The Ins/Outs On Building Vacation Rentals & Financing (Canada)

The Ins/Outs On Building Vacation Rentals & Financing (Canada)

Renter · Deer Lake, Newfoundland · Member since 2023 · 1 post · 0 votes

Hello All,

A heads up, I'm new to BiggerPockets and have just begun my real estate journey (invested in 1 property as well as this current project with my dad and acquiring my real estate agent license). 

3 months ago, while visiting my dad, we decided on the idea to turn his house into a B&B and to build a variety of short term rentals on his property, located on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. We have just begun renovating the house to better suit guests and will begin building 5 stand alone huts once the winter is over. We will scatter them throughout the 8 acres of land he owns.

As both of us are new to this form of renting, we have no clue what to expect, or how we should maximize space to provide the essentials for guests in our huts. From those who have done this, what would you recommend we have within these huts so we do not overdo it (what have you learned from guests in the past and personal experience)? We are located in the recreational hub of the island with a lot of tourists throughout the year. Short term rentals and B&B's are in high demand. As well as with the B&B, what should we expect in terms of....everything? 

Our plan for 3/5 huts is to be roughly 13'x17', slanted rough, bed in loft and below loft (2 bed total). 2/5 huts to be roughly 500sqft, 2 bedrooms. The house has 4 bedrooms at 4800 sqft and we decided to turn 2 rooms into ensuits (what we are doing now). 

Also, I'm wondering if there are any 'best' ways to finance this project except from out of pocket cash? As well as all expenses I may have over looked, cash reserves for repairs, what policies to put in place, etc.

My apologies if I am being vague, as this is a first for me.

Many thanks,
James

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Sarah KensingerPro Member
Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y

I know of a few hosts in Canada and from what I've heard STR are a whole different animal up there! There's actually a decent amount of hosts that live in Canada but have property here in the states they manage. I would do some research on your country's laws and also your area as well. If everything is good to go, you have many resources at your fingertips thanks to the internet and social media! :)

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  • Calgary, AB · Member since 2021 · 327 posts · 176 votes
    2y
    Quote from @James Bass:

    Hello All,

    A heads up, I'm new to BiggerPockets and have just begun my real estate journey (invested in 1 property as well as this current project with my dad and acquiring my real estate agent license). 

    3 months ago, while visiting my dad, we decided on the idea to turn his house into a B&B and to build a variety of short term rentals on his property, located on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. We have just begun renovating the house to better suit guests and will begin building 5 stand alone huts once the winter is over. We will scatter them throughout the 8 acres of land he owns.

    As both of us are new to this form of renting, we have no clue what to expect, or how we should maximize space to provide the essentials for guests in our huts. From those who have done this, what would you recommend we have within these huts so we do not overdo it (what have you learned from guests in the past and personal experience)? We are located in the recreational hub of the island with a lot of tourists throughout the year. Short term rentals and B&B's are in high demand. As well as with the B&B, what should we expect in terms of....everything? 

    Our plan for 3/5 huts is to be roughly 13'x17', slanted rough, bed in loft and below loft (2 bed total). 2/5 huts to be roughly 500sqft, 2 bedrooms. The house has 4 bedrooms at 4800 sqft and we decided to turn 2 rooms into ensuits (what we are doing now). 

    Also, I'm wondering if there are any 'best' ways to finance this project except from out of pocket cash? As well as all expenses I may have over looked, cash reserves for repairs, what policies to put in place, etc.

    My apologies if I am being vague, as this is a first for me.

    Many thanks,
    James


     Before you go too far on this, I would look into the tax implication of this. This could potentially turn your property into what CRA considers to be commercial use. This would have significant tax consequences if that was the case.

  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y

    Hey @James Bass, so this does look like more of a resort type of investment vs what we would consider a traditional short term rental.

    If I was building out some little cabins, I would make them fully self contained. Kitchenettes and full bath in each one.

    I would also check and make sure the property is allowed to have that kind of density or usage. Just because it is 8 acres doesn't mean you can use it for a commercial resort type of use.

    And I agree with @Stevo Sun. I don't know anything about Canadian taxes, but it would be important to find out.

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    I know of a few hosts in Canada and from what I've heard STR are a whole different animal up there! There's actually a decent amount of hosts that live in Canada but have property here in the states they manage. I would do some research on your country's laws and also your area as well. If everything is good to go, you have many resources at your fingertips thanks to the internet and social media! :)

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