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5 Creative Ways To Get The Down Payment For Your Next Rental Property In Canada

By Wayne Hillier, Real Estate Investing Masters

May 15, 2025 | Edmonton, AB


Struggling to come up with a down payment for your next rental property? You’re not alone.

With rising prices and tighter lending, many Canadian investors are finding new ways to fund their deals without waiting years to save up. The good news? There are several strategies that can help you move forward faster — even if you don’t have all the cash in the bank.


Here are five creative ways to find the down payment for your next rental in Canada:


1. Save Up / Side Hustles

It’s not flashy, but it works. Cutting back on lifestyle expenses, flipping items online, taking contract work, or starting a part-time hustle can add up fast — especially if you have a clear real estate goal in mind. Cash is still king when it comes to control and flexibility.


2. HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

If you own a home or another property with equity, a HELOC can help unlock that capital. These lines of credit often come with lower interest rates and let you access funds as needed — perfect for down payments, renovations, or closing costs.


3. Seller Financing

Sometimes, the seller is willing to finance part — or even all — of the purchase price. This can significantly reduce the upfront cash you need and help you bypass traditional lenders altogether. You just need to know how to ask, and structure it properly.


4. Joint Ventures (JVs)

Partnering with someone who brings the capital while you bring the deal and the management is one of the most scalable ways to grow. Joint ventures are ideal when you’ve got the hustle and knowledge, but not the full down payment yourself.


5. RRSP Mortgages

Did you know that others can lend you their RRSP funds as a private mortgage? This can be a win-win: you get funding, and the lender gets a secured return inside their RRSP. It’s a powerful strategy if you have people in your network with unused registered funds.


Bonus Tip: Stack Two or More Strategies

You don’t need to pick just one. Combining a small HELOC with a JV partner, or mixing saved funds with seller financing, can help you close deals that would otherwise be out of reach.


Want to hear the full conversation?


Listen to Today’s Episode:


Real Estate Investing Morning Show – Hosted by Wayne & Gabby Hillier




Gabby Hillier - Alberta Landlord & Property Management Expert
Gabby Hillier - Alberta Landlord & Property Management Expert



About the Author

Gabby Hillier is Alberta’s leading landlord and property management expert. Based in Edmonton, she has over a decade of experience managing rental properties and coaching Canadian landlords how to build profitable, stress-free rental businesses.

As the co-founder of Real Estate Investing Masters and co-host of The Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Gabby shares practical, no-nonsense advice on tenant management, landlord systems, and real estate operations. Her mission is to help landlords across Canada succeed with confidence and clarity.

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