Investment Property Loans

Your first investment property is the easy one. The structure decides whether you get a second.

Most investors can get one investment loan approved. The trouble starts at property two or three. The first loan was set up in a way that ties up equity, links properties together, or eats into borrowing power with the wrong lender.

We set up your first investment loan with the next one in mind. Fast Funding has been arranging investor finance on the Gold Coast since 2009, from first-time investors to clients building portfolios across several lenders.

“Thanks to Joseph’s guidance and support, I was able to secure the finance I needed and purchase my very first investment property. As a first-time investor, the process could have been overwhelming, but Joe made everything feel straightforward and manageable.”
Clara I., Google review

How investment loans differ from home loans

• Rates are usually higher. Most lenders price investment loans above owner-occupied loans, for both variable and fixed rates.
• Interest-only is common. Many investors pay interest-only for a period to keep repayments down while the property grows in value. It costs more over the life of the loan, so it needs to suit your plan.
• Lenders count rental income differently. Most only use a portion of the rent (often around 70–80%) when assessing what you can afford, and each lender sets its own figure.
• Your existing debts count against you. Each new loan reduces your borrowing power, and some lenders assess existing debts much more conservatively than others.

Structuring for the next purchase

These are the decisions that matter most when you plan to buy again:

Avoid linking properties where you can. If two properties secure the same loans (cross-collateralisation), the bank controls both. That can make it harder to sell one, refinance or switch lenders. We usually set each property up with its own security where possible.

Split the loans properly. If you’re borrowing against your home’s equity for a deposit, that should be a separate loan from your home loan. It keeps the investment debt clear for tax purposes, so talk to your accountant about how this applies to you.

Choose lenders in the right order. Lenders differ a lot in how they treat multiple properties and rental income. The order you use them in can change how much you’re able to borrow later.

Keep a buffer. An offset account against the investment loan can hold your cash buffer for vacancies and repairs while reducing interest.

Using equity to buy

If your home has gone up in value, you may be able to use that equity instead of saving a cash deposit. Most lenders will lend up to 80% of a property’s value without lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). The difference between that and what you owe is your usable equity. We’ll get a valuation estimate before you start looking, so you know your real budget.

A note on tax

The 2026 Federal Budget changed some tax rules for property investors. We’re mortgage brokers, not tax advisers. We’ll work alongside your accountant so the loan structure suits the tax position they recommend. If you don’t have an accountant who works with property investors, we can point you to one.

Example: using equity to buy the next property

A Gold Coast investor came to us wanting to buy another investment property. They’d built up equity in a property they already owned and wanted to use it towards the next purchase instead of saving a fresh cash deposit.

We reviewed their existing loans, current property values, income and borrowing capacity, then compared lenders to find a structure that would release the equity and support the new loan.

They accessed the equity they needed and bought a property valued at around $1.9 million, with a loan of about $1.52 million, and their portfolio kept growing.

Client details have been changed or omitted for privacy.

Frequently asked questions

How much deposit do I need for an investment property?

Usually 20% plus purchase costs if you want to avoid lenders mortgage insurance. Some lenders accept as little as 10% with LMI, and equity in your home can often be used instead of cash.

Can I use the equity in my home to buy an investment property?

Often, yes. We’ll estimate your home’s value and work out how much equity you can access. That borrowing is usually set up as a separate loan split.

Should I choose interest-only or principal and interest?

It depends on your plans and cash flow. Interest-only lowers repayments for a set period but costs more overall, and the repayments jump when it ends. We’ll model both for you.

How many investment properties can I own?

There’s no fixed limit. The limit is your borrowing power, which depends on your income, the rent, your existing debts and how each lender assesses them. Choosing the right lender for each purchase is how investors keep growing.

Talk to Joe about your next investment

Call (07) 5538 8334 or book a time with Joe.

General information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Fast Funding does not provide tax or financial planning advice; speak to your accountant or a licensed financial adviser. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply, and all loans are subject to lender approval. Fast Funding (Australian Credit Representative Number 397509) is a Corporate Representative of BLSSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 391237).