Where to Buy Small Prefab Homes in Ontario
📅 Last updated: September 15th, 2025
✍️ Written by prefab building specialists at My Own Cottage
If you’re looking to buy a small prefab home in Ontario, you won’t usually find them in traditional real estate listings. Instead, they’re typically purchased through:
Local builders and manufacturers who specialize in prefab and modular housing
Authorized dealers and retailers representing specific prefab brands
Online prefab home platforms that connect buyers with different models and suppliers
Some companies also offer ready-to-move (RTM) homes, which are fully built and delivered directly to your lot.
Comparing Dealers, Builders, and Retailers
This guide explains where to buy prefab homes in Ontario, what factors to consider before purchasing, and how to compare different options.
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Top Places to Buy Small Prefab Homes in Ontario
Local Prefab Builders and Manufacturers in Ontario
Buying directly from Ontario prefab home builders and modular cottage manufacturers comes with several key advantages:
More customization – adjust layouts, finishes, and design details to fit your lifestyle.
Faster delivery timelines – many modular homes in Ontario are move-in ready within just a few months.
Stronger warranties – enjoy peace of mind by working directly with the manufacturer.
Many builders also offer model home tours, allowing you to walk through layouts before making a commitment.
Real Experience:
One Hamilton Ontario family partnered with a My Own Cottage to customize their floor plan for a growing household. We provided a clear timeline, and their home was delivered and installed in just three months—significantly faster than traditional stick-built construction.
Authorized Dealers and Retailers in Ontario
Authorized prefab home dealers act as intermediaries, often representing multiple modular housing brands.
This makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking for variety and easy comparison shopping.
✅ Great for variety and comparison shopping – easily explore different prefab options in one place.
💰 Price range: Starting under $100K for compact starter models, with luxury builds reaching several hundred thousand dollars.
📍 Locations: Showrooms available in Toronto, Ottawa, London, and Windsor, making it convenient to view models in person.
⭐ Key benefit: Compare multiple prefab house brands side by side before making a decision.
Online Prefab and Modular Home Platforms
Today, several digital platforms make it easy for Ontario buyers to explore prefab housing options, including modular homes, tiny houses, and full-size prefab cottages.
What you can do with online prefab platforms:
✔ Browse hundreds of floor plans and designs online
✔ Order directly and have the home shipped to your site
✔ Ideal for smaller homes, cottages, and quick setups
⚠️ Trust Tip: Before purchasing a prefab home online, always verify
✅ Customer reviews to gauge builder reliability
✅ Warranty coverage and exactly what’s included
✅ Tarion Warranty registration — Ontario’s official new homebuyer protection program
📊 Top Prefab Home Brands in Ontario: Comparison Guide
If you’re shopping for small prefab homes in Ontario, here are some of the top builders and brands to consider:
1. My Own Cottage (Ontario-Based)
Specialty: Small prefab cottages, modular homes, and fully customizable designs.
Strengths: Transparent pricing, Ontario Tarion Warranty coverage, free local consultations.
Price Range: From ~$120K to $350K+, depending on customization and finishes.
Why Choose Them: Ontario-based expertise, energy-efficient builds, and strong after-sales support.
2. Bonneville Homes
Specialty: Modern modular homes with sleek architecture.
Strengths: Energy-efficient builds, stylish design options.
Price Range: Typically from $200K–$500K.
Considerations: Limited customization compared to local boutique builders.
3. Guildcrest Homes (Member of Mattamy Group)
Specialty: Large-scale modular homes and suburban housing.
Strengths: Backed by a large developer, strong financing options.
Price Range: $180K–$400K+.
Considerations: More standardized options, less focus on small cottages.
4. Linwood Homes
Specialty: Prefab cottage kits and modular home packages.
Strengths: Wide range of cottage and cabin designs.
Price Range: From $150K+, with additional costs for site prep.
Considerations: Kit-based model requires more homeowner involvement.
5. Royal Homes
Specialty: Custom-built modular homes across Ontario.
Strengths: 40+ years in business, established reputation.
Price Range: $180K–$500K+.
Considerations: Longer wait times due to demand.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Building Codes and Zoning in Ontario
Prefab and modular homes are fully legal in Ontario, but they must comply with provincial and municipal regulations, including:
📑 Ontario Building Code (OBC) – ensures safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency
📍 Local zoning bylaws – rules on lot size, setbacks, height restrictions, and permitted uses
For instance, municipalities such as Toronto and Ottawa may have stricter requirements for lot size or building height, particularly when placing prefab cottages or tiny modular homes.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Always confirm requirements with your local city planning department before purchasing or installing a prefab home.
➡️ Reference: Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Costs Beyond the Sticker Price
While modular home prices in Ontario may start low, buyers should budget for additional costs beyond the sticker price, including:
🚧 Site preparation – grading, excavation, and laying the foundation
📑 Permits and inspections – required approvals from your municipality
🚚 Delivery and craning – transporting and placing the home on-site
🔌 Utility hookups and landscaping – connecting water, hydro, septic, and completing outdoor spaces
💡 Cost Comparison Table
Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range (CAD) |
---|---|
Site Preparation | $10,000 – $30,000 |
Permits & Inspections | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Delivery & Craning | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Utility Hookups | $7,000 – $20,000 |
Landscaping | $5,000 – $25,000 |
Note: Actual costs vary based on location, municipality rules, and lot conditions.
💰 Financing Options and Lenders for Prefab Homes in Ontario
Financing a prefab home in Ontario often depends on whether the home is considered permanent real property. Here are the main options:
Traditional Banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC): Offer CMHC-backed mortgages for prefab homes on permanent foundations.
Credit Unions (Meridian, Alterna, DUCA): More flexible for modular and tiny homes, sometimes offering construction loans.
