Custom Solutions: Turn Home Equity Into Financial Possibility

Unlock capital that may be tax-efficient from your home to support your goals.

What is Custom Solutions?

Custom Solutions help Canadian homeowners 55+ unlock home equity as flexible capital that may be tax-efficient. Use it for estate planning, gifting to family, investing, or purchasing property — while staying in your home. It’s one way to put your home to work within your broader wealth plans.

Financial flexibility
Retain home ownership

Speak with a HomeEquity Bank Expert

1-855-460-7259

How Can You Use Custom Solutions

Support family with gifting

Help your children or grandchildren reach their goals — for down payment assistance, education costs, or other milestones — while supporting estate planning goals determined with your estate planning advisors.

Make investments that may be tax-efficient

Use home equity to invest in Canada by funding your portfolio, business ventures, or other opportunities. This may be a way to make investments without selling assets or triggering capital gains, depending on your individual circumstances.

Purchase a vacation property

Use your home equity to invest in a cottage, condo, or seasonal retreat where you can create memories with family, or generate rental income. This may help to build additional equity for your investment portfolio, which your investment advisors can help you determine.

Access bridge financing

Get the capital you need for time-sensitive opportunities — like closing on a new property before selling your current one — with flexible repayment options.

Benefits of Custom Solutions

Flexible access to capital that may be tax-efficient
Access home equity to enhance financial planning
Tailor your investment strategy
Retain full home ownership and continue benefiting from appreciation
No Negative Equity Guarantee protection^1,2

¹ Borrower must maintain property, pay property taxes and homeowners’ insurance, and abide by your mortgage obligations
² The guarantee excludes any administrative expenses and interest that has accumulated after the due date

Custom Solutions Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

Are 55 years of age or older
Own a primary residence in Canada
Meet a minimum appraised home value of $250,000
Can repay any existing mortgage at closing

Final eligibility depends on age, home value, location, and program criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is Custom Solutions different from other home equity solutions?

Custom Solutions provides flexible access to home equity that may be tax-efficient for homeowners aged 55+, designed for strategic uses such as investing, gifting, and estate planning. Unlike traditional loans, there are no mandatory monthly payments. HomeEquity Bank specialists can support the advice you receive from your professional advisors to support long-term wealth and legacy objectives.

2. Who is eligible for Custom Solutions?

You may qualify if you:

Are 55 years of age or older
Own a primary residence in Canada
Meet a minimum appraised home value of $250,000
Can repay any existing mortgage at closing

Final eligibility depends on age, home value, location, and program criteria.

3. Can I use the funds for multiple purposes?

Yes. Funds can be allocated across multiple objectives at the same time, including family gifting, education support, investments, or charitable initiatives. Once funds are received, you control how they are used.

4. How can Custom Solutions support estate and legacy planning?

When incorporated into a broader strategy and depending on your individual circumstances, Custom Solutions may help:

Reduce the value of your taxable estate
Lower potential probate fees
Enable lifetime gifting and legacy planning

Consider speaking with tax, investment or estate planning advisors if you have questions about your specific financial circumstances. Coordination with legal and financial advisors is recommended to ensure alignment with your estate goals. HomeEquity Bank specialists can assist in supporting those conversations.

5. How do I know if Custom Solutions is right for me?

Custom Solutions is best evaluated as part of a broader financial conversation. A consultation with a HomeEquity Bank specialist can help determine:

How much home equity is available
Which product structure best fits your objectives
How it could support your tax, investment, and estate plans

Consider speaking with tax, investment or estate planning advisors if you have questions about your specific financial circumstances. Coordinating with your advisors (if you have them) helps ensure the solution supports your long-term goals.

6. Is Custom Solutions tax-efficient?

Typically, funds accessed through Custom Solutions are not considered taxable income. This may allow you to preserve investments, manage liquidity, and coordinate gifting or investment strategies more efficiently. Consult your tax advisor to ensure alignment with your overall tax plan.

7. Are cash gifts to family taxable in Canada?

Cash gifts are typically tax-free for the recipient, unless the funds later generate taxable income. This makes Custom Solutions an effective way to support children or grandchildren. Always consult your tax professional to confirm how gifting applies to your specific situation.

8. How much equity can I access?

Eligible homeowners can access up to 55% of their home’s appraised value, depending on age, property details, and outstanding mortgage balances—unlocking meaningful capital while maintaining flexibility and peace of mind.

9. How will I receive the funds, and how quickly?

Once approved and closed, funds are disbursed directly from HomeEquity Bank. Access typically occurs within a few weeks, depending on appraisal, legal review, and any advisor coordination.

10. What fees or costs are associated with Custom Solutions?

Custom Solutions includes standard fees which typically consist of:

Appraisal fee (to determine your home’s value)
Legal fees (for closing and registration)
Closing costs (such as administration fees)

All fees are disclosed upfront during your consultation, and most can be deducted from the funds you receive, so there’s no need for out-of-pocket payment at closing.

11. What are the rates for Custom Solutions?

Custom Solutions uses the HomeEquity Bank CHIP Reverse Mortgage product structure, so the interest rates are similar to those offered for CHIP. Rates can vary based on factors such as:

The amount of equity you access
The type of rate you choose (fixed or variable)
Market conditions at the time of closing

Your exact rate will be confirmed during your consultation, and you’ll have the option to select the structure that best fits your financial goals.

12. Can I choose between fixed and variable rates?

Yes. You can select either a fixed rate, which stays the same for the term you choose, or a variable rate, which moves with market conditions. Your HomeEquity Bank specialist will review both options with you so you can choose the structure that best aligns with your financial goals.

13. Will I need to make monthly payments?

No. There are no required monthly principal or interest payments. Interest accrues over time and is generally repaid when the home is sold, you move out permanently, or upon the passing of the last surviving borrower. Voluntary repayments are permitted. A prepayment charge may apply as set out in your agreement.

14. Will I still own my home after taking Custom Solutions?

Yes. You remain the owner of your home and keep your name on the title. Custom Solutions simply allows you to access a portion of your home equity without selling or giving up ownership. You can continue to live in your home as long as you wish, provided you meet the terms of the agreement (such as maintaining the property and paying property taxes and insurance).

15. Can I repay the loan early?

Yes. You may repay part or all of the loan at any time, although certain terms or fees, such as a prepayment charge, may apply depending on your agreement. A HomeEquity Bank advisor can review available options with you.