Equity Take-Out
Learn what an equity take-out is in Canadian real estate, how it works, and how homeowners use it to borrow against property value for cash.
May 22, 2025
What is an Equity Take-Out?
An equity take-out is a financial strategy in which a homeowner borrows against the built-up equity in their property, often by refinancing or securing a home equity loan.
Why an Equity Take-Out Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, equity take-outs are used to access cash for renovations, investments, education, or debt consolidation.
Common equity take-out methods include:- Refinancing the mortgage
- Applying for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
- Obtaining a second mortgage
Lenders calculate the maximum amount that can be borrowed based on the property's current market value and outstanding mortgage balance. Most institutions allow borrowing up to 80% of the property’s appraised value.
Understanding equity take-outs helps homeowners unlock capital from their property without selling, while managing risks and repayment responsibilities.
Example of an Equity Take-Out in Action
A homeowner with $300,000 in equity refinances their mortgage to take out $75,000 for a major renovation project.
Key Takeaways
- Accesses property equity as cash.
- Used for major purchases or debt repayment.
- Often involves refinancing or HELOCs.
- Subject to appraisal and lender limits.
- Increases overall mortgage balance.
Related Terms
- Home Equity
- Refinance
- HELOC
- Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)
- Second Mortgage


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
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Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
