HELOCs for Co-ops
Getting a HELOC as a co-op owner isn’t as easy as it is for traditional homeowners. While HELOCs are a popular way to tap into your home’s equity, many lenders shy away from co-ops due to their distinct ownership model and the additional hoops to jump through. But don’t let that discourage you—several lenders are […]
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Getting a HELOC as a co-op owner isn’t as easy as it is for traditional homeowners. While HELOCs are a popular way to tap into your home’s equity, many lenders shy away from co-ops due to their distinct ownership model and the additional hoops to jump through.
But don’t let that discourage you—several lenders are willing to work with co-op owners in metro areas such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We’ve done the legwork to uncover the best HELOC lenders for co-ops, so you don’t have to.
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Where to get HELOCs for co-ops
As homeowners search for the best financing options for their co-op dwellings, a few key companies are standing out with strong offerings. These firms have tailored their home equity line of credit (HELOC) products to address the unique needs of co-op owners. Here’s a closer look.
| Lender | Rates | Best for |
| TD Bank | 8.59% – 18.00%* | Availability |
| Citibank | Starting at 10.625%* | Current Citi customers |
| National Cooperative Bank | Not disclosed | New York and D.C. residents |
TD Bank – Best availability
LendEDU rating: 3.6 out of 5
- No minimum draw required
- 0.25% rate discount for TD personal checking customers
- Option to lock in a fixed rate on all or a portion of your line
TD Bank is our first pick for a HELOC for co-ops because it’s available in more states than other lenders on our list. Plus, you can access funds as needed, up to your approved credit limit, with no requirement to withdraw a minimum amount.
TD Bank’s starting rate of 8.59% is competitive. If you have a TD personal checking account, you’ll get a 0.25% rate discount—a benefit that can translate to substantial savings over the life of your loan.
However, TD Bank’s website states that additional terms and conditions will apply to HELOCs for co-op owners compared to traditional homeowners. Review the fine print and discuss any specific requirements or limitations with a loan officer to ensure a smooth process.
Citibank – Best for current Citi customers
- Special rate discounts for current Citi customers
- Option for interest-only payments during the 10-year draw period
- Available for co-ops in New York, Illinois, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Maryland
If you’re already a Citibank customer, its HELOC could be an excellent option for financing your co-op needs. With Citi’s Relationship Pricing program, you can take advantage of a discounted interest rate based on your eligible account balances with the bank.
Also, you can qualify for an interest-only draw period if you meet certain asset requirements. To qualify, you’ll need at least $200,000 in personal assets with Citi or $1 million in total personal assets across all your accounts. Even if you don’t meet the asset threshold for interest-only payments, Citi’s HELOC still offers a competitive 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment term.
Citi’s HELOC is currently available for co-op properties in New York, Illinois, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and Maryland. If you’re a loyal Citi customer residing in one of these states, its HELOC could be a valuable tool for tapping into your home’s equity.
National Cooperative Bank – Best for New York and D.C. residents
- May have lower rates
- Flexible draws and repayment terms
- Specializes in co-op lending in New York and Washington, D.C.
As a cooperative bank, NCB specializes in lending to co-op owners in New York or Washington, D.C. Its HELOCs have interest-only draw periods of up to 10 years, followed by a 20-year repayment period.
While information about specific borrowing requirements and HELOC details is limited online, NCB promises competitive rates, low monthly payments, and convenient draws. However, its HELOC is only available for co-op units in New York and D.C. and residential properties in Ohio.
Because the information is so limited online, we recommend speaking with one of NCB’s mortgage specialists to understand the full terms and conditions before you apply. They can guide you through the process, explain any specific requirements or limitations for co-op owners, and help you determine whether NCB’s HELOC for co-ops is suitable.
How does a HELOC for co-ops work?
A HELOC allows co-op owners to access funds based on the value of their shares in the cooperative. The basic concept is similar to a HELOC for a traditional homeowner, but these are the key differences due to the unique ownership structure of co-ops.
In a co-op, you don’t own the property itself. Instead, you own shares in a corporation that owns the building, and you have a proprietary lease that gives you the right to occupy a specific unit.
When you apply for a HELOC, the lender will consider the equity you’ve gained through market changes or the value of your co-op shares.
