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Read our collection of guides and articles about homebuying to help you on your mortgage journey.

![Second home vs Investment Property](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F1af699dbb3d04c589790f3da308c47e2)

 ## What You’ll Learn

<p class="learnfont">A second home is a property you buy to use primarily as a vacation space for part of the year.</p>

<p class="learnfont">An investment property is a home you buy when you want to earn rental income, and not use the property yourself.</p>

  <p class="learnfont">Mortgage requirements and tax treatments differ for second homes and investment properties, so you’ll need to decide how you plan to use the home in advance.</p>

  </div>
  <br><br>

Pursuing a real estate investment can be an exciting venture, even if this isn’t your first time going through the paces. But if you intend to get a mortgage, you’ll need to decide exactly how you’ll use the home — as a personal vacation spot or to generate income from rentals.

Second homes and investment properties each have home loan and tax requirements. So, here’s what you should know if you’re trying to decide which [property type](https://better.com/content/primary-residence-second-home-or-investment-property-whats-the-difference/) may be best for your goals. 

## What is considered a second home?
A [second home](https://better.com/content/buying-a-second-home/) is typically thought of as a vacation home, or one you intend to use on a part-time basis. A second home must meet the following criteria to qualify for a second home loan:

The property must be suitable for year-round occupancy, even if you only intend to use it for part of the year.

&#8226; The home must be a single-unit dwelling.
&#8226; The property typically must be located at least 50 miles from your primary residence.
&#8226; You must have exclusive control over the property, without any timeshare or long-term rental agreements.
&#8226; The home may not be under the control of a property management company.


## What is considered an investment property?
An [investment property](https://better.com/content/investment-property-loans-5-things/) is also known as a rental property. Rather than occupying the home yourself, an investment property should be leased to tenants to generate rental income. Here are the requirements for investment property loan eligibility:

&#8226; The property cannot be owner-occupied.
&#8226; The home can have more than one unit, with up to four units allowed.
&#8226; You can rent out the property.
&#8226; The property can be located within 50 miles of your primary residence.
&#8226; A property management company can manage the home.


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 <div style="text-align: center">  
 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/preapproval/nxt-purchase?utm_source=website&utm_medium=webpage&utm_campaign=blog&utm_content=second-home-vs-investment-property">Get started with Better Mortgage</a>  
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 ## Tax implications for a second home vs. investment property
When it comes to taxes, second homes are treated similarly to your main home or [primary residence](https://better.com/content/primary-residence-second-home-or-investment-property-whats-the-difference/). You’ll typically be allowed to write off mortgage interest up to the [$750,000 limit](https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/home-ownership/buying-a-second-home-tax-tips-for-homeowners/L5Mzc5URo "external"). However, if you have multiple properties, you can only deduct up to $750,000 in mortgage interest between them. The limit is not per property. Instead, it is a total deduction amount.

On the other hand, investment properties may allow for more freedom regarding [eligible deductions](https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/second-home-vs-investment-property/ "external"). Owners may deduct any amount of mortgage interest, as well as certain expenses, including:

&#8226; Property taxes
&#8226; Utilities
&#8226; Advertising costs
&#8226; Maintenance costs and supplies
&#8226; Insurance costs
&#8226; Depreciation

Because tax laws can be complex, it may be worthwhile to speak with a tax professional who can review the potential tax implications of either type of property. You may also wish to review [tips from the IRS]( https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tips-on-rental-real-estate-income-deductions-and-recordkeeping) on rental real estate income, deductions, and recordkeeping.

## What to know before buying a home as an investment
Any investment deserves thorough consideration, and real estate is no different. Before jumping in, you’ll want to look at how often you intend to use or rent the property and whether an additional mortgage fits into your budget. Both property types will also require expenses for upkeep and maintenance that should be factored into your decision.

## Is buying a second home a good investment?
[Buying a second home](https://better.com/content/buying-a-second-home/) can potentially be a good investment as you may gain [home equity](https://better.com/content/home-equity-vs-refinance) if the home's value increases over time. You may also be able to rent out the property when you’re not using it. However, rentals are limited to a maximum of 180 days per year. 

Keep in mind that projected rental income cannot be used to help you qualify for a second home loan. So you’ll want to confirm you’ll be eligible given your current income and financial situation. 

To qualify you'll need:

&#8226; A good-to-excellent credit score
&#8226; A down payment of at least 10%
&#8226; Enough money in liquid savings to cover the mortgage for a few months if need be.

## Investment property vs second home: Which offers better rental income?
An [investment property](https://better.com/content/investment-property-loans-5-things) may be a good match if you prioritize generating money by collecting rent from tenants. You’ll also benefit from home equity, as the property’s value increases over time or due to upgrades.

However, mortgage requirements for investment homes can be more stringent and costly than other mortgage types. These home loans also usually come with the highest interest rates, credit score requirements, and liquid asset conditions of all occupancy types. This is because investment properties tend to have higher delinquency rates than other property types — which means increased risk for mortgage lenders. 

