Asset protection
Holding property in a trust can help separate it from personal and business risks, depending on the structure.
FINANCING PROPERTY VIA A TRUST
Trust loans in Brisbane.
Protect what you’ve built.
Borrow the right way.
Buying property through a family or unit trust adds a layer of lending complexity. We work through your trust deed, trustee structure and income, then compare lenders that suit it. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group’s mortgage brokers in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.
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Structured to protect.Let’s match the loan to your trust.
STRUCTUREbuilt around
your trust.
your trust.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for home loans
Local careBrisbane & Sunshine Coast
WHAT ARE TRUST LOANS?
Borrowing in the name
of your trust.
A trust loan is borrowed by the trustee on behalf of a trust, usually to buy property or invest. The asset is held in the trust rather than your own name, and the loan is secured against it.
Estate planning
Trusts can support how wealth passes between generations while the trustee keeps control of the assets.
Flexibility to grow
Borrow to buy new property or investments without selling assets the trust already holds.
Setting up a new trust? Talk to us before you buy. The deed and trustee structure affect which lenders you can use.
Start with a free chatTYPES OF TRUSTS
Which trusts can
borrow for property?
Lenders treat each trust type differently. Your trust deed must allow the trustee to borrow, and it shapes what lenders will ask for.
Family (discretionary) trust
The most common structure for holding property. The trustee decides how income is distributed among beneficiaries each year.
Unit trust
Beneficiaries hold units and receive income in proportion. Often used when unrelated investors buy property together.
Hybrid trust
Combines fixed unit entitlements with discretionary distributions. Fewer lenders accept these, so the deed needs careful review.
Bare trust
Holds an asset for a beneficiary with no discretion. Most often used to hold property in an SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangement.
Testamentary trust
Created through a will after death. Borrowing is less common, but possible where estate assets are used for property or investment.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Your name, or a trust?
| What you compare | Your name | A trust |
|---|---|---|
| Legal owner | You personally | The trustee, for beneficiaries |
| Asset protection | More exposed | Can be stronger |
| Lender assessment | Your income | Trust, trustee and guarantors |
| Paperwork | Simpler | Deed, financials, legal costs |
Whether a trust suits you depends on your circumstances. Get legal and tax advice before buying through a trust.
Compare my trust loan optionsIS YOUR TRUST READY TO BORROW?
Get the paperwork
right first.
Trust loans succeed or stall on documentation. Lenders review the deed, the trustee structure and the trust’s finances before they look at the property.
For self-employed borrowers, that often means presenting business income and trust distributions together. We coordinate with your accountant so lenders see the full picture.
- Deed reviewed for borrowing powers
- Corporate trustee details confirmed
- Full doc or low doc options compared
- Accountant and solicitor kept in the loop
YOUR TRUST, AT A GLANCE
How ready is your trust to apply?
Your readiness0 of 5
Next stepLet’s work through it together
A quick checklist only. Lender requirements vary with the trust type, trustee structure and loan size.
Check my actual optionsBEFORE YOU COMMIT
Benefits and risks,
side by side.
A trust can offer flexibility and protection, but it adds cost, compliance and lending complexity. We help you weigh both with your accountant and solicitor.
TAX AND TRUSTS
Tax outcomes depend on your structure.
Trusts may allow income to be distributed among beneficiaries, access capital gains tax concessions in some cases, and give more control over the timing of distributions.
Whether those benefits apply depends on your trust, your beneficiaries and current tax law. Your accountant should confirm the tax position before you buy.
Default and credit risk
If the trust defaults, the lender can take the secured property, reducing the trust’s long-term value. Defaults can also affect the credit of the trust, trustees and any guarantors.
Compliance and rate risk
The loan must comply with the trust deed and legal requirements, which means ongoing admin. On a variable rate, repayments rise if interest rates increase.
We provide credit assistance only. We don’t give tax or legal advice; speak with your accountant and solicitor about your trust.
Let’s check your structure. We’ll review the deed and finances with your accountant before approaching lenders.
Check my next stepsHOW TO APPLY
What lenders need
for a trust loan.
The lender reviews the trust’s structure, history and creditworthiness. A well-prepared application can make approval smoother.
Trust deed
A copy of the deed confirming the trustee can borrow and mortgage trust property.
