Who this is for
You're aiming for a chalet at Tremblant, a condo in Charlevoix, a country home in the Eastern Townships. For you it's a life project; for the lender it's a second home with its own rules — higher down payment, zoning to check, year-round access.
- You're buying a 4-season cottage or seasonal cottage in Lanaudière, Estrie, Laurentides, Charlevoix.
- You're buying a vacation condo (Mont-Tremblant, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Bromont).
- You're buying a secondary home for elderly parents (multigenerational housing).
- You want to convert your cottage into a primary residence (full-time move).
- You're combining a second home purchase with a refinance of your primary home (down payment).
What brokers in the Courteo network look at
Dual debt and seasonal nature are the two classic pitfalls. An experienced AMF broker knows lenders flexible on these criteria.
Quick estimate
How much can I borrow?
Indicative estimate using Canadian rules (GDS 39% / TDS 44%, stress test 5.25%). No rate offer is shown — your AMF-licensed broker will refine based on your full file.
Approximate max price
$427,000
Estimated monthly payment
$2,259 / month
Estimate for guidance only, does not constitute a pre-approval letter or loan offer. The final assessment depends on the full file (credit, employment history, lender, etc.) and remains at the broker's discretion.
FAQ — cottage and second home
Minimum down payment for a cottage?
5% minimum if you (or a relative) live there and it's 4-season year-round accessible (CMHC Type A program). 10-20% if seasonal or unoccupied. If you rent it on Airbnb: 20% minimum (treated as investment).
My cottage is only accessible in summer — can I still finance it?
Yes but the lender pool narrows and the down payment goes up (often 25%). Cottages only accessible by boat or snowmobile are the hardest. The AMF broker from the Courteo network identifies the rare lenders who accept.
Can I carry two mortgages at the same time (primary + cottage)?
Yes if your GDS/TDS ratios allow it. The lender adds both payments to calculate your capacity. Tip: if your primary has significant equity, refinance it to generate the cottage down payment — a broker structures this scenario.
My cottage will generate Airbnb income — does it help my file?
Not as much as you'd hope. Without a documented 2-year history, the lender ignores projected Airbnb income. With history, sometimes 50% counts. The cottage will be treated as investment (20-25% down).
What specific checks for a regional cottage?
Drinking water test (bacteria + nitrates), septic compliance (Q-2 r.22), structural inspection if old wood construction, zoning verification (residential vs vacation), road access. The broker refers you to a certified regional inspector.
Ready to buy your cottage?
2 minutes to start. A Courteo Prêts coordinator calls you within the day to clarify the project (cottage, vacation condo, second home) and connect you with an AMF broker who knows second-home lenders.