Building a home can be an exciting yet challenging endeavour, especially when it comes to securing the necessary funds. For owner builders, leveraging home equity can be an effective way to finance their building projects. By using the equity in their current property, owner builders can access the funds needed to cover construction costs without the constraints of traditional loans. In this blog, we’ll explore how owner builders can use home equity, the benefits of this approach, and how Funding’s building loans can support their projects.
Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. It represents the portion of your home that you truly own.
To calculate your home equity, use the following formula:Home Equity=Current Market Value of Home−Outstanding Mortgage BalanceHome Equity=Current Market Value of Home−Outstanding Mortgage Balance
For example, if your home is valued at $800,000 and you owe $300,000 on your mortgage, your equity is $500,000.
Leveraging home equity can provide owner builders with the funds needed to finance their building projects. There are several ways to access your home equity, each with its own benefits and considerations.
A home equity loan allows you to borrow a lump sum against the equity in your home. This loan typically has a fixed interest rate and repayment term, making it suitable for large, one-off expenses such as building a home.
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your home. You can draw on this line of credit as needed, up to a predetermined limit, and repay it over time. HELOCs usually have variable interest rates.
A cash-out refinance involves refinancing your existing mortgage for more than you owe and taking the difference in cash. This option can provide a large sum of money for building projects.
For owner builders, using home equity offers several advantages that can make financing their building projects more manageable and cost-effective.
Using home equity provides quick access to the necessary funds to finance building projects. This is crucial for owner builders who need to cover construction costs, purchase materials, and pay for labour.
The flexibility of home equity loans and HELOCs allows owner builders to manage their cash flow effectively and finance their projects as needed. This ensures that they can complete their projects without financial strain.
Home equity loans and HELOCs often have lower interest rates compared to other types of loans, making them a cost-effective financing option for owner builders.
Interest payments on home equity loans and HELOCs may be tax-deductible, providing additional financial benefits for owner builders.
At Funding, we understand the unique challenges faced by owner builders. Our building loan solutions are designed to provide the flexibility and support needed to navigate these projects efficiently.
Understanding how Funding’s building loans work can help owner builders effectively utilise this tool to finance their projects and enhance their financial position.
The first step is to apply for a building loan through Funding. Owner builders need to provide details about their current property, the building project, and their financial situation.
Once the application is submitted, Funding will review it and provide an approval decision, typically within 48 hours. We assess the client’s eligibility based on factors such as credit history, property value, and the specifics of the building project.
Upon approval, the funds are disbursed in stages, corresponding to the progress of the building project. This ensures that owner builders have access to the necessary funds at each stage of construction.
As the building project progresses, owner builders can draw on their loan as needed to cover construction costs. Once the project is complete, they can transition to a permanent mortgage or repay the loan through the sale of their existing property.
Consider the example of Mark and Lisa, owner builders in Brisbane who decided to build their dream home. They needed funds to cover the construction costs and chose to leverage the equity in their current home.
Mark and Lisa applied for a home equity loan from Funding. With the loan approval and disbursement process completed within a week, they secured the funds needed to start their building project. The loan provided them with the necessary capital to purchase materials, pay for labour, and cover other construction expenses.
As their building project progressed, Mark and Lisa were able to draw on their loan as needed, ensuring that they could complete their dream home without financial strain. Once the project was finished, they transitioned to a permanent mortgage, allowing them to enjoy their new home with a manageable repayment plan.
Using home equity is a smart and effective way for owner builders to finance their building projects. By leveraging the equity in their current property, owner builders can access the funds needed to cover construction costs, manage cash flow, and complete their projects efficiently. If you’re an owner builder looking to enhance your building project, leveraging home equity financing from Funding can help you achieve your goals.
To learn more about how home equity financing can support your building project, visit our Building Loans page and explore our comprehensive loan solutions.
For additional resources and information on home equity financing and building projects, explore these helpful links:
By utilising the right financial tools and strategies, owner builders can navigate the complexities of building projects with confidence and ease, ensuring successful and profitable outcomes.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is never intended as financial advice. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up-to-date, it may not reflect the most current legal or financial developments. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions. Use the information at your own risk.
