Investment Loans

An investment interest rate applies to all home loans that are secured to purchase an investment property. Investment interest rates are typically higher than those of the owner-occupied home loans. This is because investors are considered higher risk than borrowers who plan to live in their property.

Where To Start?


  1. Application Process:

      The borrower applies for an investment property loan from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution. The lender assesses the borrower's financial situation, credit history, and the property being purchased to determine eligibility and loan terms.


  2. Loan Approval

      If the borrower meets the lender's criteria, the loan is approved, and the borrower receives a loan offer outlining the terms and conditions, including the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees or charges.


  3. Property Purchase:

      Once the loan is approved, the borrower proceeds with purchasing the investment property. This may involve engaging a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the transaction, such as conducting property searches, preparing contracts, and facilitating the settlement process.


  4. Loan Settlement:

      On the settlement date, the lender provides the funds to complete the purchase of the investment property. The borrower becomes the legal owner of the property, and the lender registers a mortgage over the property as security for the loan.


  5. Rental Income:

      The borrower rents out the property to tenants, generating rental income. This income is typically used to cover expenses associated with the property, such as mortgage repayments, property management fees, maintenance costs, and insurance.


  6. Interest Rate:

      The interest rate on an investment property loan may be higher than that of owner-occupied loans. Lenders typically view investment properties as higher risk because they rely on rental income, which can fluctuate, to cover loan repayments.


  7. Loan Repayment:

      The borrower is responsible for making regular repayments to the lender according to the agreed-upon schedule. Repayments may include both principal and interest or interest-only payments, depending on the loan agreement.


  8. Tax Implications:

      Investment property loans have tax implications that borrowers should consider. Expenses associated with the property, such as mortgage interest, property management fees, and maintenance costs, may be tax-deductible, reducing the borrower's taxable income.


  9. Capital Appreciation

      In addition to rental income, investors may also benefit from capital appreciation if the value of the investment property increases over time. This can potentially result in capital gains when the property is sold.

It's important for investors to carefully consider their financial situation, investment strategy, and long-term goals when taking out an investment property loan. Additionally, investors should conduct thorough research and seek professional advice to ensure they make informed decisions and manage their investment property effectively.

How do I use equity of a current property to purchase another property?

Using the equity in a current property to purchase another property can be a smart way to leverage your existing assets to expand your property portfolio or invest in a new property.

How it works:

  1. Determine Your Equity:

      Equity is the difference between the current market value of your property and the amount you owe on your mortgage. You can calculate your equity by subtracting your outstanding mortgage balance from the property's current market value.


  2. Check Lender Requirements:

      Different lenders have varying requirements for using equity to purchase another property. Some lenders may allow you to borrow up to a certain percentage of your property's equity, while others may have stricter criteria. Check with your current lender or consult with other lenders to understand their policies.


  3. Get a Property Valuation:

      Before you can access the equity in your property, you'll need to get a property valuation to determine its current market value. This valuation will help you calculate how much equity you have available to use for purchasing another property.


  4. Calculate Borrowing Capacity:

      Once you know the amount of equity available in your property, you can calculate your borrowing capacity. This will depend on factors such as your income, expenses, credit history, and the lender's criteria. You can use online borrowing calculators or consult with a mortgage broker to determine how much you can borrow.


  5. Apply for a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit:

      There are several ways to access the equity in your property, including home equity loans or lines of credit (HELOCs). These types of loans allow you to borrow against the equity in your property, using it as collateral. You can then use the funds from the loan to purchase another property.


  6. Consult with a Mortgage Broker or Financial Advisor:

      It's a good idea to seek professional advice when using equity to purchase another property. A mortgage broker or financial advisor can help you understand your options, navigate the lending process, and find the best loan product for your needs.


  7. Consider Tax Implications:

      Using equity to purchase another property may have tax implications, such as capital gains tax (CGT) and stamp duty. Consult with a tax advisor or accountant to understand how leveraging equity will affect your tax obligations.


  8. Research and Purchase Another Property:

      Once you have access to the funds, you can use them to purchase another property. Conduct thorough research, assess potential investment opportunities, and consider factors such as location, rental yields, and potential for capital growth before making a purchase.


  9. Manage Your Loans:

      Keep track of your loans and repayments to ensure you can comfortably manage your debt. Monitor interest rates and consider refinancing options if there are better deals available.

Using equity to purchase another property can be a powerful wealth-building strategy, but it's essential to carefully consider the risks and benefits and seek professional advice to make informed decisions.