First investment
Buying your first investment property, using savings or equity.
Investment loans, structured properly.
How you structure your first investment loan affects how easily you can buy the next one. We compare lenders on rates, how they count rent and how they assess your existing debts, and set up your loans to keep each purpose separate.
Who it suits
Growing a portfolio
Adding properties while keeping borrowing power for the next one.
Rentvesting
Buying an investment while renting where you want to live.
How it works
- We look at your income, existing loans, equity and plans.
- We work out your borrowing power with lenders who suit investors.
- We structure the loans, usually with equity release as a separate split.
- We arrange pre-approval, then formal approval when you find a property.
- We review your portfolio each year as rates and lender rules change.
What lenders look at
- How much of the rent they count (often 70–80%)
- Your existing home and investment loans, tested at a higher rate
- Your debt-to-income ratio (APRA limits high-DTI lending)
- The property type and location
- Whether you want interest-only or principal and interest
Good to know
Negative gearing changes
Under tax law passed in June 2026, if you buy an established home after 12 May 2026, from 1 July 2027 its rental losses can't reduce the tax on your wages; they're carried forward against property income instead. New builds keep negative gearing, and properties you held before 12 May 2026 are unaffected. Talk to your accountant about your situation.
Keep purposes separate
Use separate loan splits for each property and purpose so the deductible interest stays clear.
Cross-securing
Linking several properties to one lender can limit your options later. We usually keep them standalone.
Common questions
Can I use equity in my home as a deposit?
Yes. Many investors release equity from their home as a separate loan to fund the deposit and costs, so they don't need cash savings.
Should I choose interest-only?
Interest-only lowers repayments for a set period but you don't reduce the debt, and lenders assess your borrowing as if you were paying principal and interest. It suits some investors; we explain the trade-offs.
Is a new build better than an established home?
It depends on your goals. New builds keep negative gearing under the June 2026 tax changes and have higher depreciation, while established homes may offer more land. Get tax advice before deciding.
Related
General information only, not credit, tax or financial advice. Every lender has its own criteria and approval is never guaranteed.
Talk to us about investment loans.
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