: If you have substantial equity, you can borrow a large enough lump sum to buy the second home outright. This allows for a "cash offer," which can be more attractive to sellers and may result in a lower purchase price.

: Release equity from your first home to cover a 10–20% down payment on a new property, then take out a separate primary mortgage for the remainder.

Getting a second mortgage to buy another house is a strategic move that leverages the equity in your current home to fund the purchase of a vacation property, a rental investment, or a new primary residence. While it allows you to access significant capital without selling your current asset, it also places your original home at risk if you default on the new debt. There are three primary ways to structure this financing: