditions, seasonal effects, zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, or a murky title — can have a far more significant impact on your successful use of the land.

So here are a few essential but not so apparent details to consider – questions to ask your agent, or the seller (or in some cases, the municipality)

house-tool-belt

What You Need to Know When Buying a Building Lot:

1. Is the property zoned for residential construction? 

The majority of municipal regulations that affect properties relate to zoning and the acceptable uses of a particular piece of land. Most municipalities have land-use bylaws that designate areas of the municipality that may be developed for residential purposes while selecting other areas for agricultural and commercial uses.

It is essential to know what is permitted or restricted in each area before you build new structures or renovate or modify existing buildings. It is within a municipality’s right to require landowners to remove structures that do not conform to zoning requirements.

2. Is the nearby property zoned for non-residential use?

If it is, you may have factories or other businesses as neighbors in the future.

3. Is the nearby property zoned for multi-family residences?

If it is, you may have apartments or duplexes being built in your area. If you want to construct a multi-family residence, then be sure the land zoning allows this.

4. Is this a historic district?

If it is, check what restrictions or control you have over making changes to the home. Homes in historic districts may need committee approval of any exterior changes.

5. Is the area more prone to crime?

Your local police department can help you determine which areas are safer to live in.

6. How safe is the location?

A site might have a gorgeous view overlooking a cliff, but you may not want a backyard cliff if you have children. Nearby sources of water can create a drowning hazard. Is the site in a high traffic area? Are train tracks nearby? Are their rock quarries nearby? Are dangerous industries nearby? What types of pets and wildlife live in the area? For example, are there violent dogs, coyotes, snakes, or wolves in the area? Is hunting conducted nearby?

7. Are there any subdivision covenants?

Will the covenants restrict things you want to do with the property? Will the covenants protect your property? Are the agreements enforced?

8. Is there a neighborhood association?

If there is, you may have to pay an annual membership fee for basic services and shared areas.

9. What are your neighbors like, and how well do they take care of their homes and yards?

Are any neighbors or their pets noisy? Are there many children in the neighborhood, and what are their ages?

10. Is the lot suitable for the size, shape, and slope of the home you want to build?

Is there adequate space for recreation such as a pool, volleyball, or outdoor dining after the home is on the lot?

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

11. Is the property in a flood plain?

If it is, be sure you can get flood insurance and find out the price. You will probably be required to build at a certain level above the flood plain, and roads should also be above the flood plain. You may be required to have an above-ground foundation to elevate the height of your home’s main floor. Also, there may be restrictions prohibiting hauling dirt or fill into a flood plain.

12. Are there streams on the property or drain sewers nearby?

If you need to reroute the stream, then you may need government approval. Don’t buy property until you know you can make any changes you need. If you are near streams or storm sewers, then if those water paths overflow, how likely is it your home will become flooded? As more homes or streets are added to a neighbor, the runoff water may increase in waterways.

13. How does water drain off your property?

You don’t want to build a home in a spot where drainage water flows. If you need to change the drainage flow, be sure you can change the flow without causing water damage to a neighbor’s property.

14. Are the high voltage power lines nearby?

If so, your home may receive higher amounts of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). The risks of EMFs are not well known. Some studies suggest EMFs may cause cancer or other illnesses.

15. Can you hire any builder to build a home on the lot?

In some subdivisions, you may be restricted to construct with their builders.

16. What school district is the property in?

Even if you don’t have children, the quality of the school can affect the resale value of your home. What schools will your children go to, and how good are those schools? Are there school buses? Will your kids have to change buses to reach their school? Where will they wait for the bus? Where will they be dropped off?

17. How convenient is the property?

How far will you travel to school, work, church, shopping, gas stations, and dry cleaner? Consider the locations you frequently visit, such as the golf course, library, beach, health club, post office, or airport. Are you near medical services? How far away are the friends or relatives you frequently visit? How far are you from daycare or babysitters? How far is the bank or ATM?

18. Consider the future lifestyle needs of your family.

For example, if your children are in grade school now, then consider how close your home will be when the children attend high school or college. If you will be retiring soon, then how will the site’s location affect activities you’ll want to do when you retire?

19. Will your home be similar in value to other homes in the neighborhood?

The value of surrounding homes can affect the resale value of your home. It is best not to have a home that is of much higher value than nearby houses. In general, the price of your lot should be around 20% to 30% of the value of your home. A real estate agent or appraiser can provide you this information.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

20. Is the home’s orientation proper when considering the sun and weather? 

The ideal house orientation is that the long central axis of the building runs East-West, i.e., the ridgeline. You can move this by as much as 20 degrees without ill effect, but the most glass on the building must be facing towards the Sun. When deciding the building orientation also take into account the location of landscape features on your plot, i.e., trees and walls, etc. which will impact how you harness the Sun. Ideally, you do not want them blocking the sunlight as the sun tracks across the sky.

21. What are the views like?

If you are buying the property because you like the view, then how protected is the view? Is there a chance somebody else could build in front of your view and block it? Is there a chance somebody else could change or damage your view? 

