What Is an Investment Loan?
An investment loan is a type of home loan used to purchase a property that you intend to rent out or hold as an asset, rather than live in yourself. If you are thinking about buying an investment property in Perth, Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans can help you access investment loan options from banks and lenders across Australia. We work with a wide panel of lenders to find investment loan products that suit your financial situation, your goals, and your property investment strategy.
Investment loans are assessed differently to owner-occupier loans. Lenders typically apply stricter criteria, including higher investor interest rates, larger investor deposit requirements, and tighter assessment of your borrowing capacity. Understanding these differences from the start puts you in a much stronger position when you are ready to move forward.
Investment Loan Interest Rates and Repayment Options
One of the most important decisions when setting up a property investment loan is choosing between a variable rate and a fixed rate. A variable interest rate moves with the market, which means your repayments can go up or down over time. A fixed interest rate locks in your repayments for a set period, giving you more certainty around your cash flow. Some investors choose a split loan, combining both options across the same investment loan amount.
You will also need to decide between interest only and principal and interest repayments. An interest only investment loan means you only pay the interest portion each month, keeping your repayments lower in the short term. This is a common choice for investors focused on cash flow and portfolio growth. Principal and interest repayments reduce your loan balance over time, which builds equity in the property more quickly. Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans can walk you through calculating investment loan repayments under both structures so you can see how each option affects your numbers.
Leverage Equity and Grow Your Portfolio
Many investors in Perth already own a home or another property and want to use that asset to fund their next purchase. This is known as equity release, where you leverage equity in an existing property to cover the investor deposit on a new one. Using equity can reduce or eliminate the need for cash savings as a deposit, though lenders will still assess your overall financial position carefully.
The loan to value ratio, or LVR, is a key figure in any investment loan application. It represents the loan amount as a percentage of the property value. If your LVR is above 80 per cent, most lenders will require you to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance, known as LMI. LMI protects the lender, not you, and adds to the overall cost of the loan. Keeping your LVR at or below 80 per cent avoids this cost, which is one reason many investors work to build equity before expanding their portfolio.
Tax Considerations for Property Investors
Property investment finance comes with a range of potential tax implications that are worth understanding before you commit. Interest on borrowings used to hold a rental property is generally deductible to the extent the property produces assessable income. Investors may also be able to claim other claimable expenses such as property management fees, repairs, and body corporate levies. Maximising tax deductions is a common goal for investors, and negative gearing benefits have historically allowed investors to offset rental losses against other income.
However, the tax rules around residential investment property are changing. Under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 26 June 2026, negative gearing for residential dwellings acquired on or after 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 will be quarantined from 1 July 2027. This means net rental losses on affected properties can only be offset against other residential rental income or carried forward, not offset against salary or wages. Eligible new residential dwellings, such as those built on previously vacant land or where the number of dwellings increases, may still access negative gearing benefits. Changes to capital gains tax are also taking effect from 1 July 2027, replacing the 50 per cent CGT discount with cost base indexation and a minimum 30 per cent tax rate on real capital gains for most affected assets.
These are significant changes that affect your property investment strategy. Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans strongly recommends speaking with a licensed tax adviser or accountant before making any decisions based on tax outcomes. Our role is to help you find the right investment property finance structure, not to provide tax advice.
APRA Lending Rules and What They Mean for Investors
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, known as APRA, sets rules that all authorised deposit-taking institutions must follow when lending. The current mortgage serviceability buffer requires lenders to assess your ability to repay at 3 percentage points above the product rate. This means even if the investment loan interest rate is 6 per cent, the lender will assess your repayments as if the rate were 9 per cent.
From 1 February 2026, APRA also introduced a debt-to-income cap. Lenders may only fund up to 20 per cent of new investor loans at a debt-to-income ratio of 6 times or greater. This does not mean you cannot borrow if your DTI is above 6, but it does mean fewer lenders will be able to approve those loans, and the assessment will be more thorough. Understanding how these rules apply to your situation is part of what Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans does when assessing your investor borrowing capacity.
