Building Wealth: Turning Home Equity into an Investment Property

In today’s real estate market

Many homeowners are wondering how to grow their wealth without having to inject additional savings. One question often comes up:
Can you buy a multi-unit property (plex) with no cash down — using only the equity accumulated in your primary home?
The answer: yes, it’s possible — under certain conditions.

What is equity?

Equity represents the portion of your property that you truly own.
In other words, it’s the difference between your home’s current market value and the remaining balance on your mortgage.

For example:
If your home is worth $600,000 and you still owe $350,000, your equity is $250,000.
This amount isn’t liquid cash, but it can be used as leverage to finance a new real estate purchase.

Using equity to buy a multi-unit property

Financial institutions often allow you to use part of this equity as a down payment for a second property such as a duplex, triplex, or fourplex.
There are two main ways to do this:

1. Mortgage refinancing – You take out a new mortgage on your current home to access part of your equity.
   You can usually borrow up to 80% of the market value of your home, minus the existing loan balance.
   The withdrawn amount can then serve as the down payment for the plex.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – A more flexible option that lets you borrow against your equity as needed, without having to fully refinance your mortgage.

A concrete example

Let’s take a simple scenario:

• Current home value: $700,000

• Mortgage balance: $400,000

• Available equity: $300,000

The bank might allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s value — that’s $560,000.
This means you could withdraw $160,000 ($560,000 – $400,000) to invest in a plex and cover the down payment, notary fees, and possibly even part of the renovations.

Conditions to meet

Even if you don’t need liquid savings, the bank will evaluate several factors before approving your loan:

• Your borrowing capacity (income, debts, debt-to-income ratio).

• The market value and stability of your current property.

• The projected profitability of the plex (expected rental income vs. expenses).

In short, equity is a powerful lever, but it doesn’t replace solid financial health or a strong application.

Advantages of this strategy

• Little to no cash required.

• Leverage effect: your home helps you acquire a second income-generating asset.

• Wealth growth: rental income helps repay the mortgage while increasing your real estate portfolio’s value.

Risks to consider

• Higher total debt, which can impact your budget.

• The risk of a decline in property values, which could reduce your equity.

• Greater responsibility from managing tenants and property maintenance.

In conclusion

Buying a multi-unit property with no cash down, using only the equity from your primary home, is absolutely possible — and can be a powerful way to build long-term real estate wealth.

However, like any major financial decision, it requires careful analysis, along with guidance from an experienced mortgage broker and real estate broker to help you navigate each step.

For any questions regarding this article or for real estate advice in the Laval area, do not hesitate to contact your dedicated team of brokers. With their expertise and understanding of the real estate market, they are ready to assist you with all your transactions.

You can reach Martin Buisson, a certified real estate broker representing Royal LePage Partenaire, at (514) 909-2609 or by email at mbuisson@royallepage.ca. Martin is at your service to help you navigate through your real estate projects in Laval.

Additionally, Mariya Tarasova, a residential real estate broker with Royal LePage Partenaire, is also available to meet your needs. You can contact her at (514) 699-9304 or send an email to mtarasova@royallepage.ca.

For more information, visit their official website at www.buissontarasova.ca. They are ready to answer all your questions and offer personalized service for your real estate needs in Laval.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We look forward to helping you achieve your real estate dreams with the help of your trusted team.