You’ll also typically need at least 10% of the purchase price for a down payment, though you may be able to use projected rental income to help you qualify for a mortgage. 

## Can I convert a second home into an investment property?
While converting a second home into an investment property may be tempting, there could be restrictions on doing so if you have a mortgage. 

Most lenders will require you to sign a document that states how you intend to use the property. Falsifying information on that document may count as mortgage fraud, which can be punishable by fines or prison time. 

Therefore, it’s best to decide how you want to use the home before applying for a mortgage.

## Explore your next property purchase with Better Mortgage
Whether you decide a second home or investment property is best for you, Better Mortgage can help you take the next step. 

With our streamlined digital process, you can be pre-approved for a mortgage in as little as 3 minutes.

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Discover the nuances of buying a second home versus an investment property and which option may be best for your goals.

Second Home vs Investment Property: What's the difference?

Blog post image for Second home vs Investment Property: What's the difference?

Second home vs Investment Property: What's the difference?

<a href="https://better.com/content/vishal-garg-better-ceo/">*Vishal Garg,*</a> *Better Mortgage [Founder and CEO](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianatsai/2021/10/20/how-bettercom-quietly-became-a-77b-unicorn-personal-insights-from-founder-vishal-garg/?sh=5a1228ab40d0), demystifies the low down payment mortgage.*

<hr />

![3-5% down](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F05c282c87bf744a39e0d801413078569)

Becoming a homeowner is a huge milestone in many people’s lives, but it can be hard to know when you’re ready. At Better Mortgage, we've found that many people don't take the next step because of how daunting it can seem to save up for a large down payment.

We want to help you see yourself as a homebuyer by giving you accurate, transparent information about your financing options. In addition to eliminating unfair <a href="https://better.com/content/5-reasons-why-loan-officer-commission-is-bulls-t/">commission structures</a>, lender fees, and <a href="https://better.com/content/dont-take-the-bait-heres-the-reality-of-refi-rates/">bait-and-switch</a> quotes, we work with government-backed investors like Fannie Mae and other reputable banks to offer a variety of loan types, to help people chose the best financing option for them.

<br>

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## Considering a 3-5% down payment

For example, we can offer qualified borrowers financing options with as little as 3% down. Now, I know what you’re thinking. That sounds risky. But it’s not – anymore. Before the housing crisis, these types of loans were often offered to people who were at a high risk of defaulting, such as people with extremely high <a href="https://better.com/content/improving-your-debt-to-income-ratio-dti-when-applying-for-a-mortgage/">debt-to-income ratios</a>. Since then, the mortgage industry has been regulated to protect people from those kinds of predatory loans.

For borrowers with great credit and a steady income, a 3-5% down loan can be a financially sound option, allowing you to start investing and building equity sooner.

## The difference between what you can afford and the size of your down payment

Essentially, you pay for your home with:

- An initial large payment (your down payment)</li>
- Ongoing installments, with interest (your monthly mortgage payment)</li>

Many potential homeowners focus on the first part, which is their down payment. But lenders are also looking at your *future* ability to pay, which is indicated by a steady income and a great <a href="https://better.com/content/how-your-credit-score-affects-your-mortgage/">credit score</a>.

## Let’s look at an example

Let’s say you have high student loan debt, but a stable career with steady income (and the tax returns and pay stubs to prove it). And you live in a city where your monthly rent is high – even higher than what a monthly mortgage payment might be.

In this instance, you may not have a 20% down payment saved up, since most of your income has gone towards rent and paying off student loans. But your income profile, and the fact that you’re already making high rent payments, can be a signal to lenders that you’ll be able to make consistent mortgage payments.

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#### The bigger picture: backed by data

An analysis of historical loan data by Laurie Goodman, Jun Zhu, and Taz George at the Urban Institute shows why government-backed investors like Fannie Mae see relatively little risk in qualifying mortgage loans with down payments as low as 3-5%:

Data shows that credit is a stronger indicator of default risk than down payment size. The percentage of defaults of 5-10% down loans versus 3-5% down is very similar.*

“Of loans that originated in 2011 with a down payment between 3-5 percent, only 0.4 percent of borrowers have defaulted. For loans with slightly larger down payments – between 5-10 percent – the default rate was exactly the same. The story is similar for loans made in 2012, with 0.2 percent in the 3-5 percent down-payment group defaulting, versus 0.1 percent of loans in the 5-10 percent down-payment group.” – Urban Institute

<p><a href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase"><img src="https://media.better.com/content/prod/2017/07/default_rates_FICO.jpg"></a></p>

What does this mean for Americans with goals of homeownership? For a couple with $25,000 saved up for a down payment, it could be the difference between being able to put 10% down for a 1-bedroom home that costs $250,000, versus putting 5% down and getting for a 2-bedroom home for $500,000.