For example, if you have the view of a forest, could somebody else turn that view into the subdivision and cut down the trees? Does zoning allow trailer parks of factories to be built near your home? If your view is not protected, could you buy additional land to protect your view? Keep in mind that subdivisions are often made in phases. Your beautiful view may be gone within a few years as the neighborhood is developed. Don’t pay too high of a premium for a view that is not secure.

22. Golf course lots – check to see if your home is within the firing range of a hole.

If so, you might have more broken windows or people invading your yard to retrieve stray balls. In general, it’s best to have your lot line at least 200 feet away from the midpoint of the fairway. Also, keep in mind that lawn mowing may be done early in the morning, and the noise may wake you up. Also, your yard may have less privacy if you are close to the golf course.

23. Is your lot near the entrance to a public area such as a park?

If so, your yard might be a common path for people who access the public area. Is there a snowmobile path nearby? You may not want to put up with the noise four months out of the year.

24. What utilities and services are available?

How do the price and quality of utility services compare to other areas? For example, look into the availability of sewer, water, gas, electric, TV cable, phone, internet service, garbage pickup, postal and delivery service, school buses, train station, and other public transit. Some utilities may be planned but won’t be available until enough homes are built. For example, TV cable may be intended but might not be installed until there are enough homes built in your area.

25. How far is the house from emergency resources such as a hospital or fire station?

Are emergency services such as ambulances, fire fighting, and police service readily available in your area?

26. Are there any fees to connect to utilities (sometimes called tap fees), and if so, how much are the connect fees?

If the utility hookups are far from where you want to place your house, will it cost much to extend the utility hookups? How much lead-time is needed to have utilities installed to your site? How far back your home is set from the road, will determine the length of the driveway. The longer the driveway, the higher the cost.

27. Are you near steep hills?

How easy will it be to access your home during the winter? Will you hear more noise from trucks or buses when they shift gears to go over the hill?

28. How easy will it be to mow the lawn?

Steep hills are harder to mow. How much time will it take to maintain your landscaping?

29. Driveway Restrictions:

Does the subdivision have any restrictions on drive access that will prohibit you from building the type of driveway you want? If so, can you get those restrictions waived? In particular, some subdivisions put restrictions on circular driveways or wider driveways.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

30. Winter road services:

Are roads promptly cleared after a snowstorm? Are you on a snow route that will have parking restrictions in the winter? Is snow removal done in your area, or do you need to pay extra to get that service?

31. Road extensions:

If your home is being built very far from a road, what will it cost to build a road extension? You may be required to pay for that cost, and it can be expensive. If you need to make a bridge over a stream that can get expensive.

32. Special local building code requirements:

Some areas may have special building code requirements that can increase the cost of your home. For example, if you are building in an area that is far from a fire hydrant or other emergency recourses are not available in your area, then your home may need to be built more fire-resistant.

33. Will you need a well?

If so, is the water good in that area? How far will you likely need to drill for water? A soil test or nearby neighbor may be able to tell you what the water conditions are like.

34. Privacy

Will your windows directly look into your neighbor’s windows? Will surrounding areas have lots of people passing by? For example, if you live on a busy golf course, your home might not be as private as you’d expect.

35. Security:

How easy is it for someone to access your property? Are there unlit or hidden areas for burglars to hide? Can your neighbors see if somebody is trying to break into your home, or will the garage, shrubbery, or other objects make it easy for a burglar to break in without being seen by a neighbor?

36. Are there bothersome insects or wildlife in the area?

For example, are mosquitoes, black flies, or termites a problem in the area?

37. Are you buying the land or leasing the land?

You might be surprised to find out that when you buy a house, someone else might own the land, and you will have to pay rent for the property. If you are leasing the land, be sure you know the tenant requirements for using the land, lease term, and what happens when the lease expires.

38. Are there any special fees or taxes that will be assessed on a new homebuyer?

Some areas have fees that are assessed on new homes, and the fees can cost tens of thousands of dollars. These fees are typically assessed on people who are building a new home. Some local governments have found it easier to charge lot levies on new construction rather than raise taxes of current homeowners. Some neighborhood associations might charge fees to review and approve your building plans. Also, some areas require deposits to be put down that is refunded after you conform to the covenants of the area.

39. Are there liens on the property?

You should make sure you can have a clear title to the property before buying it.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

40. Can you insure the home?

Some areas, such as flood plains or hurricane zones, may be difficult or expensive to insure. Be sure you can get affordable insurance before buying the property.

41. How much would it cost to prepare the site for construction (tree removal, dirt filling or removal, grading, debris removal, well, septic tank, drainage, erosion control, landscaping)?

Are there any dead trees or damaged trees that could fall and harm your home? If so, you may want to remove those trees or trim dead branches before starting construction. Also, how much will it cost to do this? Removing large trees can be expensive.

42. What is the condition of roads or bridges you’ll generally use to access your property?

If bridges or roads are in poor condition, then they may need to be closed down in the future for repair. A closed road may be unavailable for many months, and closed bridges can be unavailable for years. If your primary access route is not available, then how difficult will it be for you to access your property by other routes? How likely is it that the old infrastructure will be placed when it reaches the end of its life expectancy?

