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Home Equity: Is It Better to Renovate or Pay Off Debt?

With interest rates bouncing and inflation continuing to pressure household budgets, many Canadians are feeling stretched thin. Monthly expenses are
Home Equity Is It Better to Renovate or Pay Off Debt

With interest rates bouncing and inflation continuing to pressure household budgets, many Canadians are feeling stretched thin. Monthly expenses are rising, debt is growing, and the financial breathing room feels tighter than ever. But for millions of homeowners, there’s a hidden asset that can offer real relief: home equity.

More Canadians are realizing that their homes aren’t just where they live, they’re also a financial tool. If you’ve been paying down your mortgage and your property value has increased, chances are you’ve built up a solid amount of home equity

And right now, tapping into that equity can be one of the smartest financial decisions you make whether you’re looking to renovate, consolidate high-interest debt, or just create a little extra room in your monthly budget.

Why Are Canadians Using Their Home Equity?

Your home is likely your biggest investment but it might also be your most underused. A home equity loan gives you access to the value you’ve already built without needing to sell your property or break your existing mortgage.

In 2025, Canadians are turning to home equity for two main reasons: to fund renovations and to consolidate debt. Let’s break down how both strategies work and how to decide what’s right for you.

Using Equity to Renovate: A Smart Investment in Your Property

Home improvements don’t just make life more enjoyable they also boost your home’s value. From kitchen remodels to energy-efficient upgrades or basement apartments, renovations are one of the most popular reasons people borrow against their equity.

In cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton, families are leveraging their home equity to modernize spaces and increase resale value. For many, this means adding rental units, updating outdated interiors, or preparing the home for a future sale.

But it’s not just about resale. These upgrades can also improve your daily comfort and even qualify for green home rebate programs, depending on what you renovate.

Consolidating High-Interest Debt

If you’re juggling credit card balances, car loans, or personal lines of credit, you’re not alone. Many Canadians are overwhelmed by high-interest debt. That’s why using home equity to consolidate debt has become a go-to financial strategy.

When you roll multiple debts into a low-interest home equity loan, you simplify your payments and cut down significantly on the interest you’re paying. Cannect clients have saved over 50% on interest by making this move plus, they’re reducing financial stress with one easy monthly payment.

This strategy is especially helpful for homeowners who need cash flow relief, want to rebuild their credit, or are simply looking for a fresh financial start without selling their home.

Real Stories, Real Impact

We’ve worked with thousands of homeowners across Ontario and beyond people just like you who used their home equity to unlock financial freedom. One Hamilton couple reduced their monthly payments by over $800 by consolidating debt.

A Mississauga family created a rental suite that now brings in $1,600 a month. And a Toronto retiree was able to help her daughter buy a first home without dipping into retirement savings.

Make Your Equity Work for You

Whether you want to renovate, consolidate, or explore a bit of both, your home equity loan should work harder and smarter for your future. Don’t let that value sit idle.

At Cannect, we’ll walk you through your numbers, help you understand your options, and build a custom plan that supports your financial goals.

Let’s talk. Your home equity can open doors. Let’s find out where it can take you.

Watch our Make Money Count videos for more real-life tips from Canadian homeowners who took control of their finances with Cannect.

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