A Vacation Home: What Is It?

Defining

A property you use for enjoyment that isn’t your permanent abode is called a vacation house.

A property you use for enjoyment that isn’t your permanent abode is called a vacation house. Generally speaking, financing criteria for vacation houses differ from those for your primary residence or an investment property. You must also be informed of the regulations governing the taxation of any rental income you get from the holiday property.

Let’s examine vacation houses in more detail, discuss possible uses for them, and decide if purchasing this kind of secondary real estate is a wise decision for you.

Meaning and Illustration of Vacation Houses

Although it might seem rather clear, a vacation house is defined as: It’s an extra property that you and your family occasionally go to and usually utilize for leisure. It’s more complicated than simply becoming an additional residence, though. The frequency of usage, whether or not it is rented out, and even the distance from your regular location can all have an impact on how classification your property has as a holiday home.

Other names for it include vacation property, secondary dwelling, and second house.

For instance, cottages, condominiums, single-family homes, and cabins can all be considered vacation homes.

How Vacation Rental Properties Operate

Although it may seem desirable to own a vacation house, it’s vital to take into account the features that set this form of property apart from other kinds of residences.

For instance, a vacation property usually requires a bigger down payment than a principal residence—typically at least 10%. Additionally, you’ll need to fulfill a number of significant requirements that lenders often have:

For a part of the year, you have to reside in the house.

It needs to be a single-family home.

The home needs to be year-round accessible and not be part of a timeshare or fractional ownership scheme.

No property management or rental firm may run the house.

You may have to think about the tax ramifications if you want to rent out your vacation property when you’re not using it. Regarding what constitutes a vacation property, the IRS likewise has very tight guidelines. If you utilize a vacation house for personal purposes for more than 14 days or 10% of the total time you rent it out (i.e., at least 20 days if it is rented out for 200 days a year), then it counts as a dwelling.

You are exempt from reporting your income if you rent out your holiday property for fewer than 15 days per year. On the other hand, no costs—like property taxes or mortgage interest—will be deductible as rental expenditures.

Holiday Home vs. Real Estate Investment

It’s important to know the distinctions between investment houses and vacation homes before you purchase one. The most important consideration is whether and how frequently you intend to rent out your vacation home while you’re not using it.

For instance, how the lender feels about your house may affect the interest rate you get on your mortgage. Lower mortgage rates can be available to you if it meets the criteria for a holiday house rather than an investment property. It’s possible that the lender will want you to fulfill more requirements, such guaranteeing that the house won’t be rented out for longer than 180 days annually.

If your vacation property meets IRS criteria for a personal residence and is rented out for fewer than 15 days annually, you are not required by IRS regulations to record any sporadic rental revenue. But you have to report rental income from investment properties on your tax return. The advantage is that rental costs like upkeep, utilities, and insurance may also be written off.

Do You Think a Vacation Home Is Worth It?

It is up to you to decide if a vacation house is a good match for your family. Purchasing a vacation property might be a wise choice for you in a number of circumstances, particularly if you’re trying to make an investment. Vacation houses have the potential to increase in value just like other real estate. When you’re not using your vacation house, you might be able to rent it out, which might provide a nice little money.

But you should also think about how frequently you’ll be able to visit your vacation property. You should account for travel expenses and time as most lenders would prefer your vacation property to be situated at least some distance from your regular location, particularly if flying will be involved. Your vacation house may become an investment property and your taxes may be affected if you don’t spend enough time there and rent it out frequently.