43. What is the future outlook for the area?

Is it a newly developed area? Is the area improving, or are houses getting older and are not being maintained well? Are there more houses for sale in the neighborhood than in other similar communities? If so, is there a reason so many homes are for sale? Do nearby shops look to be abandoned or in need of repair? The economic conditions of nearby businesses can sometimes reflect the future outlook or condition for an area.

44. What are the surrounding neighborhoods like?

Look at the neighborhoods you will need to drive through to get to your home. Communities that are close to your subdivision can influence the value of your development. If people have to drive through an area that is in poor condition or has a high crime rate to reach your home, then it can affect the resale value of your home.

45. Is there anything being planned for the future that will affect your neighborhood?

Highways and airport construction are planned many years in advance. You may want to see if something is being planned that will add noise or pollution to your neighborhood in the future.

46. What future roads are planned in your subdivision?

Sometimes people buy property on a “dead end” street and assume their home will be in a low traffic area. However, dead ends often become future wings of subdivisions and are continued. A quiet location may become a high traffic area as future streets are added to the subdivision. What amenities are included in the subdivision? Will there be sidewalks? Street lights? A community park, pool, tennis courts, or other recreation facilities? If there are any amenities that are important to you, then be sure those things will be part of the subdivision.

47. The cost of septic systems can vary considerably.

They can be anywhere from $4,000.00 for a simple septic layout, up to $30,000.00 for an engineered system. Test your soil before signing any contract. The type of soil (sandy, clay, etc.), the steepness of the lot, the number of bathrooms in your home, will all have an impact on determining the type of septic system you will require and the final cost.

48. Not all lots are suitable for all styles of homes.

For example, if your plan includes a walkout basement, make sure the slope of the lot is suitable. If it is not, you may have to import fill to improve the grade, which may cost you thousands of extra dollars.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

49. Conservation authorities may have final approval on building permits for your particular lot.

It is essential to confirm this. If they do, contact them directly to find out what restrictions they will impose. You must do this before signing any agreements to purchase.

 

Energy Efficient Home For Sale in Tiny Township

1592 square feet
1592 square feet

$579,900.00

Energy Efficient Home – Less than $100 per month to heat this 1600 sq.ft. home in the midst of the winter:

Wow, is the only word to describe this luxury “to be built” home! 

Executive 3 bedroom/ two full bath luxurious bungalow with stone & siding, just a few minutes walk from some of the most beautiful beaches of Georgian Bay!

Lot size is just right: 100 feet x 140 feet.

This executive energy efficient home features nine ft ceilings, an extra large master bedroom w/tray ceilings, a five-piece en suite including a corner tub & stand up shower & a large walk-in closet.

Entertain in the open concept living area with soaring pine cathedral ceilings in the great room, breakfast bar in the upscale kitchen and a full stone gas fireplace. Gleaming hardwood and natural stone flooring throughout.

For more info, please call us. 705 533-1633.

 

How To Calculate HST On New Homes In Ontario

How To Calculate HST On New Homes In Ontario 2025

HST Calculator for New Homes in Ontario

HST Calculator for New Homes

🏠 Overview of HST and the New Housing Rebate

Purchasing a new home in Ontario involves several moving parts—and one of the most significant considerations is understanding the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and the rebates available. This guide explains how to calculate HST on new homes, clarifies the eligibility for HST rebates, and provides detailed examples using the formulas provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an investor, this article will help you break down the numbers and understand what you’re paying.

  • Provincial Rebate: The provincial part of the HST rebate is fixed at 6% of the purchase price, up to a maximum rebate of $24,000. 💰
  • Federal Rebate: The federal portion is calculated on a sliding scale. It starts at a 36% rebate on the applicable HST for homes costing $350,000 or less, but the amount decreases proportionally for homes priced between $350,000 and $450,000. Homes with a builder’s base price (often called “consideration”) above $450,000 receive no federal rebate.

This structured rebate system helps lower the effective tax rate for new home buyers but also means the calculation can become complex—especially when the builder’s list price includes HST already.

👥 Who Can Claim the HST Rebate?

Before calculating your HST rebate, it’s essential to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be able to claim a tax rebate for a portion of the HST if you meet one of the following conditions:

  • Purchasing from a Builder: You buy a newly constructed home (including the land) directly from a home builder.
  • Self-Build or Renovation: You construct your own home, substantially renovate an existing one, or carry out a major addition (or hire someone to do so). 🛠️
  • Alternative Dwellings: You buy a new mobile home or a floating home from a builder or vendor.
  • Co-operative Housing: You purchase a share of the capital stock of a co-operative housing corporation.
  • Rebuilding After Destruction: Your home was destroyed in a fire and is being rebuilt.

For the rebates to apply, other specific conditions must also be met. The property must be a newly constructed or substantially renovated single-unit residential complex or a condominium unit (with the related land) situated in Ontario, and the sale must have HST applied at the full 13% rate. Additionally, there needs to be an agreement between the builder and the buyer that specifies a stated price net of the new housing rebates.

🔢 Understanding the HST Components

The total HST payable on a new home is based on the builder’s base price (often referred to as the “consideration”). The builder’s list price typically includes HST, so a portion of that tax is already “built into” the purchase price.

