Find the best HELOC mortgage rate in Canada

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow the equity in your home at a much lower interest rate than a traditional line of credit. By taking out a mortgage with a HELOC feature, you’ll have access to a pre-approved amount of cash within your mortgage. When you use the money from a HELOC, you’ll have to pay the interest on it on top of your regular mortgage payments. HELOCs come with variable rates that are usually higher than those for regular variable-rate mortgages. 

A home equity line of credit is one of the best ways to access the equity you’ve built up in your home, and a low-cost alternative to other lines of credit like credit cards or personal loans. However, it’s important to know some details about HELOCs before you decide to take one out.

Here's everything you need to know about getting a HELOC in Canada. When you're ready, use the tools at the top of this page to receive personalized quotes from multiple providers.

April 2025: Mortgage market update

The Canadian housing market had a slow start to 2025, as tariff concerns and economic uncertainty weighed on buyer confidence. While mortgage rates have fallen following the Bank of Canada’s seventh consecutive rate cut, home sales dropped sharply in February.

Variable and fixed mortgage rates have continued to fall, and with further rate cuts expected, borrowing costs could ease even more in the months ahead.

Anyone shopping for a mortgage rate in Canada right now should be aware of the economic factors below.

• CPI update- In March 2025, Canada’s inflation rate slowed to 2.3% year-over-year, down from 2.6% in February, surprising analysts. This drop came despite the end of the winter GST tax holiday, which had temporarily reduced prices on food, alcohol, and children’s items. Lower gas and travel costs played a significant role in the CPI's decline. Gasoline prices fell by 1.6%, while air travel costs dropped 12% year-over-year, and travel tour prices decreased by 4.7%. On the flip side, food prices continued to rise, with grocery store and restaurant costs each up by 3.2%. If food prices were excluded, the CPI would have been closer to 2.1%. Shelter costs grew moderately by 3.9%, largely due to a 7.9% increase in mortgage interest costs, which was lower than the 9% rise in February and the 10.2% increase in January. This decrease reflects the effect of the Bank of Canada’s interest rate cuts, offering some relief to borrowers. Rent prices increased by 5.1%, continuing their upward trend.

Read more- March CPI comes in surprisingly low at 2.3%

• Real estate update: The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported that home sales hit a 16-year low in March 2025, with only 39,202 homes changing hands. This marked a 9.3% decrease compared to March 2024, and a 4.3% drop from February. CREA’s Senior Economist, Shaun Cathcart, attributed this drop to persistent tariff fears and cautioned that the full economic effects of the trade conflict have yet to unfold. As a result of cooling sales, home prices have dipped slightly by 3.7% year-over-year to reach $678,331, but there has not yet been a major correction. On the supply side, inventory has been rising, leading to more balanced market conditions. In March, 86,953 new listings were recorded, a 13.1% increase from the previous year. This high-supply and low-demand market condition resulted in a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 45.9%, the lowest level since February 2009. CREA considers a ratio between 45% - 65% as an indicator of a balanced market, where buyer competition is not overly intense. However, regional variations persist, with certain high-demand areas still experiencing seller-friendly conditions.

Read more: Canadian March home sales fall to 16-year low as tariff fears persist

Canada's housing market outlook for 2025

CREA has updated its housing market forecasts for 2025 and 2026, revising earlier expectations due to the ongoing economic uncertainties stemming from potential trade disruptions. This update marks the most substantial revision between quarterly forecasts since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. For 2025, CREA now projects that 482,673 residential properties will be sold, showing no significant change compared to 2024. This forecast is a sharp revision down from the previously expected 8.6% growth. The national average home price is forecast to decrease slightly by 0.3%, to $687,898, about $30,000 lower than initially predicted. For 2026, CREA forecasts a modest 2.9% increase in home sales, with an expected total of 496,487 properties sold. However, this still falls short of the 500,000 unit mark for the fourth consecutive year. The national average home price is projected to rise by 1.2%, reaching $696,074 in 2026. Due to continued economic uncertainties and fluctuating interest rates, CREA’s forecasts remain highly tentative.

