Investment lending plays by different rules
Lenders assess investment property loans differently to home loans for the property you live in. Understanding these differences helps you prepare a stronger application and structure your borrowing appropriately.

Interest rates are typically higher.
Investment loan rates are usually 0.2% to 0.5% higher than owner-occupied rates. This is standard across most lenders.
Rental income is assessed conservatively.
Lenders do not count 100% of your expected rent. Most use 70% to 80% to account for vacancies, management fees, and other costs. We know how different lenders calculate this.
Your existing debts affect borrowing capacity.
Your home loan, credit cards, and other commitments reduce what you can borrow for an investment. We assess your full position to give you a realistic picture.
Loan structure matters for tax and growth.
How your investment loan is set up, including whether it is interest-only or principal and interest, standalone or cross-collateralised, affects your tax deductions and future flexibility. Getting this right from the start is important.
Deposit requirements vary.
Most lenders require at least 10% to 20% deposit for investment properties. Some accept less with Lenders Mortgage Insurance, but policies differ between lenders and property types.
No two investors are the same. Neither are their loans.

First investment property
Taking the step from homeowner to investor, or buying an investment before your own home (rentvesting). We explain how lenders assess your application, what deposit you need, and how an investment loan affects your future borrowing capacity.

Using equity to invest
Your home or existing investment properties may have grown in value. Accessing this equity can fund your next deposit without saving from scratch. We assess your equity position and structure the borrowing appropriately.

Expanding your portfolio
Adding a second, third, or subsequent investment property involves more complex serviceability calculations. Lenders look at your entire debt position and rental income across all properties. We work with investors building portfolios over time.

Rentvesting
Buying an investment property while continuing to rent where you want to live. This strategy suits people who want to enter the property market in affordable areas while maintaining lifestyle flexibility. We structure loans for rentvesters at various stages.

SMSF property investment
Buying property through your self-managed super fund has specific lending requirements. If you are considering this path, we have specialist SMSF lending expertise.