Builder Financing: Some Ontario prefab builders (including My Own Cottage) provide in-house financing or staged payment plans.
Private Lenders: Can bridge the gap if a bank won’t finance until the prefab is affixed to the foundation.
Pro Tip: Always ask lenders about draw schedules, appraisal requirements, and Tarion warranty coverage before signing an agreement.
Warranty, Financing, and After-Sales Service
Do banks finance prefab homes in Ontario?
Yes — but approval often depends on whether the prefab qualifies as real property.
🏗️ Permanent foundation: Many lenders require the home to be permanently affixed to a foundation before offering traditional mortgages.
📑 Tarion-backed warranty: Homes with a 7-year Tarion warranty (Ontario’s official new home protection program) are more likely to qualify.
💰 Financing options: Compare builder financing (direct through the manufacturer) with third-party lenders such as banks or credit unions.
🔧 After-sales service: Check whether the builder provides support for repairs, upgrades, or seasonal adjustments.
🏡 Case Study: A Family’s Prefab Home Journey in Ontario
Background: The Johnson family from Barrie wanted a cost-effective and energy-efficient home for their growing household.
After comparing traditional real estate options with prefab homes, they decided to work with the My Own Cottage team.
Challenges:
Needed a three-bedroom home with flexible living space.
Strict budget cap of $250,000.
Concerned about zoning bylaws and financing approval.
Solution:
My Own Cottage provided a fully customized prefab floor plan with energy-efficient features.
The home was built off-site and delivered to their lot within 12 weeks.
My Own Cottage partnered with Meridian Credit Union to arrange flexible financing.
Results:
Final cost: $235,000, including site preparation and delivery.
Home was move-in ready within 3 months—half the time of traditional builds.
The family reported savings of nearly $60,000 compared to stick-built alternatives in their area.
With Tarion-backed warranty, they had peace of mind on long-term quality.
Takeaway: This case shows how Ontario families can achieve affordability, speed, and quality by choosing prefab homes with the right builder and financing partner.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My Own Cottage made buying our prefab home stress-free. They customized our layout, arranged financing, and delivered our new three-bedroom home in just 12 weeks. At $235,000, we saved nearly $60,000 compared to traditional builds. The quality and Tarion warranty give us peace of mind — highly recommend!”
— The Johnson Family, Barrie, Ontario
Comparing Buying Options
Below is a quick comparison of Ontario prefab buying channels:
Buying Channel | Customization & Price | Delivery Time |
---|---|---|
Local Builders | High customization – from $180K–$350K+ | 3–6 months |
Dealers | Moderate customization – from $120K–$400K+ | 2–4 months |
Online Platforms | Low–Moderate customization – from $90K–$250K | 1–3 months |
Next Steps Toward Buying a Small Prefab Home in Ontario
Buying a prefab home in Ontario is now more flexible than ever—whether you choose a local builder, an authorized retailer, or a digital platform.
Each path comes with its own trade-offs in price, delivery time, and customization.
✅ If you’re ready to start comparing listings and costs, explore our main resource: Small Prefab Homes Ontario for Sale.
This will help you find the right fit—whether you’re searching for an affordable prefab house in Barrie, a Muskoka cottage prefab, or a tiny modular home in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Alternatively, you can book a free consultation, call us directly, or browse our design catalogue to get started today.
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FAQ: Where can you buy small prefab homes in Ontario?
Where can you buy small prefab homes in Ontario with prices?
You can buy small prefab homes in Ontario through local builders, authorized dealers, and online marketplaces. Prices usually range from $90,000 to $250,000, depending on size, design, and finishes. Always confirm if costs include delivery, permits, and site preparation.
Can I buy prefab homes directly from a manufacturer in Ontario?
Yes. Many buyers choose to buy directly from prefab home manufacturers in Ontario for custom floorplans, factory pricing, and warranties. Builders such as My Own Cottage often provide model tours and design consultations before purchase.
Do prefab homes qualify for mortgages in Ontario?
Yes. Prefab homes in Ontario often qualify for CMHC-backed mortgages, provided they’re built on a permanent foundation and meet the Ontario Building Code. Lenders may request builder certifications, permits, and warranty details as part of the financing process.
How long does it take to get a prefab home delivered in Ontario?
Most prefab homes in Ontario are delivered in 8–16 weeks, depending on customization, permitting, and site preparation. Delivery times can extend if foundations or utilities aren’t ready, but many builders offer ready-to-move prefab models for faster timelines.
Are prefab homes legal in Ontario?
Yes. Prefab homes are fully legal in Ontario if they comply with municipal zoning bylaws and the Ontario Building Code. Buyers must secure permits for installation and ensure the home meets local regulations for occupancy and utilities.
How much do prefab homes cost in Ontario?
Prefab home prices in Ontario typically start around $90,000 for smaller models and can exceed $300,000 for larger, custom builds. Final costs vary based on design, location, site preparation, and finishes. Additional expenses may include permits, delivery, and installation.
Are prefab homes good investments in Ontario?
Yes. Prefab homes in Ontario are increasingly viewed as good investments, offering lower upfront costs, energy efficiency, and quicker builds compared to traditional homes. Their value depends on location, build quality, and compliance with local housing regulations.
🛡️ Verified Third-Party Resources
For added confidence and transparency, here are trusted external sources that support modular homebuilding in Ontario:
Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12)
Official provincial regulations that govern modular and factory-built homes.Tarion Warranty Corporation
Provides home warranty coverage and builder licensing in Ontario.Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)
National organization supporting residential construction, modular certification, and best practices.CMHC – Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Federal housing authority offering insights on modular housing affordability, financing, and energy efficiency.Statistics Canada: Housing Data
Data-driven research on Canadian housing trends, ownership, affordability, and construction.