Question 1

What types of real estate projects do you manage?

Accepted Answer

Groupe Sierra develops two types of projects: rental cottages and resort land in Lanaudière and the Laurentians, as well as multi-residential buildings of 18 to 400 units across several regions of Québec.

Question 2

Are you a real estate broker?

Accepted Answer

No. Groupe Sierra is a real estate developer. We acquire land, design and build our projects, then market them directly. We are not brokers and do not represent third-party sellers or buyers.

Question 3

Do you hold an RBQ licence?

Accepted Answer

Groupe Sierra does not carry out construction work and does not hold an RBQ licence. We work with licensed general contractors and trusted partners to carry out our projects.

Question 4

How can I invest in a Sierra rental cottage?

Accepted Answer

The investment journey generally begins with one of our free information evenings, open to everyone. For personalized support, our structured program guides you from land selection through to putting your property up for rent.

Question 5

Is the program suitable for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The program was designed for people who want to make their first investment in a rental cottage.

Question 6

Do I already need to own land or a cottage?

Accepted Answer

No. The program guides you from the very first steps of the project.

Question 7

Does this apply everywhere in Québec?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The concepts taught are applicable to several regions of Québec.

Question 8

How can I know if I can finance a rental cottage?

Accepted Answer

The program presents various financing strategies and lets you assess your situation with experts.

Question 9

Do I have to manage the rentals myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Part of the program is dedicated to passive management strategies.

Question 10

How long will I have access to the content?

Accepted Answer

The replays remain accessible through the private group.

Question 11

Is the program guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A satisfaction guarantee is offered according to the conditions presented by Sierra.

Question 12

Is the rental cottage still profitable today?

Accepted Answer

The program shows how to analyze the actual profitability of a project before investing.

Question 13

How does the tax rebate work and what is its impact on my down payment?

Accepted Answer

The purchase of a rental cottage operated as a short-term rental is one of the rare real estate investments that allows you to recover the sales taxes (GST and QST) paid at the time of purchase, when certain conditions are met. Once your property is in operation and registered for taxes, you claim the taxes paid on acquisition.

Concrete example: for a $600,000 project, the taxes (GST and QST) amount to $90,000, for a total price of $690,000. With a 10% down payment ($69,000), you recover $90,000. You therefore recover the equivalent of your down payment, with a $21,000 surplus.

The timeline varies from case to case. The rebate is generally issued shortly after the property is put into operation and the required administrative steps are completed.

Question 14

Why can buying land first be a profitable strategy?

Accepted Answer

The principle relies on leverage. You buy the land now, benefit from its appreciation, and then use that increase in value as equity when financing construction.

Concrete example: a piece of land bought for $150,000 plus taxes may be worth $180,000 a few months later. You have then created $30,000 in equity through land appreciation. This equity can serve as a down payment for construction and reduce the amount you personally inject.

This strategy suits investors with a limited down payment, those planning their project over the medium or long term, and those who want to maximize their return on invested capital.

Question 15

How can I validate the actual profitability of my project?

Accepted Answer

Projections are useful, but actual market data is even more so. We use AirDNA, which compiles data from platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO: average occupancy rate, average nightly rate, estimated annual revenue, and the performance of comparable properties in the area.

This gives you concrete data on the current market rather than mere assumptions. We can analyze your area together to get an accurate picture of the rental potential.

Question 16

How does financing a rental cottage work?

Accepted Answer

We work with P-O Janelle of Denvo Hypothèque, a specialist in financing tourist rental properties. More than 95% of the financing arrangements made for this type of project were put together with his expertise. A broker unfamiliar with this market can make the process much more complicated.

Depending on your financial profile, it may be possible to buy with a down payment of 5%, 10%, 15% or 20%. The exact amount mainly depends on your debt ratios and your financial situation.

At the end of our discussion, if you wish to proceed, we can pass along your information to P-O so he can review your file and present you with the best financing options available. The goal is simple: save you time and benefit from an already proven process.

Question 17

What about the regulations surrounding short-term rentals?

Accepted Answer

Regulations can change. When your cottage is already in operation with the required authorizations, you generally benefit from acquired rights. Municipalities are gradually tightening the rules surrounding short-term rentals, which makes authorized areas increasingly rare and sought after.

Three things need to be checked: zoning permitting short-term rental, the applicable permits and authorizations, and CITQ registration. Without CITQ registration, it is impossible to legally operate a tourist rental.

Question 18

How can I manage my cottage without dealing with it daily?

Accepted Answer

We offer a turnkey solution through our partnership with CHALETO. Their service includes complete reservation management, guest service, communication before, during and after the stay, marketing and listing optimization, as well as full operational management.

The cost is 15% of revenue, while the industry standard is generally between 15% and 30%. After testing several managers over the years, CHALETO remains, in our view, one of the best options for providing a worry-free experience for owners.

Question 19

Is it a problem if the cottage is located far from home?

Accepted Answer

No. My first rental cottage was more than 3.5 hours' drive from my home. Over three years, I only went there twice, mostly for pleasure.

This is possible thanks to a good management company, automated systems, and remote management of reservations and operations. Whether your cottage is an hour away or in the Gaspé, today's tools and partners allow for efficient management without a constant on-site presence.

Question 20

Do you work with institutional investors on your multi-residential projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on the project, we welcome capital partnerships, individual unit purchases and full building acquisitions. To discuss an investment opportunity, go to the Contact page and select "Multi-residential investor."

Question 21

I have land for sale, are you interested?

Accepted Answer

Groupe Sierra is constantly looking for strategic land to develop new projects in Lanaudière, the Laurentians, Mauricie, Montérégie and the surrounding regions. Go to the Contact page, select "Land seller" and include the key information about the property.

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