April 16, 2025: Highlights from the Bank of Canada announcement

On April 16, 2025, the Bank of Canada (BoC) opted to maintain its benchmark Overnight Lending Rate at 2.75%, bringing an end to what would have been its eighth consecutive rate cut. This decision was driven by inflationary pressures and ongoing global trade uncertainty, particularly related to tariffs.

• The Bank’s decision to hold rates steady came as inflation, which slowed to 2.3% in March, remains above the BoC’s 2% target. The BoC indicated that the need to control inflation while ensuring economic stability prompted the hold.
• As a result of this decision, the prime rate at most Canadian lenders will remain at 4.95%, which means variable-rate mortgage holders and borrowers with other variable-rate financial products (such as HELOCs and personal loans) will see no change to their rates. The lowest variable mortgage rate available remains at 3.95%.
• For fixed mortgage rates, which are influenced by government bond yields, there has been some fluctuations, as bonds fell to the 2.5% range in early April, only to rebound back to aroud 2.7%. As a result of that early dip, the lowest available five-year insured fixed mortgage rate is now 3.79% (3.74% in Quebec), a level not seen in recent years, but upward pressure could resume on fixed rates
• Savers holding high-interest savings accounts (HISAs) and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) will continue to see stable returns as the rate hold ensures no changes to their returns.
• The BoC’s outlook remains uncertain, as global trade tensions and inflation continue to create challenges for forecasting. Future rate decisions will depend on how trade disruptions, inflation, and other global factors evolve in the months to come.

How U.S. tariffs are impacting the Canadian mortgage market

On April 2, 2025, after over two months of uncertainty, the U.S. released details about its tariff strategy. While Canada was exempt from the U.S.'s new 50% reciprocal tariffs imposed on other countries, it still faces a 25% tariff on non-CUSMA imports, as well as additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, and foreign cars and parts.

The tariff announcements have caused significant turmoil in global markets. U.S. stock indices saw sharp declines, and bond yields dropped, including a notable fall in Canada’s 5-year government bond yield, which reached 2.488% as of April 3, 2025. As a result, mortgage rates have declined, with insured mortgages now available at rates as low as 3.74% and uninsured mortgages at 3.99%. This presents an opportunity for borrowers to secure better borrowing costs.

While economists earlier expected the Bank of Canada (BoC) to cut rates further, the Bank may now decide to hold interest rates steady, opting for caution in the face of global uncertainty. The BoC is continuing to closely monitor the economic situation and will adjust its policy if necessary.

The impact of these tariffs is also being felt in the Canadian housing market, with a significant slowdown in buyer activity. February 2025 saw a 10.4% drop in home sales compared to the previous year. Both homebuyers and sellers are facing a more cautious real estate environment as the situation continues to unfold.

Also read: How could 25% US tariffs impact Canadian mortgage rates?

Canadian mortgage reform update

On September 16, 2024, the federal government announced sweeping changes to mortgage qualification rules for first-time home buyers, as well as those purchasing newly-constructed homes.

As of December 15, 2024:

• 30-year amortizations will be available for all first-time home buyers, regardless of whether they have an insured mortgage. These extended amortizations are also available for any purchase of new construction.
  
  
• The maximum purchase price for an insured mortgage (where less than 20% down is paid) will be increased to $1.5 million, from the current $1 million.
  

These are some of the most impactful mortgage reforms announced since 2012, and are anticipated to increase first-time home buyers’ affordability and access to the housing market. 

Learn more about these new mortgage rule changes on the Ratehub.ca blog

Home equity line of credit (HELOC) features

All home equity lines of credit are different, so it's important to consider the features of any HELOC that you’re considering taking out. Below are some of the features that can differ between different HELOC products: 

