What is a second mortgage?
A second mortgage is a loan that uses your home as collateral while you still have a primary mortgage.
While many loans are issued for a very specific purpose (e.g., student loans, auto loans), the funds from a second mortgage can be used for just about anything. This gives homeowners a great deal of flexibility. Homeowners commonly use a second mortgage for large, one-time expenses such as:
- Paying off credit cards
- Paying off student loans
- Paying for major home improvement projects
The loan is called a second mortgage because if you no longer can pay off the loan and the home is sold, the lender is paid off after the primary mortgage lender. While a second mortgage may be an attractive path toward debt consolidation or home renovation, the flip side is that a second mortgage can extend the years you spend in debt.
Types of second mortgages
There are three main types of second mortgages: piggyback loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans (HELs). Sometimes, you hear the phrase “stand-alone second mortgages,” which refers to mortgages that are taken out after the original loan. Both HELOCs and HELs are considered to be stand-alone second mortgages.
There are three main types of second mortgages.
- Piggyback loan: This kind of second mortgage is taken out at the same time as the primary mortgage. It is sometimes known as an 80-10-10 loan because it combines a primary mortgage for 80% of the home’s cost with a second mortgage for 10% of the home’s cost; the buyer makes a 10% down payment.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card. It allows you to borrow up to a specific limit and pay back only what you take out. The interest rate is normally variable.
- Home equity loan (HEL): A home equity loan provides you with a fixed amount of money that must be paid back over time.
Second mortgage vs. home equity loan
A home equity loan is a type of second mortgage in which you receive a portion of your home’s equity as a lump-sum payment. Based on how much equity you have, your income and your credit history, you can borrow up to 85% of the value of your home. You make regular monthly payments to pay back the loan.
A home equity loan is the simplest form of a second mortgage. As with other types of loans, it’s important to shop around at different lenders for the best terms.
Second mortgage vs. refinance
A second mortgage is not the same as a mortgage refinance. In a mortgage refinance, you are replacing your current mortgage with a new one. With a second mortgage, you are adding a new mortgage.
A mortgage refinance can be an opportunity to negotiate a lower interest rate or change your loan term. A cash-out refinance is a type of refinancing that allows you to tap into your home equity and get cash as part of the new loan.
How does a second mortgage work?
A second mortgage provides a loan based on your home’s existing equity, which is the difference between your home’s current value and the balance on your mortgage.
As an example, let’s say you have a $150,000 balance remaining on your mortgage, and your home is valued at $250,000. That means you have $100,000 in home equity.
When you take out a second mortgage, you are taking advantage of the equity in your home.
How much can you borrow with a second mortgage?
Typically, lenders won’t allow you to receive your total equity through a second mortgage, preferring that you retain at least 15% to 20% equity. This means, in the example above, that you would need to retain at least $37,500 of equity, giving you the potential to borrow up to $62,500.
How to qualify for a second mortgage
If you decide that a second mortgage is right for you, you have to apply for a loan through a financial institution, such as a local bank or a credit union, mortgage lender or online lender. Prior to applying, prepare yourself by doing the following:
- Calculate your approximate home equity.
- Decide how much you would like to borrow.
- Gather documentation on your current income and debts.
- Learn your current credit score.
Qualification criteria overview
Qualifications tend to vary by mortgage lender, but applicants generally need the following to qualify for a second mortgage:
- Established home equity
- A credit score of at least 620 (though some lenders may require a higher credit score)
- A debt-to-income ratio of 43% or lower
The amount you’re financing compared with your home’s appraised value is known as the loan-to-value ratio (LTV). Lenders may use your LTV to determine how much you can borrow. However, you should keep in mind that a second mortgage loan will usually only provide up to around 85% of the home value, minus what you owe on your primary mortgage, so you should have at least 15% equity in your home.
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) represents the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward regular debt expenses. To calculate this number, add up all your monthly debts, then divide the resulting figure by your gross monthly income.
Impact of lender type on qualification criteria
You should compare rates and fees across multiple types of lenders, including banks, credit unions and mortgage companies. Shopping around may also help you determine which lenders would be more likely to approve you for a second mortgage, as requirements such as credit score and home equity vary between lenders.
If you have a 640 credit score, for example, you may qualify for a loan from a lender that accepts credit scores of 620, while another lender may want borrowers with at least a 680.
Employment and income verification requirements
As with other loan products, your income can be a factor in determining the terms of your second mortgage — after all, lenders want to ensure they’re lending to someone who can pay them back. Be sure to gather proof of income, such as W-2s and your most recent pay stubs, before you apply.
