More Canadians than ever are exploring the dream of owning a second home abroad. Whether you’re envisioning powdery ski slopes or beachfront sunsets, buying property outside Canada is no longer out of reach. With flexible international mortgage options tailored for Canadians, that perfect vacation property may be closer than you think.
Here are the most loved vacation property types among Canadians — plus how you can borrow money for an international purchase and make it happen.
1. Beach House
Warm, sunny, and endlessly relaxing. Canadians love beach houses in tropical spots for their year-round rental appeal and laid-back lifestyle. Top destinations: Miami Beach (Florida), Waikiki (Hawaii), Turks and Caicos, Aruba, St. Lucia, U.S. Virgin Islands.
2. Ski Chalet
For winter sports lovers, ski chalets offer more than cozy vibes — they’re an investment in lifestyle and year-round value. Canadian favourites include: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge (Colorado); Park City (Utah); Swiss Alps (Switzerland); Patagonia (Argentina/Chile); Norway and Sweden.
3. Cottage by a Lake or Mountains
Canadians have a soft spot for nature getaways. A cottage-style property surrounded by water or woods provides the perfect mix of privacy and peace. Top international options: Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina).
4. Urban Condo or Apartment
City lovers seek properties that offer culture, food, and nightlife. A condo or apartment in a vibrant city can serve as a vacation home and a short-term rental opportunity. In-demand cities: Orlando (Florida), Cancun & Riviera Maya (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Honolulu (Hawaii).
5. Golf Resort Property
Golf isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle. Canadians borrowing for a vacation home often choose luxury golf communities for their world-class amenities and tranquil settings.
Popular golf real estate markets:
Scottsdale (Arizona), Palm Springs (California), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Cabo San Lucas and Riviera Maya (Mexico).
6. Island Retreat
From private islets to laid-back beach towns, island living offers serenity and natural beauty. Many Canadians choose to invest in international properties in warm, welcoming island nations. Top picks: Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Isla Mujeres (Mexico).
7. Vineyard Estate
For wine lovers, life near a vineyard offers unmatched elegance and peace. It’s also an excellent rental investment during high tourist seasons. Notable wine regions: Napa & Sonoma (California), Bordeaux (France), Tuscany (Italy), Mendoza (Argentina).
Financing Your Vacation Property Internationally
Buying property outside Canada may seem complex, but it’s more accessible than you think. Canadians borrowing for international purchases can use a specialized loan for a foreign country, including options like the Seaport Loan – an international real estate loan, which lets you leverage your RRSP’s to finance your investment.
Whether you’re interested in a beach house in the Caribbean or a condo in Mexico, borrowing money for international purchases is possible with the right support. Explore how you can turn your dream vacation home into a reality using your RRSP.
Contact us at www.seaportcredit.com and turn your dream into a destination.