• Minimum and maximum amounts: The minimum amount of a HELOC varies from bank to bank, and some institutions may not offer the product at all. The maximum HELOC amount is calculated as 65% loan-to-value of your home, as shown in the sample calculations below.
• Revolving balance: HELOCs are described as having a revolving balance, because borrowing multiple times within the account for any amount up to the allowable credit limit does not require writing a new loan document. The credit limit can also be increased as the equity in your home grows if your HELOC is combined with your mortgage (see the following section, Types of HELOCs, for more details).
• Sub-divide lines: It is sometimes possible to divide up your HELOC into smaller portions through different sub-accounts. An example of where this may be used is if you wanted to draw out equity to invest in the stock market. In this case, the interest you pay on borrowed money is tax-deductible, so having a separate account makes it easier to track the money.
• Option to convert to fixed: You can sometimes convert a portion of your outstanding borrowed HELOC funds to a fixed rate, which you will then pay like a standard mortgage.
• Second position HELOC: This means that you can hold your mortgage with one bank and get a HELOC with another bank. A HELOC is not necessarily a “second mortgage". A "first" or "second" mortgage is used to refer to the loan's claim position. A HELOC is often second position because there is another mortgage on the property at the time. However, it is possible to have a HELOC in first position. HELOCs usually have higher interest rates because it is assumed that they will be in second position and, as a result, are riskier to the lender. In the case of you defaulting, the lender in second position is not repaid until the first position lender is. 

Types of home equity line of credit (HELOC)

Home equity line of credit (HELOC) combined with a mortgage

This product, sometimes called a readvanceable mortgage, is offered by most major financial institutions in Canada. It is a combination of a HELOC and a fixed-rate mortgage. Some of the key features of this type of HELOC are: 

• You typically do not have fixed repayment amounts on your HELOC - you only have to pay interest on the money you’ve used. 
• You will have to pay regular, fixed payments on your mortgage as stipulated in your contract. 
• The credit limit on your HELOC is up to 65% of your home’s market value. As you build equity in your home by paying off the principal, the credit limit will increase proportionately. 

Stand-alone home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A stand-alone HELOC is not related to your mortgage; it’s simply a revolving line of credit guaranteed by your home. Key features of a stand-alone HELOC include: 

• The credit limit can be up to 65% of your home’s market value
• Unlike a HELOC combined with a mortgage, the credit limit of a stand-alone HELOC does not increase as you pay off the principal of the loan.

 

How do you qualify for a home equity line of credit (HELOC)? 

Among the most attractive features of a HELOC is that you only have to qualify and be approved for a HELOC once. Then, you can use the funds in your HELOC any time you choose. In order to qualify, you’ll need the following: 

•  A minimum down payment or equity in your home of at least 20%
• A good credit score – You would need a credit score of at least 680 to qualify for the best rates, and at least 600 to qualify at all for a HELOC from a regular lender (as opposed to a sub-prime lender, who will charge higher rates)
• Proof of income – You’ll need to demonstrate proof of income in the form of pay stubs and/or tax documents such as your Notice of Assessment
• An acceptable debt-to-income ratio – This varies from lender to lender, but the general range is 40-50%. 
• Proof that you own your home 
• All necessary mortgage details, including the balance, term and amortization period
  

In addition to the above, you’ll also need to pass a stress test, much like you would when trying to obtain a mortgage. You’ll be stress tested at either the qualifying rate of 5.25% set by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), or your contract rate + 2%, whichever is higher.

 

What are the pros and cons of a home equity line of credit (HELOC)?

Like any financial product, a HELOC comes with both pros and cons, some of the most important of which are laid out below.

Pros:

• Relatively easy access to a large amount of credit
• Lower interest rates than other types of credit, such as credit cards
• You only pay interest on the amount that you actually use (not the entire amount available to you)
• You can pay back the entire balance at any time without incurring a pre-payment penalty fee
• It’s a flexible line of credit with no set repayment schedule 

Cons: 

• You have to be disciplined in terms of repaying the loan, because there is no set repayment schedule – otherwise you could find yourself in a lot of debt for a long time
• A HELOC has a variable interest rate, meaning that it fluctuates along with your lender’s prime rate; should the Bank of Canada choose to raise the target for the overnight rate, your HELOC interest rate will rise accordingly
• You may not be able to switch your mortgage to another lender unless you have paid your HELOC off in full
• If you are unable to make payments on your HELOC even after negotiating with your lender, since it is a loan guaranteed by your home, your lender can take possession of your home

 

Tips to consider before getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC)

Because of the flexibility of a HELOC, you need to be disciplined about how you handle the money you can access through this product. To avoid getting into trouble down the road, it’s helpful to consider the following before getting a HELOC. 