The amount you can borrow with a HELOC for a co-op is typically determined by the lender’s combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio. This ratio takes into account your current mortgage balance and the value of your shares in the co-op.
Example of a HELOC for co-ops
Say your co-op shares are valued at $500,000, and your current loan balance is $200,000. If the lender allows a CLTV ratio of 80%, you might be able to borrow up to $200,000 with a HELOC.
Here’s the calculation:
$500,000 (share value) x 80% (CLTV) = $400,000 (maximum combined mortgage and HELOC)
$400,000 – $200,000 (current mortgage) = $200,000 (maximum HELOC amount)
Your credit score, income, debt, and the lender’s specific requirements may affect the actual amount you can borrow.
How to apply for a HELOC for co-ops
Applying for a co-op HELOC is similar to applying for a regular HELOC, but there are a few extra steps. You’ll need to work with your co-op board to get its approval and ensure compliance with its rules.
Follow these steps to get a co-op HELOC.
1. Review your co-op’s bylaws and rules regarding HELOCs
You may need permission from the board to proceed with an application.
2. Research lenders
Once you have the green light from your co-op board, you can start researching lenders. Remember, not all lenders offer HELOCs for co-ops, so the research process can be frustrating at times. We’ve done the research by providing the best three co-op HELOCs above.
3. Gather documents
After you’ve found a lender, you’ll want to gather your documents. For a co-op HELOC, you may need:
- Your proprietary lease and stock certificate proving your ownership in the co-op
- Your personal financial documents (income proof, tax returns, bank statements)
- Your co-op’s financial documents (e.g., bylaws, insurance policy, annual budget)
4. Submit your application
This includes filling out the application (usually online), providing the required personal and co-op-related documents, and paying any application fees.
5. Present the lender’s term sheet to your co-op board for final approval
If you’re approved, the lender will provide you with a term sheet outlining the HELOC’s conditions. You can present it to the board for approval.
6. Close on the HELOC
After the board approves, the last step is to schedule a closing with the lender. Sign the necessary documents and pay any closing costs. The lender will record the HELOC with the appropriate government offices.
Pros and cons of HELOCs for co-ops
You’ll want to weigh these pros and cons if you’re considering a HELOC for a co-op.
Pros
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Access to funds for renovations or emergencies
A HELOC can provide funds for upgrading your co-op or covering unexpected expenses without selling your shares.
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Lower interest rates compared to other loans
HELOCs often have lower interest rates than unsecured loans, such as credit cards and personal loans. So if you qualify, they can be a less expensive way to borrow money.
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Potential tax deductions
Interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible if the funds are used for co-op improvements. (Consult a tax professional.)
Cons
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Potential co-op restrictions
Some co-ops may have rules limiting or prohibiting HELOCs, which can make it difficult or impossible to secure this type of financing. Check with your co-op board to see whether it allows HELOCs.
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Limited lender options
Even if your co-op board allows HELOCs, many banks will not lend to cooperatives, making it even harder to find a loan.
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Stricter underwriting requirements
Lenders that offer co-op HELOCs may have extra terms and conditions, such as stricter underwriting requirements or more fees.
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Lengthy approval process
Getting a HELOC for a co-op can take longer than for a traditional home because you’ll need the co-op board’s approval, along with additional documentation.
Our expert’s advice: What to consider
Before you decide to take out a HELOC, identify the purpose as a need or want to determine how flexible the funding goal needs to be. If it can wait, you may want to fund the project by saving cash reserves. If it’s a need, and the project needs funding immediately, you’ll need to find out whether your co-op allows HELOCs and, if so, which lenders are your best options and what restrictions and terms to compare.
Alternatives to a HELOC for co-ops
HELOCs can be an ideal solution for co-op owners. Still, several alternative financial products are worth considering. It’s critical to examine how they compare to your primary option.
Home equity loan
A home equity loan offers a lump-sum payment, unlike a HELOC, which extends a line of credit. It could be a worthwhile alternative for those who need a substantial sum upfront. However, the fixed payments and interest rates can be higher than a HELOC’s flexible repayment structure.
Cash-out refinance
A cash-out refinance allows for larger loan amounts compared to a HELOC, and you can use it for more significant renovations or debt consolidation. It could offer lower interest rates than a HELOC, but considerable closing costs may be associated.
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