  • Builder’s Base Price: This is the price before HST is added. It’s the starting point for calculating both the HST amount and the subsequent rebates.
  • Total HST Payable: Once you have the builder’s base price, you apply the 13% HST rate.
  • Rebate Calculations:
    • Federal Portion: Calculated at 36% of the federal part (5%) of the HST based on the base price. However, this is available in full only for homes with a builder’s base price of $350,000 or less, with a gradual phase-out for prices up to $450,000.
    • Provincial Portion: Calculated at 75% of the provincial part (8%) of the HST based on the base price, capped at a maximum rebate of $24,000.

The CRA’s formulas help “back out” the base price from the builder’s list price net of rebates. The specific formula you use depends on which pricing band your home falls into.

📋 Step-by-Step HST Calculation Process

Before diving into the specific formulas for different price ranges, follow these general steps:

  1. Determine the Stated Price Net of Rebates (SPNR):
    This is the builder’s list price after accounting for any rebates that have been built into the price.
  2. Calculate the Builder’s Base Price:
    Use the appropriate formula for your home’s price band to convert the SPNR into the base price. This “back calculation” accounts for the fact that the list price includes a certain amount of HST.
  3. Calculate Total HST Payable:
    Multiply the builder’s base price by 13% to determine the total HST that applies to the base price.
  4. Determine the Rebate Amounts:
    • Federal Rebate: For eligible homes (up to $450,000 in base price), calculate 36% of the federal portion (5%) of the builder’s base price. For homes between $350,000 and $450,000 (in base price terms), this amount is reduced proportionally.
    • Provincial Rebate: Calculate 75% of the provincial portion (8%) of the builder’s base price, ensuring it does not exceed $24,000.
  5. Apply the Rebate:
    Subtract the rebate amounts from the total HST payable to determine the net tax cost.

For investors, if you must remit additional HST at closing, the rebate process might take 6 to 8 weeks and often requires that the property be leased for at least one year. 📆

💡 Price Bands and Their Specific Formulas

The CRA has established four pricing bands based on the SPNR (or stated builder’s list price net of rebates). Each band has its own formula to determine the builder’s base price. Let’s explore these one by one.

🔹 Price Band 1: Properties Priced Under $368,200

Scenario:

  • The SPNR is not more than $368,200, implying that the builder’s base price is not more than $350,000.

Formula:
Builder’s Base Price=SPNR1.052Builder’s Base Price=1.052SPNR​

Example 1:

  • SPNR: $325,000
  • Calculation:
    Builder’s Base Price=325,0001.052≈$308,935.36Builder’s Base Price=1.052325,000​≈$308,935.36
    This calculation shows that approximately $16,064.64 of HST is already included in the builder’s list price.
  • Further Calculations:
    • Total HST Payable:
      308,935.36×13%≈$40,161.60308,935.36×13%≈$40,161.60
    • Federal Rebate:
      (308,935.36×5%)×36%≈$5,560.84(308,935.36×5%)×36%≈$5,560.84
    • Provincial Rebate:
      (308,935.36×8%)×75%≈$18,536.12(308,935.36×8%)×75%≈$18,536.12

For an investor, after calculating these figures, you’d remit the additional HST (in this case, about $24,096.96) at closing and then apply for the rebate—usually a process that takes between six to eight weeks.

🔹 Price Band 2: Properties Priced Between $368,200 and $424,850

Scenario:

  • The SPNR is more than $368,200 but not more than $424,850. This means the builder’s base price lies between $350,000 and $400,000.

Formula:
Builder’s Base Price=(SPNR+28,350)1.133Builder’s Base Price=1.133(SPNR+28,350)​

Example 2:

  • SPNR: $410,000
  • Calculation:
    Builder’s Base Price=410,000+28,3501.133≈$386,893.20Builder’s Base Price=1.133410,000+28,350​≈$386,893.20
    This implies that approximately $23,106.80 in HST is built into the builder’s list price.
  • Further Calculations:
    • Total HST Payable:
      386,893.20×13%≈$50,296.12386,893.20×13%≈$50,296.12
    • Federal Rebate:
      The federal rebate is calculated proportionally using:
      6,300×(450,000−Base Price)100,0006,300×100,000(450,000−Base Price)​ Substituting our base price:
      6,300×(450,000−386,893.20)100,000≈$3,975.736,300×100,000(450,000−386,893.20)​≈$3,975.73
    • Provincial Rebate:
      (386,893.20×8%)×75%≈$23,213.59(386,893.20×8%)×75%≈$23,213.59

🔹 Price Band 3: Properties Priced Between $424,850 and $484,500

Scenario:

  • The SPNR is more than $424,850 but not more than $484,500, which corresponds to a builder’s base price between $400,000 and $450,000.

Formula:
Builder’s Base Price=(SPNR+52,350)1.193Builder’s Base Price=1.193(SPNR+52,350)​

Example 3:

  • SPNR: $460,000
  • Calculation:
    Builder’s Base Price=460,000+52,3501.193≈$429,463.54Builder’s Base Price=1.193460,000+52,350​≈$429,463.54
    This means that about $30,536.46 in HST is included in the list price.
  • Further Calculations:
    • Total HST Payable:
      429,463.54×13%≈$55,830.26429,463.54×13%≈$55,830.26
    • Federal Rebate:
      Using the sliding scale formula:
      6,300×(450,000−429,463.54)100,000≈$1,293.806,300×100,000(450,000−429,463.54)​≈$1,293.80
    • Provincial Rebate:
      Calculated as:
      (429,463.54×8%)×75%(429,463.54×8%)×75% Since the maximum provincial rebate is $24,000, the calculation here reaches that cap.

🔹 Price Band 4: Properties Priced Over $484,500

Scenario:

  • The SPNR is more than $484,500, which means the builder’s base price exceeds $450,000. For homes in this category, the federal portion of the HST rebate is not available.

Formula:
Builder’s Base Price=(SPNR+24,000)1.13Builder’s Base Price=1.13(SPNR+24,000)​

Example 4:

  • SPNR: $700,000
  • Calculation:
    Builder’s Base Price=700,000+24,0001.13≈$640,707.96Builder’s Base Price=1.13700,000+24,000​≈$640,707.96
    This calculation indicates that roughly $59,292.04 in HST is built into the builder’s list price.
  • Further Calculations:
    • Total HST Payable:
      640,707.96×13%≈$83,292.03640,707.96×13%≈$83,292.03
    • Federal Rebate:
      Since the builder’s base price exceeds $450,000, no federal rebate is available.
    • Provincial Rebate:
      The provincial rebate is still calculated as:
      (640,707.96×8%)×75%(640,707.96×8%)×75% This rebate remains subject to the maximum cap of $24,000.

📌 Special Considerations for Investors

Investors purchasing new homes may encounter a slightly different process. While the basic calculation for HST and the rebates remains the same, an investor may be required to remit any additional HST at closing. Following that, the investor can apply for the rebate for the HST paid. Keep in mind that:

  • The investor must remit the additional HST upon closing.
  • The rebate process generally takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
  • The property usually must be leased to a tenant for a minimum of one year before the rebate can be fully applied. 🔑

Understanding these requirements is critical when planning the cash flow for your investment.

✅ Putting It All Together: A Recap of the Calculation Process

Let’s summarize the process with a simple checklist:

  1. Check Eligibility:
    Confirm that you meet one of the qualifying scenarios for claiming a new housing HST rebate.
  2. Determine the SPNR:
    Identify the builder’s list price net of rebates.
  3. Identify the Appropriate Price Band:
    Decide which formula to use based on whether your SPNR is under $368,200, between $368,200 and $424,850, between $424,850 and $484,500, or over $484,500.
  4. Calculate the Builder’s Base Price:
    Use the correct formula to “back out” the HST included in the SPNR.
  5. Calculate Total HST Payable:
    Multiply the builder’s base price by 13%.
  6. Compute the Rebate Amounts:
    • Federal Portion: Calculate 36% of 5% of the builder’s base price for eligible homes.
    • Provincial Portion: Calculate 75% of 8% of the builder’s base price, ensuring it does not exceed $24,000.
  7. Deduct Rebates:
    Subtract the rebate amounts from the total HST payable to determine your net tax obligation.
  8. For Investors:
    Remit any additional HST at closing and apply for the rebate once the property meets the leasing conditions.

By following this methodical approach, you can confidently determine your HST costs and available rebates on a new home purchase or construction project in Ontario.

🔍 Important Points to Remember

  • Maximum Rebates:
    The provincial rebate is capped at $24,000, while the maximum federal rebate is $6,300—subject to the home’s price falling within the eligible range.
  • Sliding Scale for Federal Rebate:
    The federal rebate reduces gradually for homes with a builder’s base price between $350,000 and $450,000. If the base price exceeds $450,000, the federal rebate is zero.
  • Conditions Apply:
    The calculations above are valid only if all required conditions are met. This includes the type of property, its location in Ontario, the application of HST at 13%, and specific agreements between the builder and the purchaser regarding net pricing.
  • Investor Considerations:
    If you’re an investor, be aware of the additional steps regarding the remittance of extra HST at closing and the subsequent rebate application process.
  • Professional Guidance:
    While these calculations provide a good estimate, always consult a tax professional or the latest CRA guidelines to ensure that you’re applying the correct formula for your situation. 📑

📝 Conclusion

Calculating HST on new homes in Ontario may seem daunting at first due to the multiple components and sliding scales involved. However, by breaking the process down into clear steps and applying the correct formula for your home’s price band, you can simplify the task considerably.

Whether you are buying a new home from a builder or undertaking construction yourself, the key is to:

  • Understand the difference between the builder’s list price and the base price,
  • Know how much HST is included in the purchase price,
  • Calculate the total HST payable, and
  • Accurately determine both the federal and provincial rebate amounts.

This guide has walked you through each step—from determining eligibility to applying the formulas for different price ranges—and provided examples that illustrate how the calculations work in practice. For investors, keep in mind that while the calculation method remains similar, additional steps at closing and specific leasing requirements apply. Always plan for these extra conditions to ensure a smooth process when claiming your rebate.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you should be able to confidently estimate your HST costs and understand how much you might save with the new housing rebates available in Ontario. Remember, though, that while this article is designed to clarify the process, it is not a substitute for professional tax advice.

