With lower home prices and higher interest rates, how do HELOCs fit into financial plans?

The Globe and Mail
April 7, 2026.

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) can be very useful to cover small or large one-time costs while someone is arranging the tax-efficient sale of investments or withdrawals from registered or corporate accounts, writes Kate Murdoch, Wealth Advisor at Richardson Wealth.

However, the calculus around HELOCs may have changed as housing prices sag in some markets and speculation swirls about interest rates rising to counter inflation.

“Interest rate fluctuations are the most obvious risk associated with HELOCs, as higher interest rates immediately translate into higher interest-only payments. That can cause a shock to cash flow.”

*Globe advisor subscription required.

Related articles

2026

Why adding adult children as joint owners can create more problems than it solves

June 4, 2026 - Ida Khajadourian, writes that joint ownership, often intended as a simple estate-planning shortcut, can create serious tax, legal, and family consequences…

2 minute read

2026

What advisors can learn about portfolio structure from Canada’s pension plans

May 19, 2026 - Like Canada’s highly regarded Maple 8 public pension funds, advisors can structure portfolios with strategic and tactical asset allocation, writes Craig…

2 minute read

2026

Tax refund to invest? Ignore the noise and look to international stocks

April 27, 2026 - Even with markets more volatile than usual, Ida Khajadourian shares her strategy of avoiding cash in favour of focusing on companies…

2 minute read