For many Canadian families, the cottage or cabin is more than just real estate. It is a place filled with memories, traditions, and legacy. But passing a family cabin down to the next generation can quickly turn into conflict if it is not planned properly.
In this episode, Jason Nagel breaks down the key financial and estate planning considerations families need to think about if they want their cabin to stay in the family and avoid unnecessary stress, tax surprises, or sibling disputes.
Jason walks through the real issues that often get overlooked, including capital gains tax at death, how to fund ongoing maintenance and major repairs, and what happens when children are in very different financial or life stages. He also explains why leaving a cabin equally to all children is not always the fairest solution and how thoughtful planning can prevent resentment down the road.
Finally, Jason shares why a co-ownership agreement, created while parents are still alive and with input from the kids, can be one of the most effective tools to preserve family harmony and protect the legacy of the property.
This episode is especially relevant for business owners and families who want to protect what they have built, plan intentionally, and pass down assets with clarity instead of conflict.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How capital gains tax applies to family cabins in Canada
- Why lack of liquidity can force a cabin sale after death
- How a “cabin fund” can prevent future financial stress
- When equal ownership may not be fair ownership
- How co-ownership agreements help avoid family disputes
If keeping the family cabin in the family matters to you, this is an episode you will not want to miss.