HST Calculator for New Homes in Ontario

HST Calculator for New Homes

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide general information about calculating HST on new homes in Ontario and the applicable rebates. It is not legal or tax advice. For personalized guidance and the most up-to-date information, please consult a tax professional or review the latest CRA publications.

New House For Sale

Another New House For Sale
Another New House For Sale

Treat yourself to this wonderful 1324 sq.ft. easy maintenance raised bungalow across the street from the beach;

New House For Sale in Ontario

  • 100 minutes from Toronto International Airport in the heart of cottage country;
  • 2 minutes walk to one of the best beaches on Georgian Bay – Cove Beach;
  • 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms + rough-in;
  • Energy Efficient design with environmentally friendly materials;
  • Premium Kitchens with granite countertops;
  • Top of the line Bamboo Hardwood Floors Throughout;
  • Stone Fireplace with heavy wood mantle.
  • Slate entrance and bathrooms;
  • Radiant Floor Heat;
  • On Demand Hot Water Heater;
  • High-Efficiency Panorama Windows;
  • Vaulted Ceilings;
  • 15 minutes to Public School and bus transportation to both High School and Public School;
  • Double car garage with inside entry;
  • Open concept LR/DR + Kitchen;
  • Main floor laundry room with sink;
  • Privacy Galore – Large 100′ x 160′ lot.
  • Tarion and taxes included!

$399,900.00

View Larger Map

[slideshow_deploy id=’424′]

Healthy Home

Healthy Home For Sale

Healthy Home for Sale
Healthy Home for Sale – not exactly as illustrated

New Healthy Home For Sale – being build!

Located in a very desirable neighborhood and a walking distance to the sandy beach with stunning views of Georgian Bay and Blue Mountain.

Approximately 1800 sq.ft.  Raised bungalow with open concept living/dining room comes with the stone fireplace, cathedral ceilings, and pot lights.

Modern kitchen with granite counter tops and a walkout to a 16 x 12 large deck. Hardwood floors and natural stone tiles throughout.

Master bedroom features a walk-in closet and five pc. en-suite with corner tub and separate shower.

Two guest bedrooms are on an opposite `wing` and share a gorgeous four pc. bathroom.

Full unfinished basement has a rough-in for the 3rd bathroom and can be fully completed by the builder at the additional cost.

Great curb appeal with stone and siding facade & an impressive entrance with covered porch and decor timber gables.

Energy efficient package: radiant floor heat, beefed-up insulation, “on-demand” water heater – 30% more energy savings compared to homes built to Ontario Building Code.

Purchase now and choose your colors & finishes from builders samples.

Tarion + HST included.

Price: $4,19,900.00

Address: 1413 Tiny Beaches Road North, Tiny

Type: Residential
Style:  Bungalow
Development Level: Under Construction
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2 – plus rough in for a 3rd.
Garage: Double, Attached
Basement: Yes, Full “fully insulated.”
Size: 1,827 sq. ft.
Lot Type: Rectangular
Year Built: 2015
Taxes: $0.00 (2015)


View Larger Map

Energy Efficient Home For Sale in Tiny Township

Energy Efficient Home With Radiant Heat For Sale

Energy efficient home with in-floor hot water radiant heat system
Energy efficient home with in-floor hot water radiant heat system

Energy efficient home for sale in Tiny Township – with radiant floor heat:

Our most popular model “Springwood”. This open concept 1,592 sq.ft., three bedrooms and two bathroom home is now being built on a beautiful 1/3rd acres lot, just a few minutes walk to gorgeous beaches on Georgian Bay.

This home comes with hardwood and natural stone flooring, 9ft. and vaulted ceilings with pot lights, stone fireplace, modern open concept kitchen, walkout to the 20′ x 10′ deck in back yard, main floor laundry.

Master bedroom features a walk-in closet and a full en-suite w/corner tub and separate stand up shower.

Full unfinished basement includes rough in for a third bathroom and rough in for central vac. Attached double car garage has inside entrance to the main floor laundry room and foyer. Double driveway and concrete walkway to the front door. 200 amp service.

Floor Plan:

sqFt Model

$579,900.00 (including HST!)

For prices on your lot, please click here!

Type: Residential
Style:  Bungalow
Development Level: Under Construction
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Garage: Double, Attached
Basement: Yes, Full, Raised
Size: 1,592 sq. ft.
Lot Type: Flat
Lot Size: 100 ft. X 140 ft.
Year Built: 2018-2019

 

Beautiful Lot For Sale

Beautiful Lot For Sale

Beautiful Lot For Sale
Beautiful Lot For Sale

Sorry, it sold!

Vacant residential building lot in the beautiful area of Tiny Township. Street filled with newer upscale homes, seasonal and permanent residents including retirees and families alike.

Country living at its best – on this beautiful lot for sale.

Build your dream home here, and just a few minutes walk to beautiful beaches. Close to golf, horseback riding, swimming, boating and so much more. Purchase local produce from the local farmers.

Tiny Township is located on the peninsula that separates Severn Sound and Nottawasaga Bay at the south end of Georgian Bay, having a coastline of 70 kilometres. It extends southward into the Wye River watershed. The municipality is home to Awenda Provincial Park on Georgian Bay at the north end, and the Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area, the source of the Wye River, in the south.

