Vacation and Investment Properties

Jencor Mortgage    |   

Investment and Vacation Properties - Blog Image.png

So, you are looking to purchase a second property. Congratulations! This is a great opportunity for you to expand your financial portfolio and create stability for the future.

Before you launch into this purchase there are a few things you should know, depending on which type of second property you are looking to purchase.

SECOND PROPERTY WITH INTENTION TO RENT

Buying a property for the purpose of renting it out to someone else comes with different qualifying criteria and mortgage product options than traditional home purchases. Before you look at purchasing a rental property, consider:

  1. The minimum down payment required is 20% of the purchase price, and the funds must come from your own savings; you cannot use a gift from someone else.
  2. Only a portion of the rental income can be used to qualify and determine how much you can afford to borrow. Some lenders will only allow you to use 50% of the income added to yours, while other lenders may allow up to 80% of the rental income and subtract your expenses.
  3. Unlike a mortgage for a principal residence, interest rates usually have a premium when the mortgage is for a rental property. The premium can be anywhere from 0.10% to 0.20% on a regular 5-year fixed rate.

Rental income from the property can be used to debt service the mortgage application but bear in mind that some lenders will have a minimum liquid net worth requirement outside of the property. Also, if you do eventually want to sell this property it will be subject to capital gains tax. Your accountant will be able to help you with that aspect if you decide to sell in the future.

VACATION PROPERTY

While vacation properties are not always the perfect investment, they are popular options for people who want to get away from it all and build memories!

Cottages and vacation homes are classified as either Type A or Type B properties, which have different criteria.

Type A Cottage / Vacation Home Criteria

  • Must be intended for occupancy at some point during the year by the borrower or a relative on a rent-free basis (otherwise it is considered a rental)
  • Winterized home with year-round access
  • Potable running water, central heating, plumbing and electricity
  • Permanent foundation below frost line
  • Property needs to be readily marketable (easy to sell)
  • Floating homes are possible
  • Important: rental pool/timeshare properties are NOT eligible

Type B Cottages Criteria

  • Seasonal (summer road only) or boat access okay
  • Must have a kitchen, three-piece bathroom, bedroom, and a common area
  • Permanent heat source not required
  • Running water, but need not be potable
  • Toilet can be chemical, portable, or a holding tank
  • Sits on a foundation (concrete blocks or pilings)
  • Generally 850 sq ft or more
  • Off-grid power likely acceptable if a 50% down payment is made
  • Must be intended for occupancy at some point during the year by the borrower or a relative on a rent-free basis (otherwise it is considered a rental)
  • Cannot be used as your full-time home

Buying a Type A property is essentially like purchasing a second home with a minimum of 5% down. This type of property can be refinanced as long as 20% equity remains in the property.

Type-B properties require a 10% minimum down payment as a second home purchase with CMHC/Sagen mortgage loan insurance and cannot exceed a $350,000 sale price (although some exceptions are available on a case-by-case basis). Type-B properties generally have limited-to-no refinance options.

Interest rates for vacation properties might be 0.10-0.20% higher than a traditional mortgage because property is not ‘owner occupied’ year-round. It will depend on the lender.

If you are considering buying un-serviced land, know that this typically requires a 50% down payment, though closer to 25% is possible for prime locations (like a waterfront lot).

SECONDARY PROPERTY

Most people are trained to stay out of debt and don’t tend to consider using the equity in their home to buy an investment property, but they haven’t realized the art of leveraging. If you’re using equity from your primary residence to buy a secondary property, keep in mind that the interest you’re using is tax deductible. Consider that you’re buying an appreciating asset, and if you put a real estate portfolio and a stock portfolio side-by-side, they don’t compare.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to make six figures to get in the game. Essentially, you just have to be someone who wants to be a little smarter with their down payment. Before taking on a secondary property, remember that the minimum down payment is 5% of the purchase price – unless you are intending to rent, in which case it is 20% down.

When it comes to purchasing a secondary property, whether for investment or rental or vacation, it can be a great opportunity! Your Jencor mortgage broker can work on your behalf to find the best solution for your unique needs.

AIR BNB ON YOUR MIND?

More and more Canadians are hopping on the short-term rental train as Air BnB’s popularity has sky-rocketed over the last few years. It’s not a bad way to earn extra money, but don’t forget there are a few things to consider:

  • Check strata/city bylaws
  • Contact your insurance provider to get correct coverage
  • Talk to us to see if a short-term income property can affect your approval
  • Consider tax implications and talk to an accountant

The more services you provide as a host, the greater the chance that your rental operation will be considered a business. There are different requirements for commercial real estate financing that we can talk about.

Buying a second property can be simple with mortgage expertise on your side. Give us a call and let’s see how we can make your investment or vacation home happen!

Based on “Investment Properties” by Dominion Lending Centres Inc.

BACK