# How much equity can I actually borrow with a HELOC?

> You can borrow up to 65% of your home value on a standalone HELOC, or 80% combined (mortgage + HELOC) — LTV is the hard ceiling regardless of income.

Category: Advanced
Last verified: 2026-04-14
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/advanced/how-much-equity-can-i-actually-borrow-with-a-heloc

## Answer
| Metric             | Description                                                                 |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **LTV Ratio**      | Mortgage amount divided by appraised home value.                             |
| **Impact on Borrowing** | Lower LTV generally means more equity and potentially better borrowing terms. |

## Institutional highlights
- How much you can borrow depends on your home's value compared to your mortgage.
- You can typically borrow up to 80% of your home's value with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
- Lenders adjust how much they'll lend you based on changing market conditions.
- Your borrowing limit gets re-evaluated if you refinance or if your financial situation changes.
- Lenders can't work with other lenders to get around the borrowing limits.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/heloc-wealth-strategies

## Sources
- LTV Ratio and Loan Type — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017
- Mortgage insurance — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#2.5.1
- 4.1.11 Exposures secured by residential real estate — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/capital-adequacy-requirements-car-guideline-2026