This area is growing, and lots are still at affordable prices. High-speed Internet options available ask your agent. Municipal water and natural gas are on the street. Buyer is responsible for assuming all development charges when applying for a building permit.

Asking $36,900

Call: 705 533-1633

Beautiful Home For Sale

Luxury Home For Sale

Luxury Home For Sale
Luxury Home For Sale

Amongst A Forest – Character Style Luxury Home For Sale

With numerous features and top quality finishing, this home was originally built as a show home for ICFhome.ca, a local custom home builder.

This award-winning model is located in an established neighbourhood of private lots with character cottages and new family homes, 1 1/2 hours north of Toronto, in Township of Tiny, in the heart of Georgian Bay, around the private setting of this almost ¾ acre lot.

Immaculately landscaped with 6000 sq.ft. of patio stone, it offers a unique natural setting and privacy; just a 2 minutes walk to the beautiful beach and just a 15-minute drive into the town of Midland.

It boasted approximately 3950 square feet of luxury living space, starting with Owen Sound ledge-rock stone, post and beam details – cut and milled locally, copper and architectural shingle roofing. 

The entrance that is warmly elegant spotlights the posts and beams that are the visible bones of this energy-efficient home.

Inside you will find, soaring vaulted 13’ ceilings, solid wood post & beam custom finishes, coffered ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors.

The workmanship and artistry that once went into many farm homes remind us of the rewards of preserving our past while striding into the future.

There are five bedrooms and three luxurious baths, a large eight-person sauna with change room, 12’ x 22’ theater room and a cold room.

The custom kitchen features a large center island with sit-up bar and wine rack, slate backsplash, custom wood cabinetry and pot lighting.

The large adjacent great room includes a full stone fireplace and access to the new cedar ground level deck.

Other fantastic features of this luxury home for sale include:

  • built-in cabinetry,
  • Two stone fireplaces,
  • hand-made office/bar,
  • cozy bay window
  • massive pine staircase

Energy Efficient Features:

  • Extra Insulation
  • Radiant Floor Heating
  • Heat Recovery Ventilator
  • On Demand water heater,
  • High-Efficiency Air Conditioning
  • Insulated Garage
  • 200 amp service.
  • Built-In Central Vacuum Cleaner

This spectacular luxury home could be your dream home for $649,900.00

 

Home Builders Ontario

New Building Practices – Home Builders Ontario

Home Builders Ontario
Home Builders Ontario

Give yourself the a gift of the year: beautifully decorated new home in Township of Tiny, Ontario!

ICFHome.ca, one of the most well-known custom home builders in Ontario is proud to announce the launch of new home sales for Lafontaine Village at Georgian Bay – a wonderful community that features some of the most well-designed new homes in the whole of Ontario!

New homes are currently available for anywhere between $390,000 to $450,000 and present innovative sustainability, environmental stewardship innovations and energy conversation techniques. Give yourself the a gift of the year:  beautifully decorated new home at Township of Tiny, Ontario!

Wish to live a laid back and relaxed lifestyle? Want to spend your days lazing around on sandy beaches? Well, then a new home at the shores of Georgian Bay is just the pick for you!

Located just 45 minutes north of Barrie, and 1.5 hours North from Toronto, not only is Tiny Township one of the most convenient places to live in but the most affordable too.  Here, you are sure to find something or other that matches your taste.

Two, three and four-bedroom homes are available to choose from. There are also a number of walk-out bungalows built on 100’ x 150’ lots ready for you to start living in right away!

Regarding cost, consider this: you can acquire a 1600 sq.ft. Energy efficient, three bedrooms, raised bungalow that has marble and hardwood floors and a stone front, 9 feet and vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace and radiant floor heat for a mere $399, 900.00 INCLUDING the HST!

Surely, you would never be able to find a better deal, located so close to the lake, no matter how hard you try! There are around 20 lots available at the moment, all of which are nested 2 minutes walk from the beautiful beach!

Housing choices for everyone – it’s all thanks to ICFHome.ca!

At ICFHome.ca, we present a meticulously designed selection of two, three and four-bedroom houses that are meant to provide top quality housing choices for everyone.

No matter what it is that you are looking for, a small, easily manageable property, or a lavish residence, we sure have something for you! Amongst the many benefits that we have to offer, those that truly stand out include user-friendly, modern kitchens and bathroom, 7-year Tarion warranty protection, and energy efficiency, etc.

The best part is that if you book right now, you would be able to pick a building lot. You will benefit from being able to choose a premium lot, select your preferred finishings and colours, choose countertops and kitchens and even determine how energy efficient you want your home to be!

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with the experts at ICFHome.ca right now!

New Home Builders Ontario

ICFhome.ca: New Home Builders Ontario

New Home Builders Ontario
New Home Builders Ontario: Winter ICF building in Southern Ontario

Choosing The Right New Home Builders Ontario

Among the many major decisions that you would make in life, one that truly stands out:  Building your new home from scratch. 

Building a new home in Southern Ontario is exciting, but it also makes a lot of people very nervous. For the most people, is the largest personal investment that they will ever make.

Although complex, the home building process can be stressful, or it can be fun and exciting. Choosing the right custom home builders in Ontario is the difference.

house-tool-belt

ICFhome.ca, New Home Builders, Ontario, Canada,  specialize in the design, planning, and construction of beautiful custom homes using the ICF (insulating concrete form) construction technique combined with state-of-the-art building materials and technologies for each of their projects.

It’s a proven fact that Insulated Concrete Form construction builds a stronger, more energy-efficient home for you and your family.

They help you save on energy bills. ICF walls have a tighter structure and possess better insulation properties. In fact, studies show that ICF homes require 40% less energy to heat and 30% less energy to cool compared to wood-framed structures.

More peace and quiet for you and your family. Due to their greater thickness, ICF walls are more efficient at reducing or eliminating the effects of loud noises.

Homes constructed with insulating concrete forms are also more comfortable to live in. Temperatures throughout the house are more uniform, and cold drafts are significantly fewer.

Get better protection from fire, pests, and other forces of nature. With concrete walls, you don’t need to worry about termites attacking your home. Tests also show that concrete houses are better at withstanding high winds (even winds with speeds up to 250 mph).

Additionally, ICF walls have performed very well in firewall tests. They can endure temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit for hours without collapsing.

When it comes to building amazing ICF homes, Ontario Home Builders has the experience you can trust and expertise that truly delivers results.

Our team has successfully built and renovated homes of all shapes and sizes through the years—including condominium complexes of up to 13,000 square feet.

We are tremendously proud of all the projects we have accomplished so far, and you can view them through the Our Projects page here on our website.

There’s a lot about homes with ICF walls that every homeowner in Ontario should know.

Here are nine aspects of these homes that you will find most interesting

Hopefully, you will also find them inspiring enough to ask home builders Ontario to build you a beautiful energy-efficient home.

1. ICF Wall Construction

By definition, Insulated concrete form (ICF) is a system of formwork for steel reinforced concrete usually made with a rigid thermal insulation that stays in place as a permanent interior and exterior substrate for drywall or siding. There is a hollow space in the center of each block into which the concrete is to be poured. These blocks are then used to construct walls. The blocks are then arranged as per the structure of the wall. Their design provides insulation throughout the day and that too on each side of the wall.

125,000 ICF Homes and Counting

The number of ICF homes in North America has been on the rise since they first came onto the scene in the early 90s. The current number of homes is in the region of 225,000 to 230,000 with a 40% per annum growth rate. This roughly translates to around 8% of all custom new homes, which means that 3 of every 100 new homes built in North America are ICF. Currently, there are scores of ICF home builders Ontario you can choose from.

Is There a Right Time for Building with ICFs?

No, you can have your ICF home built during any month of the year. The best thing about ICF construction is that the home structure doesn’t warp even if it snows or rains while it is being built, quite unlike wood-based constructions. ICF home builders Ontario use modern technology to keep the cement in its original form regardless of the weather conditions.

Options for Exterior Finishing 

Your ICF home can be finished using any traditional material you prefer. You can ask home builders Ontario about the list of choices available to you. The popular options include wood, vinyl, stucco and brick.

The Cost-Effectiveness of ICF Homes

One of the distinct advantages of ICF homes is that they adapt to the weather conditions. The structure traps heat in the winter and keeps the home cool during the summer. If you add radiant in-floor heating, you can slash your energy bills by up to 50%.

Modern Homes = ICF Homes

ICF homes are made using top of the line, latest technology for building and constructions. This enables the homes to be comparatively more energy-efficient and overall ‘greener’ than traditional homes. The heating system of the house works upwards which means the floor gets heated first before the rest of the house. This not only keeps the environment pleasant but reduces the risk of mould as well as dust.

ICF Home vs. Framed Home: Comparing the Cost

The reason some people are apprehensive about having an ICF home built is because of the initial cost. Comparing the cost with that of a framed home, an ICF home can cost up to 5% more. The prices vary by home builders Ontario, but it is a given that ICF homes are more expensive. That being said, you have to factor in the money you save on energy bills. In the long-run, the ICF home will prove to be more cost-effective.

Clip Art Graphic of a Yellow Residential House Cartoon Character

ICF construction is definitely the greener option when compared with traditional construction method. A single 3,800-square foot traditionally constructed home causes the uprooting of at least 25 large trees. Furthermore, home builders Ontario use non-toxic cement for ICF construction that is made using recycled materials. Regarding energy, the overall consumption is 60% that of a traditional home. Also, the greenhouse gas emissions are considerably lower.

How ICF Construction Benefits the Homeowner 

ICF homes are quieter than wood-framed homes. The walls are thicker, allowing only 33% as much sound to pass through as a traditional home. Moreover, you don’t get to hear any creaks or squeaks from the flooring when you walk on it, something that can get extremely irritating over time.

Also, the structure of the ICF homes is sturdier as well. It can withstand extreme weather conditions without any problems. The homeowner has a range of design choices to opt for. Even the changes and repairs made to the wiring and plumbing in an ICF home is simple and uncomplicated.

The bottom-line is that ICF is poised to play a significant role in home construction in Canada over the coming years. The changes made to the National Building Code for Canada will require custom home builders in Ontario to alter the way they build homes.

Ready to live in a beautiful home with ICF walls? Call ICFhome.ca today at 1-866-868-6606 to get started.