HELOC in Ontario Use your home equity.

A HELOC turns your home equity into a revolving credit line you can use for renovations, debt consolidation, investments, or life.

Google5.0 on Google
Step 1 of 3

Where are you at right now?

No obligation

Current rates

Current HELOC rates in Ontario

Bank HELOC

Up to 65% LTV

5.20% per year

  • Bank guidelines apply: income, credit and stress-test rules
  • Variable rate that moves when prime changes
  • Revolving access: draw, repay and redraw
Get My Options

Private, 1st position

Up to 65% LTV

7.50% per year

  • Revolving access: draw what you need, repay and redraw
  • Equity is the main qualifier, alongside the property and your file
  • Lender fees and broker fees, where they apply, are disclosed in writing before you commit.
Get My Options

Private, 2nd position

Up to 75% combined LTV

10% per year

  • Sits behind your existing first mortgage, which stays in place
  • Priced above a 1st-position loan because the lender ranks second
  • Lender fees and broker fees, where they apply, are disclosed in writing before you commit.
Get My Options
The Process

How a HELOC works, step by step

01

Check your equity

We work out how much your home is worth and what you owe.

02

Talk through your goals and credit

We look at what you need the money for and how your credit looks today.

03

Compare lenders

We compare options across 50+ lenders and explain each in plain English.

04

Appraisal and legal

The lender values your home and a lawyer registers the line. Timing varies by lender.

05

Activate your line

Draw what you need, repay, and use it again within your limit.

How Canadians Use HELOCs

Eight ways homeowners use their equity

01

Home Renovations

Draw funds as the project moves along and pay interest on what you have drawn.

02

Debt Consolidation

Replace several higher-interest balances with one line. Compare the total cost before you decide.

03

Investment Property Down Payment

Use equity in your home toward the down payment on a rental property.

04

Education Financing

Cover tuition and living costs in stages instead of a lump sum.

05

Emergency Reserve

Keep a line open for the unexpected and use it if you need to.

06

Readvanceable Mortgage

Combine a mortgage and a line of credit so your available credit can grow as you pay down the mortgage.

07

Business Cash Flow

Owners sometimes use home equity to smooth out uneven income. We help you weigh the trade-offs.

08

Big Life Costs

Weddings, family support, a vehicle or a move. Borrow what you need, when you need it.

5.0 on Google

GoogleVerified reviews

50+

Lenders compared

Up to 65%

Bank HELOC of your home's value

FSRA #13763

Licensed brokerage

Mortgage broker reviewing documents with a client
The Basics

What is a HELOC

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit facility secured against your home. Unlike a traditional loan, you borrow only what you need, when you need it, and pay interest on the amount drawn.

You'll be talking to

Tissa Ratnayake, licensed lendsimpl mortgage brokerTissa RatnayakeLicensed Mortgage Broker
Anne Xavier, licensed lendsimpl mortgage brokerAnne XavierLicensed Mortgage Broker

Not a call centre, real people, individually FSRA-licensed.

FSRA licensed. Full disclosure.

FSRA Licensed #13763

lendsimpl is licensed and regulated by FSRA (Brokerage #13763), required to disclose fully and act in your interest.

Full fee disclosure

Any fee that applies to your file is disclosed in writing before you commit.

Your data stays private

Your information is handled in confidence and shared with the lenders relevant to your file.

Client reviews

Homeowners who trusted lendsimpl

Google5.0/5 average rating on Google

“Damien Atapattu made my mortgage process completely stress‑free. He prepared all documents ahead of time and clearly understands lender, lawyer, and appraisal requirements. A friendly, energetic professional who gets results.”

A

Aruna Bandaranayake

Google review · 6 mo ago

“Highly recommend! Damien took a lot of time to explain the terms thoroughly. He is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Looking forward to working with him again!”

T

Tommy Ravindran

Google review · 7 mo ago

“Shamal was amazing throughout the whole process. He is very helpful, knowledgeable and patient. If you need a good reliable mortgage broker he is the guy! He will find you the best solution.”

A

Avy Loc

Google review · 8 mo ago

“Highly recommend. Damien was excellent throughout everything. Walking us through everything step by step. He was extremely well prepared and well versed in everything we needed to get a mortgage at a great rate.”

J

John Abraham

Google review · 8 mo ago

“I had a great experience working with Damien. He helped me secure a very competitive mortgage rate through Scotiabank and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. He was knowledgeable, transparent, and always quick to respond to my questions. I highly recommend him.”

R

Rz

Google review · 8 mo ago

“I approached lendsimpl for some financing and was amazed at the quality and time frame of service. Within a matter of days my deal was completed. Thanks to Damien and the team for expediting my business so efficiently. I highly recommend them for your financing needs. Five stars from us.”

S

Sunrise Meadows

Google review · 11 mo ago

The Basics

HELOC features at a glance

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit facility secured against your home. Unlike a traditional loan, you borrow only what you need, when you need it, and pay interest on the amount drawn.

How much you can access depends on your lender type (bank vs. private) and your existing mortgage balance. See current rates and limits below for exact figures.

  • Revolving: draw, repay, redraw as needed
  • Interest is charged on the amount you have drawn
  • Variable rate tied to the prime rate
  • You can usually repay the drawn balance at any time without a prepayment penalty on the revolving portion
  • Can be combined with your mortgage (readvanceable)

Lenders can change or reduce a HELOC limit, and the rate is usually variable, so it moves when prime changes.

