Selling a vacant house in Ontario isn’t always as simple as putting up a sign and waiting for offers to roll in. Whether you’ve inherited a property, moved out already, or had a rental sit empty for too long, an unoccupied home can come with its own set of challenges. But with the right plan and a few smart moves, you can sell your vacant Ontario house faster and with less stress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to sell a vacant property successfully, why it’s different from selling a lived-in home, and what steps you can take to get the best outcome.
Let’s dive in.
Why Selling a Vacant House Is Tricky in Ontario
A home without furniture, personal touches, or people living in it might seem easier to manage—but it can actually be harder to sell. Here’s why:
Buyers Get Nervous
People tend to wonder why a house is sitting empty. Was it abandoned? Are there hidden problems? This doubt can slow down your sale or lead to lower offers.
It Doesn’t Feel “Homey”
An empty house can feel cold and lifeless. When buyers walk through, they may struggle to picture themselves living there. That emotional connection is key when trying to sell.
Vacant Homes Attract Problems
Without someone checking in often, a vacant property is more likely to experience:
- Break-ins or vandalism
- Undetected water damage
- Overgrown yards
- Mice or pest infestations
These issues not only affect curb appeal but can also lead to costly repairs if ignored.
1. Secure and Maintain the Property
Even though the house is empty, you’ll want to keep it in great shape. This helps avoid costly issues and makes a better impression on buyers.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Lock all doors and windows
- Install motion lights or cameras
- Visit weekly to check for damage
- Hire someone to mow the lawn or shovel snow
- Keep the heat on in winter to avoid frozen pipes
These small tasks help protect the house and show buyers that it’s been cared for.
2. Boost Curb Appeal
Even if no one’s living inside, the outside still matters. The first thing buyers see is the front yard, so make it look sharp.
Try this:
- Rake leaves or clear snow
- Plant flowers in spring or summer
- Repaint the front door
- Replace old house numbers or mailbox
- Power wash siding and walkways
Curb appeal creates the first impression that can lead to a second look—or a skipped listing.
3. Make It Shine Inside Too
Once people step through the front door, your vacant house should still look clean, fresh, and welcoming.
You don’t need fancy furniture. Just keep it simple:
- Clean everything top to bottom
- Open curtains to let in light
- Add air fresheners to avoid stale smells
- Place a few fake plants or small rugs for warmth
If you want to go a step further, virtual staging can help show what the space could look like with furniture—without the cost of real staging.
4. Take Professional Photos
Photos are your biggest selling tool—especially for vacant homes. Online listings are where most buyers start their search, and they’ll skip past bad photos fast.
Here’s what makes a difference:
- Hire a real estate photographer
- Use natural lighting when possible
- Take wide shots of every room
- Include exterior photos and street views
Quality images can help your vacant home stand out online.
5. Be Honest and Upfront
Vacant homes bring up questions—so don’t hide the fact that no one’s living there. Instead, be upfront about it in your listing and use it to your advantage.
For example:
- “Immediate possession available”
- “Freshly cleaned and move-in ready”
- “No tenant headaches—vacant and hassle-free”
Honesty builds trust and helps weed out time-wasters.
6. Price It to Sell
Here’s where many sellers go wrong: overpricing a vacant home hoping someone will fall in love and pay top dollar.
The truth? Most buyers are looking for a deal.
Here’s how to set a fair price:
- Look up similar homes that sold in your area (recent ones)
- Factor in any repairs or updates needed
- Be realistic about what buyers will offer
A smart price attracts attention—and the right offer could come faster than you think.
7. Think About a Cash Sale
If you’re in a hurry to sell or just want to avoid the hassle, selling your vacant house for cash might be the best move.
Cash buyers can:
- Buy your house as-is (no repairs or cleaning)
- Close in as little as 7–14 days
- Skip the inspections, appraisals, and fees
- Help you avoid holding costs like taxes, utilities, and insurance
At Bloom Homes, we buy houses all across Ontario—vacant, rented, or even ones with issues. If you’re done dealing with an empty house, we’ll give you a fair cash offer and make the whole process easy.
👉 Get your free no-obligation offer today
8. Know the Legal Stuff
Vacant homes in Ontario still need to follow rules. You can’t ignore property taxes, and you’ll want to make sure your insurance covers unoccupied homes.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Notify your insurance provider that the house is vacant
- Pay all outstanding property taxes
- Keep up with utilities or get them turned off safely
- Make sure smoke detectors and CO2 alarms work
Staying on top of this avoids trouble down the road.
9. Consider Your Timeline
If you’re juggling a move, an inheritance, or a rental turnover, timing can be tight. That’s why a clear plan matters.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need to sell in 30 days?
- Am I okay waiting 2–3 months?
- Can I afford to keep paying taxes and insurance?
Once you know your timeline, you can choose the best route—listing with a real estate agent or getting a fast cash offer from a home buyer.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to price it, or just want out, there are resources that can help.
Bloom Homes was built to help homeowners in Ontario sell with less stress. If your house is sitting empty and you’re not sure what to do next, reach out to us. We’ll talk through your options—even if that means connecting you with someone else who’s a better fit.
We care more about doing right by people than just closing deals.
You’ve Got Options
Selling a vacant house might sound stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With a solid plan, honest pricing, and the right help, you can sell your Ontario property quickly and move on with peace of mind.
Whether you go the traditional route or prefer a quick cash deal, what matters most is finding the solution that works for your situation.
And if you’re feeling stuck?
Bloom Homes is just one click away.