Buying Second Homes as Investment Properties

It could be tempting to consider buying a second home as a financial investment, but first you’ll want to make sure your dreams are on equal footing with reality. Unlike traditional investment products like mutual funds and stocks, a second home comes with costs like maintenance, insurance and property taxes. When considering a second home for investment, conduct a simple cost/benefit analysis. Any investment comes with a measure of risk, but if your financial risks outweigh the benefits, it might not be a smart choice. However, if the opposite is true, you could enjoy the benefits of your investment for years to come.

How much do second homes really cost?

The sales price of your second home is just the first expense in your “business” as a second home owner. To truly understand the financial responsibilities of second home ownership, be sure to budget for:

Property taxes
Utilities
Repairs
Homeowners insurance
Property maintenance
HOA fees (if required)
Furnishings/household necessities
Property management (if needed)

It’s also important to consider the non-monetary costs. It takes considerable time and energy to maintain a second home and/or be a landlord if you choose to rent it out. But remember: Both the sweat equity and cash you put into a second home will likely add and could increase your return on investment.

How will you use the property?

Most people invest in second homes for one of three investment purposes:

A personal vacation asset to hold for later resale
A short-term rental property for a variable income stream
A long-term rental property for a sustained income stream

Each reason has pros and cons as an investment tool, and it’s important to understand the differences between a rental home and a second home before making an investment.

1. Personal vacation asset for later resale

Pros:

Allows you to enjoy your second home whenever you want
Avoids hassles and damage from renters
May not require a property manager
Is easier to finance than a rental property

Cons

Provides no active income streams
Requires higher insurance rates because it’s not a primary residence
May require paid services for lawn care and snow removal when vacant

2. Short-term rental

Pros:

Can still be used as a personal vacation home
Generates an income stream to help defray mortgage and maintenance costs
Undergoes frequent maintenance and cleaning for guests, helping it maintain value

Cons:

May be more expensive if it’s in a popular destination
Must be furnished and decorated up front
May need to be managed by a property manager
Positions you as the responsible party for guest problems, complaints, etc.
May not be allowed under HOA regulations or local laws
May not provide consistent income if reservations fluctuate
In addition to higher insurance rates, may require a business insurance policy
Requires you to maintain an active listing on a short-term rental site

3. Long-term rental

Pros:

Provides a reasonably consistent income stream
Requires less work than a short-term rental
Allows you to vet home occupants prior to renting to them
Does not require furnishing, decorating or household items

Cons

May not be as lucrative as a short-term rental
Puts more wear and tear on house than a short term renter
May create additional hassle if renters don’t pay
May sit vacant for long periods of time without viable rental applicants

What are the mortgage and tax differences between types of properties?

When buying a second home or considering real estate investing, it’s important to know how mortgage lenders determine whether a home is considered a second home or an investment property. Expect higher interest rates, down payments and credit score requirements on a mortgage for investment properties compared to second homes.The criteria lenders use are often similar to those used by the IRS and tax professionals to determine taxable rental income and tax benefits for second homes. Tax benefits for investment properties include deductions for rental expenses, depreciation and losses.The following general rules apply:A second home

Must be occupied by the owner 14 days each year or more
Cannot be used as a rental property more than 180 days each year
Must be located at least 50 miles from the owner’s primary home

An investment property

Is used by the owner(s) fewer than 14 days each year
May be used as a rental property for any period of time
May be within 50 miles of your primary residence

Will I get a good return on my investment?

To determine how much you’ll make from your second home as a vacation home or a rental – and when you can expect a return on your investment – research rents, occupancy rates and real estate appreciation in the area where you’re looking to buy. Factor it all in, along with an emergency fund to pay for unexpected maintenance and mortgage payments for months with no renters, and a budget for property management, if needed. If you’re aiming for future resale, create a timeline and budget for property improvements to increase the home’s resale value. Once you’ve calculated the costs, weighed all the pros and cons, and decided on the best way to use your property, you should have a clear picture if your second home “business” is a smart investment for you.

Pacaso offers a fourth second home ownership option

If you’re looking to own a second home for personal use and enjoyment, Pacaso offers an attractive alternative. Pacaso co-ownership is true property ownership, with owners realizing any equity gains. The home’s value moves along with the whole real estate market. And it lets buyers right-size their purchase. Many of the cons of whole second home ownership are eliminated with Pacaso’s fully managed LLC co-ownership model. As the manager of your home’s LLC, Pacaso assumes financial responsibility if an owner defaults on payments. Pacaso also handles all the ongoing homeownership responsibilities, like property maintenance, taxes, bill payment and budgeting. Home operating expenses are passed through to owners at cost, with no markup, and Pacaso charges a low $99 monthly management fee for its services. Find out more in our Buyer FAQ.This content is published solely for informational purposes and it is not intended to be investment advice. You should consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.