Why homeowners are turning to HELOCs for borrowing
August 12, 2026
https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/11/why-homeowners-are-turning-to-helocs-for-borrowing
Current Themes
Borrowers tend to use home equity lines of credit to fund big purchases — and the data shows that’s what they’re using them for now, Penn IUR's Susan Wachter tells Marketplace.
“They’re using it for home renovation, they’re using it to send their kids to schools,” Wachter said. “Using their house as a piggy bank, essentially.”
Megan Schmidgal
Communications & Publications Director
215-573-8386
megands@upenn.edu
Providing expert commentary on urban topics and highlighting Penn IUR's research in the context of pressing urban issues.