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    How Much HELOC Can I Get?

    Updated: January 27, 2026 • 6 min read

    Written by Bennett Leckrone
    Bennett Leckrone

    Written by
    Bennett Leckrone
    Writer / Reviewer / Expert

    Bennett Leckrone is the editorial manager and an analyst for Lower. He specializes in making complicated mortgage topics accessible for consumers. That includes both in-depth product guides and in-depth analysis on what economic moves mean for homebuyers and refinancers. He was previously a business reporter with a focus on higher education and fintech at BestColleges. In that role, he reported on the development of fintech and AI curriculum, as well as the rapidly changing nature of finance education. He also wrote guides to help business students navigate AI and online education. He also reported on state politics at Maryland Matters, with a focus on how policy affected people and businesses. He holds a bachelor of science in journalism degree from Ohio University.
    Our Editorial Standards

    Key Takeaways

    • Lenders typically base HELOC borrowing limits on a combined-loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio
    • CLTV weighs existing mortgages against the total value of your home. Many lenders have HELOC CLTV limits of 80% to 85%, but some go higher.
    • Other factors, like your credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, will also affect how much HELOC you can get.
    A man and woman smile while looking at a laptop.

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    A home equity line of credit (HELOC) lets you tap into your home’s equity when you need it, but how much HELOC you can get will depend on your personal finances.

    The amount of HELOC you can get likely won’t be one-to-one ratio with your current equity. Your home’s value, your current mortgage balance, your credit score, and lender rules all play a role in how much HELOC you can get.

    Understanding HELOC Borrowing Limits

    A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home’s equity. Your borrowing limit is the total amount you’re approved to draw during the life of the line.

    Most lenders set HELOC limits using a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio. Most lenders let you borrow between 80% to 85% of your home’s appraised value minus the amount you still owe on your mortgage and other home equity loans. Some lenders, including Lower, allow higher limits.

    What Determines How Much HELOC You Can Get

    Your maximum HELOC amount isn’t based on one number. Instead, it’s the result of several factors working together.

    Key factors lenders evaluate include:

    • Home value: as determined by an appraisal or automated valuation model.
    • Mortgage balance: The amount you still owe on any existing home loans. That can include both your current mortgage and any other home equity loans you have.
    • Lender CLTV limit: Often capped at 80% to 85%, though some lenders allow more in select cases. Lower, for example, allows up to 95%.
    • Credit score: Your credit score plays a major role in determining the terms of your HELOC. Minimums often start around 600, but higher scores can unlock larger limits and better rates.
    • Income stability and payment history: Consistent earnings and on-time payments matter.
    • Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: This is calculated by weighing your recurring monthly debts against your pre-tax monthly income. Lenders want to see manageable monthly obligations relative to your income.
    • Property type and occupancy: Primary residences usually qualify for higher limits than rentals or vacation homes.

    How to Calculate Your Potential HELOC Credit Line

    Having a good credit score, strong debt-to-income ratio, and a small amount of equity in your home isn’t necessarily enough to qualify you for a HELOC.

    Let’s say a lender allows up to 80% CLTV, and you have a home valued at $350,000. Now let’s say your mortgage balance is $280,000. Even though you have $70,000 worth of equity, you wouldn’t qualify for a HELOC because $280,000 is 80% of $350,000.

    If a lender allows (and you qualify for) a 95% CLTV HELOC in that same scenario, you could access up to $52,500, since 95% of $350,000 is roughly $332,500.

    Keep in mind that many lenders also set minimum or maximum HELOC sizes, so how much HELOC you can get might be capped even if you have more than $500,000 equity in your home.

    You can use our CLTV calculator to explore more potential scenarios. Keep in mind this calculator is illustrative only, and you'll need to connect with an expert to get a personalized quote:

    CLTV Calculator

    Estimate how much you may be able to borrow based on your home value and existing debt, using a combined loan-to-value (CLTV) limit.

    %
    Common ranges: ~80%–90%
    Illustrative estimate only. Not financial advice.

    Your Results

    Estimated borrowing capacity
    —
    Current debt vs. CLTV limit
    ——
    How this calculator works

    This calculator estimates borrowing capacity based on Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) — the ratio of your total home-secured debt to your home's value:

    CLTV = (Mortgage balance + other liens) ÷ Home value

    Given your chosen maximum CLTV limit (commonly 80–90%), the calculator finds the maximum total debt allowed, then subtracts what you already owe:

    Borrowing capacity = (Home value × max CLTV) − existing debt
    Illustrative estimate only. Actual HELOC and home equity loan limits depend on lender guidelines, credit score, income, property type, and appraisal.

    Connect with an expert loan officer to see how much you qualify for

    Typical Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) Standards

    Most lenders follow similar CLTV guidelines, though details vary.

    CLTV Range

    How common it is

    Up to 80%

    This is a very common standard limit.

    81%–85%

    Available with strong credit

    86%–90%

    Less common, select lenders

    95% or higher

    Rare, highly qualified borrowers only

    Higher CLTVs usually come with stricter underwriting, higher rates, or tighter terms. A loan advisor can help you identify lenders willing to offer higher limits when appropriate.

    Is a HELOC Affordable?

    Just because you qualify for a higher HELOC amount doesn’t mean you can afford it.

    HELOC rates are often variable. That means payments can change over the life of the loan depending on when you borrow. Some lenders offer fixed-rate HELOC options, which provide for much more predictable payments.

    One advantage of a HELOC is that you’ll only pay principal and interest on what you borrow, although some lenders require initial draws.

    HELOCs often have lower rates than unsecured loans, like personal loans and credit cards, but that comes with a tradeoff because your home is collateral. Missing HELOC payments can lead to foreclosure.

    HELOCs are also unique from other home equity loans in their structure: They feature an initial draw period, followed by a repayment period where borrowing stops. That can affect your payment

    Draw period

    Repayment period

    Borrowing allowed

    No new borrowing allowed

    Payments may be interest only

    Includes both principal and interest

    May have lower payments

    May have higher payments

    Typically three to 10 years

    Can be 10 to more than 20 years

    The Bottom Line

    Most lenders cap HELOCs at 80% to 85% combined loan-to-value. Some, including Lower, allow up to 95%. But CLTV isn’t the only thing lenders look at: Your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and information about your home all play a role in how much HELOC you can get.

    Frequently Asked Questions About HELOC Limits

    What is the maximum HELOC amount I can borrow?


    Most lenders allow up to 80% to 85% of your home’s value minus your mortgage balance. Some, including Lower, allow up to 95% for qualifying borrowers.

    How do lenders calculate my HELOC limit?


    They apply a CLTV ratio to your home’s appraised value and subtract existing mortgage balances.

    What credit score and debt-to-income ratio do I need for a HELOC?

    Lenders typically look for a credit score of at least 600 and a debt-to-income ratio below 43%, though higher scores or lower DTI can help you qualify for larger lines and better rates.

    What happens if my home’s value changes after getting a HELOC?

    If your home’s value increases after you have a HELOC, your credit limit will not rise automatically. You may request a limit review or reapply if your equity has grown.

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