Can you get a HELOC on a second home or vacation property?
Yes. Home equity lines are available on second homes and vacation properties as well as primary residences and rentals. Actual combined loan-to-value varies, with the program’s line range of $15,000 to $750,000. Because a second home is for your personal use, it may carry more favourable pricing or higher leverage than a pure investment property, provided you meet the 640 minimum credit floor (which rises to 680 for rentals).
THE NUMBERS
| Line amount | $15,000 – $750,000 (program’s range; your maximum depends on value, liens, credit and verified income) |
|---|---|
| Valuation | Automated valuation for eligible lines under $400,000 · appraisal above $400,000; confirm the exact threshold with the lender |
| Rate type | Fixed; variable where this program offers it (not in every state) |
| Terms | 5, 10, 15 or 30 years |
| Draw structure | 100% drawn at origination · repaid principal can be redrawn for 2–5 years, each redraw priced on its own date |
| Funding time | As few as 5 business days, on eligible lines, with remote online notary on lines under $400,000 |
| Origination fee | 0% – 4.99% of the initial draw, on eligible lines |
| Property use | Primary residence, second home and investment property; the lender confirms property-type eligibility |
| Combined LTV | Varies; 85% used only for illustrative equity arithmetic |
| Credit | Soft pull to see an offer · minimum generally 640, 680 on investment property |
| Ownership | Owners on title individually, jointly or in a revocable trust — not an LLC |
| Availability | Varies by state |
PROGRAM FACTS AS OF OCTOBER 2026 — not a quote, an offer or a commitment to lend. Rates, terms and eligibility are set by the lender and change.
What counts as a 'second home'?
A second home is a property you occupy for part of the year and do not rent out full-time. It must be suitable for year-round occupancy and stay under your control. Lenders view these as lower risk than investment properties because you have a personal connection to the home. If you rent the property out on Airbnb for most of the year, the lender will likely classify it as an investment property, which requires a higher credit score (680) and may have different pricing.
How much equity can I pull from a vacation home?
Actual combined loan-to-value varies; use 85% only as an illustrative calculation. In that illustrative scenario only, the first mortgage plus line equals no more than 85% of assumed value. For example, on a $500,000 vacation home with a $250,000 first mortgage, an 85% CLTV allows for a line up to $175,000. Your actual limit depends on your credit score and verified income.
Can I use a second-home HELOC to buy a rental?
Absolutely. Many investors use the equity locked in a vacation home to fund the down payment or the full purchase of their next rental property. Since the line funds in full at closing, you have cash ready to make competitive offers. The key is ensuring the new rental's cash flow (or your personal income) can comfortably cover the HELOC's fixed monthly payment.
Do I need to live in the same state as the second home?
No, but the property must be in a state where this program is available. Availability varies by state. The application and closing can often be done entirely online via remote notary, making it easy to manage a line on a property in a different time zone.
What are the property type restrictions?
This program supports second-home use, with personal-income verification and eligible ownership. Confirm property type, condition and title requirements directly with the lender.
Worked example — $400,000 vacation home, $200,000 first
| Vacation home value | $400,000 |
|---|---|
| Existing first mortgage | $200,000 |
| Illustrative 85% allowance | $340,000 |
| Line available | $140,000 |
| Credit floor (second home) | 640 |
ILLUSTRATIVE. Second home pricing is often more favourable than investment property pricing. Final terms are set by the lender.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Proof of occupancy — evidence that the home is a personal secondary residence.
- Mortgage statement — details of the first lien on the second home.
- Hazard insurance — current policy showing you as the insured.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
- Can I get a HELOC on a second home?
- Yes. This program accepts secondary residences with a 640 minimum credit score in most states.
- What is the max LTV for a vacation home?
- Varies; 85% is illustrative, not a confirmed program cap.
- Can I rent out my second home?
- If it is rented full-time, it is classified as an investment property (680 min FICO).
- Do I need to be present at the property to close?
- No. Most closings use remote online notary where permitted by the county.
RELATED
PART OF SILT ACADEMY → COURSE 10: USING HOME EQUITY · LESSON 10.9
Reviewed October 2026 · Home equity lines are offered through a lending partner; Silt Capital does not originate HELOCs. Terms and eligibility are set by the lender.