Service · Home equity & renovations
Home equity & renovation financing — put your equity to work
Renovate, add a rental suite, cover tuition, or invest — access the equity you’ve built, at mortgage rates instead of credit-card rates.
Quick answer: Home equity financing lets you borrow against the value you’ve built in your home — up to 80% of its value — for renovations, big expenses, or investments. Options include a refinance, a HELOC, or a second mortgage; the best choice depends on your rate, your goal, and how you want to repay.
Ways to access your equity
- Refinance — replace your mortgage with a larger one and take the difference in cash.
- HELOC — a revolving line you draw on as needed.
- Second mortgage — borrow behind your existing mortgage without breaking it.
Popular uses
- Renovations that add comfort and value (a record number of Canadians tap equity for this).
- Adding a rental or in-law suite to create income.
- Tuition, a wedding, or consolidating high-interest debt.
Access up to
80% of your home’s value
80% of your home’s value
Options
Refinance · HELOC · 2nd
Refinance · HELOC · 2nd
Rate
Far below credit cards
Far below credit cards
Best pick
Depends on your goal
Depends on your goal
AI-enabled FAQ
Home equity & renovations — your questions, answered
Real answers to the questions clients actually ask. Search or tap any question.
How much of my home equity can I access?
Generally up to 80% of your home’s appraised value, minus your current mortgage balance. The exact amount depends on the lender and your qualifying.
What’s the difference between a refinance, HELOC, and second mortgage?
A refinance replaces your mortgage; a HELOC is a revolving line you draw on; a second mortgage sits behind your existing one. Each suits different goals and rates.
Is using home equity for renovations a good idea?
It can be — renovating at a low mortgage rate is far cheaper than credit cards or unsecured loans, and quality renovations can add value. I’ll help you weigh the numbers.
Can I use equity to invest or buy another property?
Yes. Many clients tap equity for a down payment on an investment property or other investments.
Will accessing equity raise my payments?
Usually yes, since you’re borrowing more — but consolidating high-rate debt into it can still lower your total monthly outflow. We’ll model it.
Do I need great credit to access equity?
Prime lenders want solid credit, but equity-based private options exist if your credit or income is a challenge.
What are the costs?
Depending on the route, expect an appraisal, legal fees, and possibly a penalty to break your current mortgage. I’ll show these up front.
How do I choose the right option?
Book a free review — I’ll compare refinance vs. HELOC vs. second mortgage for your exact goal and numbers.
Related services
Put your equity to work
Tell me your goal and I’ll show you the cheapest way to fund it.
Your home equity is an asset
Let’s use it wisely — renovate, invest, or consolidate.
Request a call backGo deeper — the answer library
Most lenders go to about 80% of value in total — existing mortgage included. That’s a ceiling, not a promise.