Wealth building
Build long-term wealth with strategies for investing, saving and managing your cash flow.
Home & Investment Loans
First Home Buyers or Up-sizing
Whether you are a first home buyer, up-sizing into a larger family home or adding another property to your growing portfolio, the ability to secure the right loan for your specific situation is almost as important as selecting the house itself.
Home and investment loan guidance
Challenging situations we can help with
We understand that some personal situations can make it challenging to attain finance. Examples include:
•Being self-employed (see business loans page)
•Purchasing land and building
•Have a bad credit score
•Have defaulted on loan payments
•Have been declared bankrupt
Interest rates are important, but so are loan features
Having a low interest rate is very important, particularly over the long-term. However, there are many other features of a loan that are also very important. These include:
•Offset accounts
•Reduced fees
•Redraw facilities
•Split-loans (fixed and variable portions)
•Interest-only periods
•Payment frequency
•Loan terms
•Lump sum and increased payment options
Our lending specialists can help you understand the features of the loan to ensure that we source the correct loan with the desired features included.
Investment property considerations
Understanding the structure of your loan is important to keep your household running smoothly. One of our lending specialists can provide advice on how you can best manage your family's cash flow.
Investment properties can be great investments, but it is important to consider the downsides as well. These can include:
•Ongoing maintenance costs
•Communicating with tenants or property managers
•Landlords' insurances
•Council and water rates
•Structuring the loan to take advantage of negative gearing or other tax benefits
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my borrowing capacity for a home loan or investment property loan?
Borrowing capacity is calculated based on your income, living expenses, existing loan repayments, and other liabilities. Understanding it early is the single most important step you can take before starting your property search.
What is the difference between a home loan and an investment property loan?
A home loan is used to purchase a property you live in; an investment property loan is used to buy a property generating rental income. The distinction matters: investment loans often carry different interest rates, lending criteria, and tax implications that need to be factored into your strategy from the outset.
Why is home loan pre-approval important in Australia?
Pre-approval tells you how much a lender is likely to lend before you start house hunting. It strengthens your position when making offers, keeps your search focused, and signals to vendors that you're a serious buyer.
Can I get a home loan or investment property loan if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers can still access home loans and investment property loans. Lenders will typically require additional documentation, including tax returns, BAS statements, and financial records, to assess income stability, but being self-employed is not a barrier to borrowing.