Some lenders offer home equity loans specifically for self-employed people who can provide business bank statements and meet other requirements. If you’re self-employed, check with your prospective lender to see its income verification requirements.
Credit score and credit history impact
Your credit score is a major factor in determining your interest rate and other loan terms, and a difference in a few points can add up to a lot of dollars and cents — or whether you qualify for a loan product from a particular lender.
According to credit bureau Experian, credit history length constitutes 15% of a FICO score. This is not as high a percentage as payment history (35%) and amounts owed (30%), but it still makes a difference in your credit score. This metric considers the average age of all your accounts, and the ages of your oldest and newest accounts.
Keep your old accounts open, even if you no longer use them; your first credit card may not be one you swipe regularly now, but if you’ve had it for a long time, you can show potential lenders that you have a lengthy, responsible credit history.
Getting a second mortgage with bad credit
It’s generally not a good idea to apply for a loan with bad credit; if you’re approved at all, you may be faced with high interest rates. If your credit score is less than ideal, take steps to fix your credit score before you apply for a second mortgage.
Documentation required for application
The specific documents you’ll need to provide when you apply for a second mortgage may vary by lender and product, so be sure to check with your lender to verify you have everything you need. You may need to provide:
Check with your lender for required documentation.
- Information about your current employment and employment history
- Pay stubs showing year-to-date income, and/or other income proof, such as a W-2
- Information about your debts and account balances, including a list of liens you hope to pay off
- Your most recent mortgage statement
- Information about homeowner’s association dues or condo fees, if applicable
- Proof of homeowner’s insurance
- Estimated property value, as well as the property’s purchase date and price
Pros and cons of a second mortgage
A second mortgage isn’t for everyone. Homeowners should weigh the pros and cons of this type of loan before applying. For instance, interest rates on a second mortgage tend to be higher than those on a primary mortgage because the second mortgage lender is paid off second if the owner defaults and the home is sold.
Pros
- Lower interest rate than credit cards
- Funds can be used for a variety of purposes
- Can help pay for large, one-time expenses
Cons
- Higher interest rate than first mortgage
- Closing costs and fees
- Risk of losing the home if the loan is not repaid
FAQ
How much is a second mortgage down payment?
On a piggyback loan, where you take out a first and second mortgage at the same time, you are generally required to have a 10% down payment. The first mortgage covers 80% of the home price, and the second mortgage covers 10%. On a home equity loan or home equity line of credit, you should have at least 15% equity in your home.
How much are second mortgage closing costs?
Closing costs vary by the lender, but you can usually expect to pay 2% to 5% of the loan amount in closing costs. You may be able to qualify for a second mortgage with no closing costs, depending on the product and lender.
Can you refinance a second mortgage?
Many lenders will allow you to refinance a second mortgage. Refinancing gives you the chance to renegotiate the interest rate and length of the loan. Be advised, though, that to refinance at a favorable rate, you will need to improve your credit score and debt-to-income ratio from the time that your second mortgage was issued.
What is a silent second mortgage?
When you’re purchasing a home, you are required to disclose the source of your down payment funds. If you have obtained a second mortgage to fund your down payment and don’t disclose it, it is an illegal “silent second mortgage,” which is a form of mortgage fraud.
Does a second mortgage hurt your credit?
A second mortgage lowers your credit score temporarily because the lender makes a hard inquiry when checking your credit and because you are opening a new loan account. The effect of the inquiry lessens over time and disappears after two years, and your score recovers as you make on-time mortgage payments.
Can you get a second mortgage to buy another house?
Yes, you can use your equity in one property to purchase another house. This strategy can be used by those who are looking to move and those looking to purchase an investment property.
Bottom line: Is a second mortgage a good idea?
Is a second mortgage right for you? A second mortgage tends to work best for those who are trying to fund a large, one-time expense, such as paying off credit card debt or making a home renovation. The interest rate is higher than on a primary mortgage but lower than on a credit card or personal loan. Keep in mind you will have to pay closing costs and other fees, and you will be making a second monthly mortgage payment. If you decide a second mortgage is right for you, compare offers from multiple lenders — and let them know you’re shopping for the best deal.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is a second mortgage loan or 'junior-lien'?” Accessed Nov. 10, 2025.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “What is a home equity loan?” Accessed Nov. 10, 2025.
- Experian, “What Is a Good Credit Score?” Accessed Nov. 10, 2025.