## The bottom line

We think if you’re considering homeownership, you shouldn’t have to keep renting just to save up for a large down payment. Government-backed investors like Fannie Mae agree. They want to help more people build equity through homeownership, and they’re doing so by backing loans with as low as even a 3% down payment, for borrowers who fit the profile.

If you’re considering buying a home, we’re here to help you understand your options. Take a few minutes today to explore whether homeownership is a possibility with our <a href="https://better.com/preapprovals/purchase">3-minute basic pre-approval</a>. There is no fee, no obligation, and researching your financial options will not affect your credit score. You can also talk through your options by <a href="https://better.com/schedule-call?loanType=purchase&amp;TRACKINGLOCATION=5pdp&amp;TRACKINGBRANDING=purchase">scheduling a free call</a> with one of our non-commissioned Mortgage Experts.

<p><br></p>

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<p><br></p>

<p class="legal"><a href="http://www.urban.org/urban-wire/why-government-sponsored-enterprises-support-low-down-payment-loans-again-no-big-deal">*Why the Government Sponsored Enterprises' support of low-down payment loans again is no big deal</a></p>

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Considering a 5% down payment for your mortgage? We're here to help demystify the low down payment mortgage.

When a 5% down payment isn't a risk

Blog post image for When a 3-5% down payment isn't a risk

When a 3-5% down payment isn't a risk

<p><em>The Loan Estimate is intended to provide a clear and concise summary of the terms and costs associated with any loan. Here’s how to read it with confidence.</em></p>

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<div class="wistia_responsive_padding" style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><div class="wistia_responsive_wrapper" style="height:100%;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:100%;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/231571084?autoplay=1 videoFoam=true" title="Wistia video player" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" class="wistia_embed" name="wistia_embed" allowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen width="100%" height="100%"></iframe></div></div>  

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<p><br><br> <br />
The Loan Estimate (LE) provides a clear and concise summary of the terms of your loan to help you understand the features, costs and risks associated with your mortgage as required by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB). Before moving forward with any lender, you should be sure to compare and understand your Loan Estimate.  </p>

<h2 id="yourinitialle">Your initial LE</h2>

<p>This is page 2 of sample LE in the CFPB-approved format. Make sure your lender provides an estimate in this format. Anything that looks different is not an official Loan Estimate.</p>

<p><a href="https://better.com/start"><img src="https://media.better.com/content/prod/2016/12/LE-page-2-no-annotation.png"></a> <br />
<em><p style="font-size:1.4rem;">Page 2 of the LE details your loan costs</p></em></p>

<h2 id="tipsforcomparinglesfromdifferentlenders">Tips for comparing LEs from different lenders</h2>

<p>Here are a few things to look out for: </p>

<h4 id="1thirdpartyfeesappearingononelendersleandnotanothers">1. Third-party fees appearing on one lender’s LE and not another’s</h4>

<p>You should raise this with your Mortgage Expert. While the fee amount can vary, the types of third-party fees associated with a loan are fairly constant. One lender may be missing something. </p>

<h4 id="2differencesinloanamountforarefinance">2. Differences in loan amount for a refinance</h4>

<p>A lender may increase your loan amount slightly to create a “<a href="https://better.com/content/no-cost-mortgage/">no closing cost loan</a>”. Borrowing a little more than the payoff on your current loan is one way to offset fees at the closing table, but this is increasing your debt to pay for your closing costs; it does not make them go away.  For an apples-to-apples comparison across lenders, you should get LEs with identical loan amounts.</p>

<h4 id="3promisesofcreditsafterclosethatdonotappearonthele">3. Promises of credits after close that do not appear on the LE</h4>

<p>This is a major red flag. The purpose of the LE is to create transparency and accountability. You lose both by transacting outside of the standard disclosure.</p>

<h4 id="4increasingcostsduringachangeincircumstance">4. Increasing costs during a change in circumstance</h4>

<p>Some lenders may advertise attractive rates and fees for one product, then switch into something less competitive (<a href="https://better.com/content/loan-estimate-101/">bait-and-switch</a>). You should ask about any additional fee and look at the relative competitiveness of the new product by continuing to shop before locking.</p>

<h2 id="abetterway">A Better way</h2>

<p>Better Mortgage is committed to a transparent and efficient mortgage process. Contact us by email (<a href="mailto:hello@better.com">hello@better.com</a>), phone (<a href="tel:888-501-3186">888-501-3186</a>), or chat with us via <a href="https://better.com/">Better.com</a> with any questions about your LE. We are happy to walk you through competing offers and answer any questions. No pressure, no sales — just a fast, easy and transparent process.</p>

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Your loan estimate is a summary of the terms and costs associated with your loan. Learn how to read and understand it with confidence.

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Second home vs Investment Property: What's the difference?

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