Are you considering buying your first investment property? It’s an exciting and potentially lucrative venture, but it’s not without challenges. However, you have a great start if you already own a home.
Many prospective investors in Canada are unaware that they can leverage the equity of their primary residence to finance the buying of their first investment property. Home equity can be a powerful tool, providing the funding needed to break into the real estate market and generate passive income.
This blog will guide you through using your home equity to buy your first investment property.
What is Home Equity?
Let’s start with the basics first. Home equity is the portion of your home’s value that you own outright, calculated by subtracting your mortgage balance from the market value of your property. For instance, if your home is valued at $700,000 and you owe $300,000 on your mortgage, your equity is $400,000. This equity can be tapped into for various purposes, including buying your first investment property.
Ways to Access Your Home Equity
There are several ways to access your home equity in Canada:
Home Equity Loan This option allows you to borrow a lump sum against your equity, which you repay with fixed monthly payments over a set term. It’s similar to a second mortgage and typically has a fixed interest rate.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A HELOC provides more flexibility, functioning like a credit card. You can access 65-80% of your home’s value and draw funds as needed up to a certain limit. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow. HELOCs have variable interest rates.
Refinancing Your Mortgage: This involves refinancing your existing mortgage into a new, larger loan. You receive the difference between the old and new mortgage amounts in cash, which can be used to purchase an investment property. This option can be beneficial if current interest rates are lower than your existing mortgage rate.
Steps to Use Home Equity for Buying Your First Investment Property
Assess Your Equity
Start by determining your home’s equity. Contact a real estate professional for a market valuation, and check your latest mortgage statement to find out your remaining loan balance.
Evaluate Your Financial Situation
Consider your overall financial health. Ensure that your income is stable and sufficient to cover the additional mortgage payments on your investment property. It’s also wise to have a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Choose the Right Financing Option
Decide which method of accessing your home equity suits your needs best. A home equity loan might be the way to go if you prefer predictable payments. If you need flexibility, a HELOC could be more suitable. If current mortgage rates are favourable, consider refinancing your mortgage.
Get Pre-Approved
Before shopping for an investment property, get pre-approved for your home equity loan, HELOC, or mortgage refinance. This step will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer.
Find the Right Investment Property
Research potential investment properties thoroughly. Look for properties in desirable locations with strong rental demand. Consider property condition, potential rental income, and long-term appreciation prospects.
Calculate Your Returns
Perform a detailed financial analysis to estimate your potential returns. Factor in all expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees. Compare these costs against the expected rental income to ensure the investment is viable.
Make the Purchase
Once you’ve found a suitable property and secured your financing, proceed with the purchase. To make the buying process smooth, work with a real estate agent experienced in investment properties.
Benefits of Using Home Equity for Investments
Leveraging home equity to buy your first investment property offers several advantages:
- Access to Capital: Home equity provides a substantial source of funds without the need to liquidate other investments or save up over time.
- Potential for High Returns: Real estate investments can yield significant returns through rental income and property appreciation.
- Diversification: Adding real estate to your investment portfolio can diversify your assets and reduce risk.
- Tax Benefits: Investment properties may offer tax deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and other expenses.
Risks and Considerations
- Market Fluctuations: Real estate markets can be volatile, and property values can decline.
- Increased Debt: Borrowing against your home increases your debt load, which could be risky if your financial situation changes.
- Property Management: Owning rental property involves responsibilities such as maintenance and tenant management, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Considering Buying Your First Investment Property? We Can Help
Using home equity to buy your first investment property can be a smart strategy to enter the real estate market and build wealth. By understanding your home equity options, carefully assessing your financial situation, and choosing the right property, you can make a sound investment that pays dividends for years to come.
At HW Advantage, it’s our job to pay attention to the market trends. We also have relationships with over 35 qualified lenders at HW Advantage, giving us various options to find you the lowest mortgage rates in Ontario possible. We pride ourselves on providing flexible mortgage options — including bad credit mortgages — for communities in the Burlington and Oakville area.
HW Advantage can help you land the home of your dreams. Ready to see how we can help? Contact us today or apply directly for a mortgage online