Lenders view investment and vacation homes differently than primary homes. You see, a foreclosure will render you homeless if you default on the primary home loan. Who wants that? That’s why people commit themselves to clear their debt. On the other hand, investment and vacation properties are often luxuries. They lack that incentive to make borrowers pay up their dues. That doesn’t mean there’s no lender for such homes. It’s just that their loans’ terms may be stricter due to the heightened risk level. The main home may require just a down payment of 5% (or less). This figure will most likely go up to 15-20% of the buying price for a non-primary property. Non-primary properties may also attract higher interest rates, and lenders might not be lenient regarding your debt-to-income ratio.