Is it better to extend a mortgage or a new mortgage for a second home?

Remortgage to buy for rent

Accessing your loan principal is easy. With a simple mortgage refinance, you can be closer to buying a second home. Using the equity from an investment property to buy a home also works in much the same way. The equity in your home or investment property can be used as a deposit on a second property, while your current property becomes collateral for the new debt. Using equity allows you to purchase a second property without the need for a cash deposit.

When the value of your home increases, the equity does too. A home's value can increase due to principal growth or dedicated mortgage payments. You can also increase the value of your home by doing renovations (although you'll have to factor in the costs of materials and labor to do so).

You only pay interest on what you spend. You can request a principal release, but if you're not ready to use the funds right now, make sure you have an offsetting subaccount so you don't pay interest on the loan increase until you use the funds.

If you take out a lump sum, you'll pay interest on the entire amount. With a line of credit, you only pay interest on the amount used, but you might be tempted to access this money for unnecessary luxuries.

Can I take out a loan against my house to buy another property?

Typically, interest rates on investment properties are between 0,5% and 0,75% higher than market rates. In the case of a second home or a vacation home, they are only slightly higher than the interest rate that would apply to a main home.

Of course, mortgage rates for investment properties and second homes continue to depend on the same factors as primary home mortgage rates. Yours will vary based on the market, your income, your credit score, your location, and other factors.

Lenders expect a vacation home or second home to be used by you, your family, and your friends for at least part of the year. However, you are often allowed to earn rental income from the home when you are not using it. Rental income guidelines vary by lender.

Buying a second home or vacation home requires a higher credit score, typically in the 640 or higher range. Lenders will also be looking for less debt and more affordability, meaning a tighter debt-to-income ratio. Good reserves (additional funds after closing) also help a lot.

Mortgage rates are significantly higher for investment properties. Often the interest rate will be 0,5% to 0,75% higher for an investment property than it would be if you were buying the same home as your primary residence.

Buy a second property to live

There are many reasons why you may need access to a large amount of money. Maybe you're thinking of going back to school, or need to consolidate high credit card balances. Or maybe you want to do some home repairs?

Although Rocket Mortgage® does not originate second mortgages, we'll explain what you need to know about second mortgages and how they work. We'll also walk you through some financing alternatives, like a personal loan or cash-out refinancing, that might be better options for you.

In other words, your lender has the right to take control of your home if you default on the loan. When a second mortgage is contracted, a lien is established on the part of the house that has been paid for.

Unlike other types of loans, like car or student loans, you can use the money from your second mortgage for almost anything. Second mortgages also offer much lower interest rates than credit cards. This difference makes them an attractive option for paying off credit card debt.

Mortgage calculator for the purchase of a second home

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We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, and allowing you to conduct research and compare information for free, so you can make financial decisions with confidence.