Trustee details
ID for individual trustees or company directors, plus corporate trustee documents.
Trust financials
Recent trust financials, tax returns and notices of assessment. Low doc options may suit some self-employed borrowers.
Guarantees
Lenders often ask directors or beneficiaries for personal guarantees, especially if trust assets alone aren’t enough.
THE RIGHT STRUCTURE MATTERS
Loan options for
your trust.
Loan term, rate type and repayment structure all affect cash flow inside the trust. We help you compare them against your strategy.
1–5 year loans
For immediate needs or specific projects. Faster access to funds, with higher repayments.
Up to 30 years
For property purchases. Lower monthly repayments spread over a longer period.
Fixed or variable
Fixed rates make budgeting easier. Variable rates move with the market and offer more flexibility.
P&I or interest-only
P&I reduces the debt over time. Interest-only lowers repayments for 1–5 years before principal is due.
Self-employed, or running income through a company and trust? We’ll show lenders how your structure fits together.
Talk about my structureFROM FIRST CHAT TO SETTLEMENT
Six steps.
One team beside you.
We explain each stage, coordinate with your accountant and keep you informed until settlement.
UNDERSTAND
Talk through your trust and goals
Meet by phone, Zoom or in person. Tell us about the trust, the property and what you want to achieve.
GATHER
Review the deed and financials
We confirm the deed allows borrowing and gather trust financials, trustee documents and ID.
ANALYSE & PLAN
Match lenders to your structure
We compare lenders that accept your trust type and income documentation, and plan the loan structure.
APPLY
Prepare and lodge your application
We outline the loan purpose and repayment plan, and liaise with the lender on valuation and approval.
FINALISE
Review the offer and settle
We walk you through the loan offer and guarantees, then coordinate settlement with your solicitor.
SUPPORT
Review as the trust grows
We review your loans as rates, values and the trust’s plans change.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
WHAT MAKES AUSFIRST DIFFERENT
Complex structures.
Clear advice.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Many lenders struggle to assess irregular business income and trust distributions at the same time. Richard brings more than 30 years of broking experience to presenting both clearly, whether your trust relies on company financials, personal notices of assessment or low doc options.
We review trust deeds, confirm corporate trustee requirements and work directly with your accountant or adviser, so the application reflects your real financial position.
Self-employed specialistsAccountant coordination2024 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.”
Google review
“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
Trust loans.
Real questions.
The questions we’re asked most about borrowing through a trust. Your structure matters, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my trustCan I use a trust loan to buy property?
Yes. Trust loans are commonly used to buy property, letting the trust grow its assets without selling existing investments. The property becomes part of the trust’s assets.
Can a family trust buy a home?
A family trust can buy residential property. If you plan to live in it, check the tax and land tax implications with your accountant first, as trust-owned homes are treated differently from homes in your own name.
Can any trust apply for a loan?
No. The trust deed must allow the trustee to borrow and mortgage trust property. Family, unit and some testamentary trusts may qualify if their deeds permit it.
Do beneficiaries need to guarantee the loan?
Often, yes. Lenders commonly ask directors of a corporate trustee or key beneficiaries for personal guarantees, especially if the trust’s assets alone don’t support the loan.
Can I get a discounted rate on a trust loan?
Some lenders offer sharper pricing where the trust has a strong financial position. We compare lenders and ask about available discounts; outcomes depend on the lender.
Are trust loans eligible for tax benefits?
Interest on a loan used to buy an income-producing property may be deductible, and trusts can offer other tax planning options. The outcome depends on your trust and circumstances, so confirm it with your accountant.
What are the risks of a trust loan?
If the trust defaults, the lender can take the secured property, and guarantors may be liable. Trust loans also carry compliance obligations, setup costs and interest rate risk on variable loans.
How do I apply for a trust loan?
Start by confirming your deed allows borrowing. Then gather trust financials, trustee documents and ID. We match you with suitable lenders, lodge the application and manage it through to settlement.
LET’S MAKE A START
Your trust loan
starts with a review.
Tell us about your trust and what you’d like to buy. We’ll review the structure, explain your lender options and work with your accountant on the detail.
Trust deed and structure reviewed
Lenders matched to your trust type
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 TRUST LOAN CHAT
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