How it compares

HelocLoan
AccessDraw anytimeLump sum only
InterestOn drawn amountOn full balance
Rate typeVariable (prime+)Fixed or variable
RepaymentFlexible, revolvingFixed schedule
Reuse fundsYes, revolvingNo, one-time
Prepay penaltyUsually none on the revolving portionPossible

Not sure which is right for you?

Make the Right Call

HELOC vs Refinance: which is right for you?

Both access your equity, but serve different goals. Here is how they compare.

FactorHELOCRefinance
PurposeFlexible revolving accessLump sum, one-time draw
Rate typeVariable (prime+)Fixed or variable
Mortgage impactKeeps mortgage intactReplaces your mortgage
Penalty riskUsually none on the revolving portionBreak penalty if mid-term
Often suitsOngoing costs, investingOne-time payoff, rebuild
Cost to accessInterest on what you draw. Appraisal and legal costs may apply.Interest on the larger mortgage. A prepayment penalty may apply if you break early.
FlexibilityDraw and repay any timeFixed schedule

Want the full comparison? Read HELOC vs Refinance in Ontario.

Get My Options
Find Your Fit

Which HELOC profile matches you?

Every homeowner has different goals. Here is how a HELOC works for each profile.

Upgrading kitchen, bathrooms, or adding a suite

The Renovator

Draw funds in phases as each stage of the project is paid for.

Replacing high-interest credit card debt

The Consolidator

Replace higher-interest balances with one line and a clear repayment plan.

Down payment for a rental property

The Investor

Use equity toward a down payment on a rental. Rental income can help with repayment, but it is not guaranteed.

Emergency reserve

The Planner

Keep a line open with a zero balance for the unexpected, and use it if you need it.

Do You Qualify?

HELOC eligibility in Ontario

Lenders look at your equity, credit, income, property and title. Here is what they usually consider.

Equity

Bank HELOCs usually go up to 65% of your home's value, so you generally need at least 35% equity. Together with your mortgage, total borrowing can reach 80%. Private lenders set their own limits.

Credit

Stronger credit usually opens up bank HELOC options. If credit is a challenge, other lenders may look at your equity first.

Income and property

Salaried and self-employed borrowers can apply. Owner-occupied, secondary and rental properties may be considered.

Clear title

Lenders generally want clear title with no active power of sale.

Quick Eligibility Snapshot

Typical bank HELOC limitUp to 65% of your home's value
Rate typeVariable, usually prime plus a margin
QualifyingBanks and other regulated lenders usually qualify you at a higher rate than your contract rate
AppraisalUsually required
FeesAny fee that applies to your file is disclosed in writing before you commit.

HELOC mortgage brokerage in Ontario

Looking for a HELOC in a specific city? See our HELOC page for Toronto. Need a private HELOC or have credit challenges? See private HELOCs in Ontario. Comparing your options? Read the home equity guide.

HELOC FAQs for Ontario Homeowners

Answers to common questions about home equity lines of credit in Ontario, from our licensed mortgage brokers.

Have a question we didn't answer?

Tissa Ratnayake, lendsimpl mortgage broker
Anne Xavier, lendsimpl mortgage broker

Our licensed broker team is happy to help.

A home equity line of credit is a revolving credit line secured against your home. You are approved for a limit, draw what you need, pay interest on the amount drawn, and can repay and borrow again within the limit. The rate is variable and moves with prime. A lender can change or reduce a limit, so a HELOC works as flexible access to credit rather than a fixed loan.

Still have questions?

Talk to a licensed broker.

Get My Options
Ontario-wide service

HELOC services across Ontario.

TorontoMississaugaBramptonNorth YorkScarboroughEtobicokeVaughanMarkhamRichmond HillOakvilleBurlingtonHamiltonLondonKitchenerWaterlooCambridgeWindsorOshawaWhitbyAjaxPickeringBarrieKingstonGuelphSt. CatharinesSudburyThunder BayPeterboroughOttawaNewmarket

Important

Disclosures.

Rates & approvals

Last updated October 2026. Bank HELOCs: up to 65% LTV standalone (80% combined with an existing mortgage). Private HELOCs: up to 75% LTV standalone. Starting rates are indicative and vary by property, loan-to-value, credit and your file. Illustrative example, not an offer of credit. Broker and lender fees apply to private files and are disclosed in writing before you commit. lendsimpl Mortgage Brokerage, FSRA #13763.

Brokerage disclosure

lendsimpl is an FSRA-licensed mortgage brokerage (Brokerage #13763) serving Toronto and Ontario. Rates, lender terms and approval timelines vary by borrower profile and lender. Any fee that applies to your file is disclosed in writing before you commit.

HELOC · Ontario

Explore your home equity options

lendsimpl compares HELOC options across 50+ Ontario lenders. Professional advice and a personalized comparison.

L
lendsimpl
Licensed Ontario Mortgage Broker

HELOC

30 min appointmentPhone call

Hello: I look forward to connecting with you. Tell us a bit about your situation and we'll walk through your options.

Powered by the lendsimpl booking system · FSRA Brokerage #13763
Want your rate?
Get My Options