• Do you really need a HELOC? You might be able to achieve your goals by being more economical and building up your savings. 
• Do you have a clear plan of how you intend to use the credit you’ll be able to access with a HELOC?
• Do you have a budget for how you intend to use the money you can access with a HELOC? This will help you determine the credit limit that you actually need. 
• Have you shopped around for the right lender? Have you negotiated to make sure you are getting the product that you want? 
• Have you made a repayment plan? As mentioned, the flexibility of a HELOC can get you into trouble if you aren’t careful.
  
  

Transferring your home equity line of credit (HELOC)

At the end of your mortgage term, when you are getting ready to renew, you may want to go with a different mortgage provider, in which case you would want to transfer your mortgage and your HELOC. Not all lenders will allow you to switch without paying off your HELOC – you’ll want to review your contract and consult with your lender to see if this is an option for you.

If you are allowed to transfer your HELOC, you’ll almost certainly have to pay a number of legal and administrative fees. These will vary from lender to lender.

 

Is a home equity line of credit (HELOC) right for you? 

As with any other major financial decision, before you take out a HELOC, think about your financial needs and your current situation. A HELOC is a great option if you want flexibility and think you may be able to pay it off early. For example, if you're obtaining a HELOC to perform renovations on your home prior to selling it, the value added to your home outweighs the amount you will have to pay in interest on the HELOC.

Because of its flexibility and low monthly payments, a HELOC may be a better choice than a conventional loan in some situations. For example, for many parents in Canada, obtaining a HELOC is a useful vehicle to assist their children in making a down payment on a first home.

If you're unsure as to whether getting a HELOC is the right choice for you, it helps to speak with a mortgage broker, who can give you expert, personalized advice for free. 

 

How much home equity line of credit (HELOC) can I get?

How to calculate your maximum home equity line of credit

As per the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), a HELOC can give you access to no more than 65% of the value of your home. It's also important to remember that your mortgage loan balance + your HELOC cannot equal more than 80% of your home's value. 

To see how this works, let's look at an example:

Case study: Henry's HELOC

• Home value: $600,000
• Mortgage balance: $300,000

The first step is to calculate the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. To do this, Henry needs to multiply his home value by 80%, in keeping with the guidelines mentioned above. So, in this example, it would be: 

$600,000 (home value) x 0.8 (80%) = $480,000 (maximum LTV amount)

The next step is to calculate the maximum amount of equity Henry can pull from his home. To do that, Henry needs to subtract his mortgage balance from the maximum LTV amount that he just calculated above. So here, it would be: 

$480,000 (maximum LTV amount) - $300,000 (mortgage balance) = $180,000 (maximum allowable HELOC)

Finally, Henry wants to make sure that $180,000 doesn't exceed 65% of his home's value, per OSFI's guidelines. For this last calculation, he simply has to divide the HELOC amount by the value of his home: 

$180,000 (maximum allowable HELOC) ÷ $600,000 (home value) = 0.3 (30%)

In this example, Henry can access $180,000 through a HELOC, as it only equals 30% of his home's value and is thus well under the 65% maximum allowable amount permitted by OSFI. 

Comparing home equity line of credit (HELOC) products

As well as the rate of a HELOC, you'll also need to consider the features of any product you're considering. You can compare the different HELOC products in the chart below to find one that suits your needs. Please note that while we have only included a selection of HELOC products offered by the Big Banks, many other lenders offer HELOCs as well. Make sure to shop around to obtain the best rate on your HELOC. A description of the compared features can be found under the table.

References:

1. Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

For more information, check out these helpful pages:

• Best Mortgage Rates in Canada
• 5-Year Variable Mortgage Rates
• 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
• How to Choose Between a Refinance, a HELOC and a Second Mortgage
• Variable or Fixed Mortgage Rates
• Mortgage Stress Test: Everything You Need to Know
• The Bank of Mom and Dad and Your Down Payment