First-time investors
- Understand your borrowing power and budget
- Compare loan types suited to a first investment
- Explore low deposit and LMI options
- Get pre-approval before you search
BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO
Investment loans in Brisbane.
Grow your property portfolio.
On the right structure.
Whether it’s your first investment property or your fifth, how the loan is set up matters as much as the rate. We compare investment loans from our lender panel and help you structure them around your strategy. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group’s mortgage brokers in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.
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Invest with a plan.Let’s structure your next purchase.
STRATEGYbefore the
loan.
loan.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for home loans
Local careBrisbane & Sunshine Coast
WHO THIS IS FOR
A loan strategy for
where you’re at.
Investors have different goals, incomes and timelines. Whether you’re buying your first rental or scaling a portfolio, we match the loan to your strategy.
Portfolio builders
- Structure loans across multiple properties
- Release equity for your next deposit
- Refinance to free up capital
- Use offset and split loans to manage cash flow
SMSF property investors
- Understand SMSF borrowing rules
- Structure a loan that fits your fund’s strategy
- Navigate the LRBA process
- Compare SMSF lenders and fees
Not sure where to start? We’ll look at your equity, income and goals, then explain your options.
Start with a free chatWHY STRUCTURE MATTERS
Why use a broker for
investment lending?
Investment loans have their own lending criteria. Lenders treat rental income, existing debts and multiple properties differently, and those differences affect how far you can grow.
Lender policies that suit investors
Some lenders count more of your rental income or assess existing debts differently. We compare policies across our panel to find those that fit your plans.
Structure for the next purchase
How loans are set up today affects your flexibility later. We plan the structure with your next property in mind.
Equity working for you
Release equity from your home or existing investments to fund a deposit, without dipping into savings.
Your best interests come first
Mortgage brokers providing regulated credit assistance must act in your best interests, considering costs, features and your needs.
A QUICK COMPARISON
A bank, or a broker?
| What you compare | One bank | Ausfirst |
|---|---|---|
| Loan choice | That bank’s products | Our lender panel |
| Investor policy | One lender’s rules | Multiple lender policies |
| Portfolio structure | Within one lender | Planned across lenders |
| After settlement | When you ask | Ongoing loan reviews |
Our panel does not include every lender or every loan in the market. A bank can also provide application support.
Compare my investment optionsKNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Run the numbers
before you buy.
Rental yield shows how much income a property earns relative to its price. Gross yield is a quick comparison; net yield, after costs, is closer to what you’ll actually earn.
We look at yield alongside your repayments, buffers and borrowing capacity, so the next purchase doesn’t stall the one after.
- Rental income and vacancy allowance
- Rates, insurance, strata and management fees
- Repayments on interest-only or P&I
- A buffer for rate rises and repairs
YOUR YIELD, AT A GLANCE
What could the property return?
$100k$2m
Illustrative gross yield5.2%
Net yield before loan costs4.2%
Illustration only, not financial advice or a borrowing assessment. Excludes loan repayments, vacancy, tax and capital growth. Annual costs can include rates, insurance, strata and management fees.
Check my actual optionsWHAT IS AN INVESTMENT LOAN?
Different property.
Different lending rules.
An investment loan funds a property you plan to rent out rather than live in. Lenders assess it differently from an owner-occupied loan, and the structure you choose shapes your cash flow.
BEFORE YOU BUY
What to know before your first investment.
Investment loans often carry higher rates and stricter serviceability checks than owner-occupied loans. Most lenders look for a 10–20% deposit, or equity from a property you already own.
Lenders also count only part of your expected rent when assessing what you can borrow. Pre-approval sets a realistic budget before you start searching.
Lower repayments, for a set period
You pay only interest for an agreed term, often up to five years, which can help cash flow. Your loan balance doesn’t reduce, and repayments rise when the term ends.
Interest-only rates are often higher than principal and interest rates.
Build equity with every repayment
Repayments cover interest and reduce your balance, building equity over time. That equity can later support your next purchase.
Repayments are higher, so we check your cash flow can carry them.
Tax treatment of investment loans depends on your circumstances. Speak with your accountant or a licensed financial adviser about tax and investment strategy.
Let’s check your starting position. We’ll look at your deposit or equity, borrowing capacity and the right structure.
Check my next stepsINVESTMENT SCENARIOS
How different investors
use their loans.
Three examples of how loan structure can support different strategies. Every investor’s situation is different, and results depend on the property, the market and your circumstances.
Building equity with a low deposit
A Brisbane teacher buys a $540,000 apartment with an 11% deposit, using a profession-based LMI waiver and an interest-only loan for two years.
- Rent$540/week
- Gross yield~5.2%
- Value after 18 months$620,000
- Equity gained$80,000
Next step: switch to principal and interest and use equity towards the next purchase.
Using equity for property two
A dual-income couple used an offset account and extra repayments on a $720,000 townhouse, then released equity for a second investment.
