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The Global Insight

What is non-owner-occupied property?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 16, 2026

The term “non-owner-occupied” simply means that the owner (you) won’t be using the property as their primary residence. For example, if you’re buying a new home that you intend to live in, but you’ll be using your old house as a rental property, you will likely qualify for an owner-occupied mortgage.

What is the difference between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied?

For example, if you intend to live in the property after your loan closes, then the mortgage is classified as owner occupied. A mortgage on property in which you do not live is considered a non-owner occupied mortgage.

What is owner-occupied property?

What Does “Owner-Occupied” Mean in Commercial Real Estate? A business that has the same ownership as a holding company that owns the property is also considered owner-occupied. In this case, the borrower is eligible for a US government-backed SBA 504 loan that gives you access to better financing than any other option.

How much do you have to put down for owner-occupied?

Conventional Mortgage Down payments on owner-occupied homes can be as low as 5% to 10% with conventional mortgages. It’s also worth noting that you may save money on interest fees if you plan to make your rental property your primary residence. Mortgage rates can commonly be . 5% to .

How do I qualify for owner-occupied mortgage?

Generally, for a property to be owner-occupied, the owner must move into the residence within 60 days of closing and live there for at least one year. Buyers purchasing property in the name of a trust, as a vacation or second home, or as the part-time home or for a child or relative do not qualify as owner-occupants.

What does it mean to live in an owner occupied home?

The mortgage world has a term called “owner-occupied,” which means the borrower will live in (occupy) the home. Owner occupancy comes with several benefits compared to rental property loans such as better interest rates, less down payment, and more loan options.

Can a rental property be a non owner occupied property?

The term non-owner occupied is not typically used for multi-family rental properties, such as apartment buildings. A mortgage on a non-owner-occupied property might have a slightly higher interest rate than an owner-occupied mortgage, as non-owner-occupied mortgages are more likely to default.

What’s the difference between owner occupied and non owner occupied mortgage?

A mortgage on a non-owner-occupied property might have a slightly higher interest rate than an owner-occupied mortgage, as non-owner-occupied mortgages are more likely to default. Because of the higher interest rate, some unscrupulous borrowers will try to classify a non-owner-occupied mortgage as an owner-occupied mortgage to try and save money.

Can a primary residence be an owner occupied home?

To avoid occupancy fraud, ensure that there are no misstatements like stating this will be a primary residence, but it is really: More than likely, the above would not be acceptable to an owner-occupied mortgage loan.