Investment Loans: Fund Your Property Goals

Wealth Creation Through Property

Property investment has historically shown periods of long-term capital growth in Australia. While market fluctuations occur, well-chosen properties in desirable locations may appreciate in value over time. By leveraging an investment loan, you may be able to enter the property market without needing to fund the entire purchase price upfront.

Rental Income as an Additional Revenue Stream

Owning an investment property can provide rental income that might help offset mortgage repayments and other associated costs. A well-located property with high demand may offer consistent cash flow, making loan repayments more manageable. If rental income exceeds your expenses, your property could become positively geared, creating an additional source of revenue.

Tax Advantages Through Negative Gearing

Negative gearing is a tax strategy that may allow property investors to claim a deduction when an investment property's expenses – such as mortgage interest, maintenance costs, insurance, council rates, and depreciation – exceed the rental income generated. This shortfall may be deductible from your total taxable income, which could lessen your overall tax liability. However, tax laws and individual financial circumstances affect eligibility, so seeking professional tax advice might be necessary.

Leverage and Equity Growth

As you pay down your investment loan and property values increase, you could build equity that may be used to finance additional investments. This may allow you to expand your portfolio without needing large upfront capital for each new purchase. By refinancing or releasing equity, you might be able to continue growing your investments strategically. However, property values can fluctuate, and borrowing against equity carries financial risks, so professional financial advice may be beneficial.

What Are the Risks Associated with Loans for Property Investment?

While these loans can provide financial opportunities, they also come with challenges that should be carefully assessed. Here are some key risks to consider before borrowing to invest in property:

Market Fluctuations and Property Value Depreciation

Property markets experience cycles of growth and decline, meaning there is always a risk that an investment may lose value. A downturn could affect your ability to refinance or sell at a profit. Conducting thorough research and selecting properties in high-demand locations may help mitigate this risk.

Loan Repayment and Interest Rate Changes

Interest rates can rise, increasing loan repayments and affecting cash flow. If you've taken an interest-only loan, you might face higher repayments when the interest-only period ends. Understanding different loan structures and securing a competitive rate could help manage this risk effectively.

Rental Vacancy and Tenant Risks

A property without tenants may result in lost rental income while you continue covering mortgage repayments and property expenses. Selecting properties in locations with strong rental demand and maintaining a financial buffer could help manage periods of vacancy. Engaging a property manager might assist in finding reliable tenants.

Costs Beyond Mortgage Repayments

Owning an investment property often involves additional costs such as stamp duty, insurance, property management fees, maintenance, and council rates. These expenses may impact overall returns. Budgeting for these costs and planning for unexpected expenses could help ensure your investment remains financially sustainable.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Investment Loan?

Below are some of the key factors lenders may assess when determining your eligibility for investment loans. Meeting these criteria could improve your chances of securing financing on terms that align with your investment goals.

• Financial Stability and Creditworthiness: Your overall financial position plays a crucial role in loan approval. Lenders review your credit score, employment history, and income stability to assess your ability to manage debt responsibly. A strong credit history, a consistent income stream, and a low level of existing debt may enhance your borrowing capacity. On the other hand, a poor credit rating, high debt obligations, or irregular earnings may reduce the amount you can borrow or result in less favourable loan terms.
• Deposit and Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR): The size of your deposit directly impacts the loan amount and conditions. Most lenders require a deposit of at least 10-20% of the property's purchase price. A higher deposit leads to a lower LVR, which may result in more favourable interest rates and avoid additional costs such as Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). If you have less than a 20% deposit, LMI may be required, increasing your borrowing costs. However, investors can use home equity from an existing property to reduce or eliminate the need for a cash deposit.
• Loan Servicing Ability and Financial Buffers: Your ability to meet ongoing loan repayments is a critical factor for lenders. They assess your income sources, including salary and potential rental income, to determine whether you can comfortably manage repayments. Existing financial obligations, such as personal loans, credit card debt, and daily living expenses, are also considered. Lenders may apply stress tests to evaluate whether you can still afford repayments in case of interest rate increases. Additionally, having extra savings or liquid assets to cover unexpected costs – such as rental vacancies, property maintenance, or rate hikes – may strengthen your loan application and demonstrate financial preparedness.
• Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Considerations: If your deposit is below 20%, you may be required to pay LMI, which adds to the overall cost of borrowing. LMI protects the lender, not you, the borrower, in case you default on your mortgage. However, there are strategies you may be able to use to reduce or avoid LMI, such as increasing the deposit size, using a guarantor loan where a family member provides additional security, or leveraging equity from an existing property. 

How to Apply for an Investment Loan?

Careful planning and understanding lender requirements may improve your chances of approval when applying for an investment loan. Here's how you can approach the process more effectively:

1. Assess Your Financial Position: Before applying for a loan, consider evaluating your financial standing, including income, credit history, and existing debts. Lenders assess your ability to service the loan by considering your overall financial stability. Understanding your borrowing capacity could help you set a realistic investment budget.
2. Find the Right Loan Structure and Terms: Investment loans vary in structure, with options including principal and interest loans, interest-only loans, and different rate types. Choosing the right structure depends on your investment strategy, whether you prioritise cash flow, tax benefits, or equity growth. A mortgage broker may help you compare loan products and identify lenders that match your needs.
3. Get Pre-Approval with Your Lender: Pre-approval provides an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow, which could give you confidence when searching for an investment property. While it's not a final loan approval, it could strengthen your position when negotiating with sellers. The lender you receive pre-approval from is typically the one you finalise your loan with, though you may choose to switch if needed.
4. Submit a Formal Loan Application: Once you find a property, you need to submit a full loan application with supporting documents, including proof of income, tax returns, and property details. Lenders evaluate the property's value, your financial situation, and potential rental income before granting approval. A mortgage broker can assist in ensuring your application meets lender requirements for a smoother process.
5. Complete the Settlement: After loan approval, settlement is completed, and ownership of the property is transferred to you. 

Optimising Your Investment Strategy with Ausfirst Lending

Successful property investment may involve more than just buying real estate – it's also about securing the right financing that could support your long-term goals. Investment loans can present unique challenges, from higher interest rates to stricter lending criteria, making expert guidance potentially valuable. 

At Ausfirst Lending, we aim to help you navigate these complexities by identifying loan solutions that may align with your investment strategy. Let us help you explore investment loan options that may assist in achieving your financial goals.

Why Choose Ausfirst Lending Group

Dedicated Guidance and Comprehensive Service

At Ausfirst Lending Group, you are our top priority. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance from start to finish, not just because we are legally obligated to act in your favour, but because we genuinely want to ensure your success. 

We focus on your objectives and requirements, and combine deep industry knowledge with a strong commitment to finding loan options that truly align with your financial needs. We simplify the entire loan application process by assessing your borrowing capacity, organising documentation, and negotiating terms on your behalf, all while securing the most favourable outcomes for you.

Extensive Lender Options

One of the key benefits of working with Ausfirst Lending is our access to a diverse range of lenders. Instead of presenting just one option, we assess a broad array of options according to your financial needs. This allows us to tailor solutions that match your specific goals and circumstances, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.