Downsizing to Sutton-by-the-Lake in Sutton West

About Sutton-by-the-Lake in Sutton West

The community website, at 26272 Park Road in Sutton West, calls Sutton-by-the-Lake an adult village and an adult park where children are welcome as guests. It says the village will have 320 homes when complete and that over 200 were occupied at the time the page was written, so treat the counts as undated. It adds that township by-laws permit only two permanent residents per home. Sutton West is in the Town of Georgina in York Region, and the site places Lake Simcoe just over a half mile from the village edge.

Homes and lots

The site describes conventional-style homes with garages and paved driveways, on lots with a minimum of 1,000 square metres and an average of 82 feet by 120 feet. It says homes are insulated, electrically heated and designed for easy installation of central air conditioning. These are marketing statements from a page that may predate newer homes, so ask for current inspection reports and the age of each system. Our guide to condo, townhouse or house compares the main housing choices.

Clubhouse and activities

The clubhouse is described as 4,500 square feet on about two and a quarter acres and overlooking the swimming pool. Activities include a billiard room, exercise classes, card games, social nights, movies, dinners and dances, with shuffleboard and tennis outdoors. The events page lists items such as an artisan market and line dancing. A homeowners association runs social events and a newsletter, with a small annual fee. Ask what is open year round and how the clubhouse is staffed.

The lot lease, park fee and rules

The site says you purchase your own home and the lot is leased to you on a 20-year renewable lease with a small yearly increase. The park fee is described as three items: the lot rental, taxes on your house and lot paid by the homeowner directly to the municipality, and a maintenance charge covering the clubhouse, driveway and main road snow plowing, and water. Part X of the Residential Tenancies Act applies to land lease communities, and the Landlord and Tenant Board publishes a brochure on land lease communities. Ask for the lease, the current lot rent, how increases are set and what happens at renewal and resale. Our guide to life lease and land lease homes explains the structure.

Getting around Sutton West

The community site places it just off Highway 48 on York Road 18 and describes the nearby villages of Sutton and Jackson's Point as a short distance away. We have not confirmed transit or drive times; check the Town of Georgina and York Region websites and test your regular trips.

Health care near Sutton-by-the-Lake

We have not confirmed which hospital serves this address. Check the Town of Georgina and York Region websites and the website of the nearest hospital for current services and hours, and ask about primary care before you move. For a longer look at how distance from services changes the decision, read aging in place or moving and getting around Ontario after 65.

Flooding, storms and insurance at Sutton-by-the-Lake

We have not mapped this address. Ask the local conservation authority whether the lot lies in a regulated area, and use the province's flood hazard mapping page as a starting point. Lake Simcoe is close, so ask the local conservation authority whether the lot is in a regulated area and ask the park about grading and drainage. Overland flooding and sewer backup are often optional coverage on a home policy, so confirm them with a broker before you commit. See flood and storm insurance when downsizing.

Taxes, costs and local government

The site says the homeowner pays the municipal tax on the house and lot directly; ask the Town of Georgina for a recent bill. A purchase of a home may trigger land transfer tax, which the buyer pays; read land transfer tax in Ontario and costs and money, and use the net proceeds calculator to see what your current home may leave you. Many municipalities publish a property tax deferral or relief programme for older homeowners; check the website of the Town of Georgina and York Region for what it offers today. A lawyer should review the agreement before you sign.

Questions to ask before you buy at Sutton-by-the-Lake

• May I see the 20-year lease and the terms of renewal?
• What is the current lot rent and how do increases work?
• What does the maintenance charge include?
• What is the process and cost when I sell, and who approves a buyer?
• How is the adult village rule written and applied?
• Which systems in the home have been replaced recently?

For a wider comparison, see our 55+ communities guide, the downsizing guide and condo, townhouse or house. If you would like to talk through a move, contact us.