Buying guide

Home renovation loans: How to get one + how they work

Let’s finance those renos

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 15 April 2026 | 3 min read
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Funding a renovation often involves a home renovation loan, which can be a mortgage top-up or a separate personal loan. A mortgage top-up is usually the best option, offering lower interest rates by borrowing against your home's equity, though it requires a fixed-price building contract.

Alternatively, an unsecured personal renovation loan has much higher interest rates, shorter terms, and lower borrowing limits. These are riskier and depend heavily on your creditworthiness, so always explore all options before committing.

For many people a mortgage top up is the best option

Can’t borrow against your home? Consider a renovation loan

Before you start knocking down walls make sure your finance is sorted.

Drawbacks of renovation loans (there are a few)

ALWAYS APPROACH WITH CAUTION

How to keep your renovation budget down

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer