Property Investment Mortgage Broker
Buying your first or next investment property? We map the strategy — equity release, cash-out for deposits, rentvesting and SMSF-compatible options — then put lenders in a rate challenge so your portfolio grows, not your repayments. Higher LVRs, rental shading and tax rules explained in plain English.
Indicative only; final pricing requires a full application and lender approval.
We compare 35+ lenders & investor-friendly products
Updated twice weekly (Wed AM & Fri PM)Investment lending can have tighter LVRs, rental shading and slightly higher rates than owner-occupied loans — so we run a rate challenge across the panel and advise on repayments, offsets and IO vs P&I.
Why Rate Challenge for property investors
Investment properties are financed differently to homes you live in. Lenders want to see rent, your day-to-day living expenses, and how the new debt sits with existing mortgages, business loans or HECS. We model this the way a credit assessor will, then position the deal so approval lands fast.
We also show the cash-out and equity paths investors actually use — top-ups, refinance to 80% for no LMI, or higher-LVR investment loans when speed matters. Many clients use equity in the home they live in to fund the 20%–30% deposit on the investment.
From there we structure for cash flow: interest-only to improve serviceability, offsets for tax planning with your accountant, or principal-and-interest if you want to de-risk before buying again. We keep monitoring rates and run a fresh rate challenge when markets move or your rent rises.
What you can expect from us
Straight talk on what you can really buy today (not a theoretical borrowing amount), prep for valuation, and a plan for the next property. We coordinate lender choice, strategy for trusts/companies, rentvesting loans and portfolio reviews — then we keep banks honest with scheduled repricing.
📈 Equity release & deposit planning
We find usable equity, not just “paper” equity — usually up to 80% of current value to avoid LMI. Where the numbers stack up we’ll weigh up 90%+ with capitalised LMI for faster portfolio growth. Best when you’re buying in tight markets or chasing a high-yield regional.
💼 Trusts, companies & complex income
Many investors buy in entities for asset-protection or tax reasons. We match lenders that are comfortable with trust/company borrowers and can read BAS, financials and rental statements. You get a clean checklist to send to your accountant.
🏡 Rentvesting & future PPOR plans
You can rent where you want and invest where the numbers work. We’ll map PPOR-ready offsets, split loans for future debt recycling and make sure you don’t accidentally break deductibility later. We’ll also point you at the Rentvesting Guide.
🧮 Interest-only vs P&I for investors
IO is often chosen to maximise deductions and cash flow, but repayments jump when IO ends. We’ll show the 5- and 10-year views so you can decide whether to keep payments calm now or start reducing debt.
There’s no single “best investment loan”. It’s structure + cash flow + tax advice + keeping the lender in a rate challenge every year.
Property investment tools & guides
Rentvesting Guide
Live where you want, buy where yields and growth make sense. Steps, pros/cons, and loan setup.
Property Investment Calculator
Model repayments, rent, buffers and what happens to cash flow when rates or LVR change.
Home Loan Guide
Understand lender policy, valuation and borrowing power in one place — updated twice weekly.
What investment clients say
Property investment FAQs
How much deposit do I need for an investment property?
Most lenders like investors at 20% deposit so there’s no LMI. Some let you in at 10%–15% plus LMI if income and credit are strong. We’ll show you if using equity is cheaper than cash, and what LVR you need to stay portfolio-friendly.
Can I use equity from my home to buy?
Yes. We order a valuation, release equity to 80% where possible, and use that as your deposit and costs. That way the investment loan can sit at a cleaner LVR and often a sharper rate. This is the standard path for second and third properties.
Will the bank count the rent I expect to get?
They will, but not at 100%. Most shade rent to ~70%–90% to allow for vacancy, agent fees and costs. If you’ve already got a lease or strong local evidence, we’ll feed that to credit so your borrowing power reflects the real market.
Why are investment interest rates a bit higher?
Banks price investment loans higher because they’re seen as slightly riskier and often on interest-only terms. We offset that by comparing 35+ lenders, removing loyalty tax on your existing loans, and keeping repayments calm with the right structure.
Can I buy in a trust or company?
Usually, yes — you just need the right lender. We’ll guide you on director guarantees, documentation and how the trust affects pricing and LVR. Always loop in your accountant so tax, asset protection and loan structure line up neatly.
Is interest-only the best for investors?
It’s popular because it boosts cash flow and keeps debt tax-deductible, but it’s not a rule. We’ll model interest-only vs P&I and show what happens when IO expires so you can choose the combo that lets you buy again.
How do I avoid cross-collateralisation?
We can separate loans so each property stands mostly on its own and you stay flexible for future buys or sales. Sometimes a short-term cross is OK to get the deal done fast — we’ll explain the trade-offs before you sign anything.
Can I do rentvesting?
Yes. We’ll set up your owner-occupied loan for future deductibility, then run the investment purchase through a lender that likes rentvesting scenarios. Grab our Rentvesting Guide above for the step-by-step and tax watchpoints.
How many properties can I build up to?
It depends on income, how geared each property is, and how we present your rental portfolio. We’ll map your “next 3” with rough deposits, repayments and timelines so you can plan growth, not just this one deal.
What’s the fastest way to start?
Book a quick triage call, tell us what you own and earn, and send your current loan statements. We’ll confirm borrowing power, pick a lender and send you a checklist — usually inside the day — so you can make offers confidently.
Visit or book a call
Rate Challenge – Mortgage & Finance Brokers
U 63/17 Armstrong St S, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Suite 334/585 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- ✓ Open Mon–Fri 9–5 (after-hours by appointment). Video meetings available Australia-wide.
- ✓ Ballarat office opposite the station; Melbourne CBD by appointment.
- ✓ Investor-friendly loan structures, 35+ lenders.
- ✓ Email: admin@ratechallenge.com.au
“Indicative only; final pricing requires a full application and lender approval.”