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.”

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