- Value after 4 years$940,000
- Loan remaining$530,000
- Usable equity (80%)$222,000
- Equity used as deposit$160,000
Rent from both properties covers most of their combined repayments.
A commercial asset for retirement
A consultant’s SMSF buys a $720,000 commercial unit leased to medical tenants, funded through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement.
- SMSF deposit$300,000 (42%)
- Lease income$3,900/month
- Loan repayment (P&I)$2,670/month
- Value after 3 years$810,000
SMSF borrowing is complex; get advice from a licensed SMSF specialist.
Scenarios are illustrative. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns, and capital growth is not guaranteed.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
How lenders assess
an investment loan.
Investment lending criteria are often stricter than for a home you live in. These are the main factors lenders weigh.
Income and stability
Your salary and other regular income, and how stable it is, set the base for what you can borrow.
Expected rental income
Lenders count a portion of the expected rent, usually after a discount for vacancy and costs.
Existing debts
Current home and investment loans, car loans and credit card limits all reduce your capacity.
Deposit or equity
Most lenders want 10–20% from savings or equity. Less may be possible with LMI or a guarantor.
THE RIGHT STRUCTURE MATTERS
Loan features that
suit investors.
The right mix depends on your cash flow, tax position and plans for the portfolio. We help you compare features against your strategy.
Interest-only loans
Lower repayments for a set term. The balance doesn’t reduce and repayments rise when the term ends.
Principal and interest
Higher repayments that reduce your loan balance and build equity over time.
Fixed, variable or split
Fix part of the loan for certainty and keep the rest variable for flexibility.
Offset accounts
Reduce the balance used to calculate interest while keeping savings accessible.
Buying through a trust, a company or your SMSF? We’ll talk through the extra lending considerations.
Talk about my structureFROM FIRST CHAT TO SETTLEMENT
Six steps.
One team beside you.
We explain each stage, prepare the application with you and keep you informed until settlement, then review your loans as your portfolio grows.
UNDERSTAND
Talk through your investment goals
Meet by phone, Zoom or in person. Tell us about your strategy, timeline and existing properties.
GATHER
Build a clear picture of your finances
We collect income documents, loan details and rental statements, and review your equity position.
ANALYSE & PLAN
Choose the right loan structure
We compare lenders, policies and features, and plan the structure with your next purchase in mind.
APPLY
Prepare and lodge your application
Once you’ve found a property, we finalise the application and liaise with the lender on valuation and approval.
FINALISE
Manage settlement
We coordinate with your lender and conveyancer and keep you informed through to settlement.
SUPPORT
Review as your portfolio grows
We review your loans as rates, values and your goals change, including when equity may support your next purchase.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
WHAT MAKES AUSFIRST DIFFERENT
Your portfolio is personal.
Your broker should be, too.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Richard brings more than 30 years of hands-on broking experience. He takes the time to understand your finances, investment objectives and future plans before comparing options from our panel.
Whether it’s your first investment property, refinancing an existing loan or using equity for the next purchase, you get clear advice, regular updates and the same team from application to settlement.
Personal attentionOngoing loan reviews2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Talk to a broker
More about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
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“Debbie made the process of buying a new house frictionless, by providing excellent support throughout”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Investment loans.
Real questions.
The questions we’re asked most about investment lending. Your circumstances matter, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my situationWhat qualifies as an investment loan?
A loan used to buy an asset, such as property, that you expect to earn income or grow in value. For property, it usually means a home you plan to rent out rather than live in.
Can I get a loan for an investment property in Australia?
Yes, if you meet the lender’s criteria. Lenders assess your income, credit history, existing debts and the expected rent. Investment loans often have higher rates and stricter requirements than owner-occupied loans.
Can I get a 100% investment loan?
Most lenders want a 10–20% deposit. You may be able to borrow the full purchase price by using equity in an existing property as security, or with a family guarantor.
Can I borrow for other investments, like shares?
Yes. Margin loans and other investment lending can fund shares or managed funds. They carry different risks, so get licensed financial advice before borrowing to invest.
Can I borrow against my existing investment property?
Often, yes. Refinancing or a line of credit can let you access equity to fund a new purchase without a cash deposit. Borrowing more increases your risk and repayments.
How does a broker help with an investment loan?
We compare loans across our panel, including major banks and specialist lenders, handle the paperwork and liaise with the lender. Our service is free for you; lenders pay us a commission, which we disclose.
Is it better to use a broker or go direct to a lender?
A lender can only offer its own products. A broker compares options across multiple lenders and their investor policies, which can matter more as your portfolio grows.
LET’S MAKE A START
Your next investment
starts with a plan.
You don’t need a property picked out. Tell us where you’re at, and we’ll help you understand your borrowing position, equity and the right structure for your next purchase.
A clear look at your borrowing capacity
Equity, structure and lender options explained
Personal guidance from an experienced team
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR FREE INVESTMENT CHAT
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