Rental Income and Passive Income Goals
For many Perth investors, the goal is to build wealth through property over the long term, generating passive income through rental returns while the property appreciates in value. Lenders will consider your need for rental income as part of the overall serviceability assessment, though they typically only count a portion of the expected rental income. Vacancy rate assumptions, local rental market conditions, and the type of property all influence how lenders view your application.
If you are thinking about building wealth through property and want to understand your investment loan options, Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans is here to help. You can also explore investment loan refinancing if you already hold an investment property and want to review your current rate or loan structure. For those considering stamp duty implications or the impact of interest rate discounts on long-term costs, our team can help you think through the numbers clearly and connect you with the right lender for your goals.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We start with a free, no-obligation chat to get to know you. We listen to your goals, your situation, and what you are hoping to achieve. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or investing, this is where it all begins.
Step 2: Understanding Your Finances
Next, we take a close look at your financial position. This includes your income, expenses, savings, and any existing debts. Getting a clear picture of where you stand helps us find the right loan options for you.
Step 3: Researching Your Options
With access to a wide panel of lenders, we do the legwork for you. We compare hundreds of loan products to find the ones that best match your needs, goals, and budget. You get options, not just one answer.
Step 4: Presenting Our Recommendations
We walk you through our top recommendations in plain English. No jargon, no confusing fine print. We explain the features, fees, and repayments so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Step 5: Preparing Your Application
Once you are happy with a loan, we prepare your application and gather all the required documents. We make sure everything is accurate and complete before it goes to the lender, giving you the best chance of a smooth approval.
Step 6: Lodging and Managing Your Application
We submit your application and act as your point of contact with the lender throughout the process. We follow up, answer questions, and keep you updated every step of the way so you are never left in the dark.
Step 7: Settlement and Beyond
Once your loan is approved and settled, our job is not done. We stay in touch to make sure your loan continues to work for you. As your life changes, we are here to review your loan and help you make the most of your mortgage.
At Mortgage Broker Perth, we are with you every step of the way.
Hi I’m Eric, I liked how easy it was to apply for financing. Most of the paperwork was completed online, making the process quick and hassle-free. The approval came through faster than I expected, and communication throughout the process was excellent. Specially to Lizzy she’s very kind she really loves her job and I would confidently recommend this finance service to anyone looking for a reliable car loan.
Jong Fillarca
I had a wonderful experience with Natloans, as an older customer I do represent something of a challenge but Michelle worked really hard to secure the loan I needed and her efficiency was above and beyond. Thanks Natloans I would not hesitate to recommend your services. 10 out of 10 in my book!
Vicki Green
Lizzy was great. Was a bit of a long process for me. But Lizzy got it there in the end. Thank you
Sammy Harrison
I am extremely happy with the service, assistance and guidance I received from Lizzy. Throughout the loan process she kept me updated and listened carefully to my situation and needs, eventually finding the loan that was the most suitable for me. I would highly recommend her without reservation.
Nicky
Yes, we regularly assist self-employed clients in Perth with their home loan needs. Applying for a home loan when you are self-employed can be a little more involved than a standard application, as lenders often require additional documentation to verify your income. This might include tax returns, business activity statements, and profit and loss statements. Some lenders also offer loan products specifically designed for self-employed borrowers. At Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans, we understand the unique circumstances that come with being self-employed and we will work with you to present your financial situation in the clearest and most accurate way possible when submitting your application.
The timeline for a home loan can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you apply with, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly all required documents are provided. Generally speaking, the process from initial consultation to loan approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. At Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans, we work to keep things moving as efficiently as possible by preparing your application thoroughly and maintaining regular communication with your lender. We will keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand and what to expect next.
Absolutely. First home buyers are one of the groups we most enjoy helping at Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans. Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to understand loan types, deposit requirements, government grants, and the application process all at once. We take the time to walk you through each step and explain things in plain language so you feel confident in the decisions you are making. We can also help you understand whether you may be eligible for government schemes such as the First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia, though eligibility is always subject to individual circumstances and government criteria.
When you go directly to a bank, you only see the products that particular bank offers. A mortgage broker, on the other hand, has access to multiple lenders and a broad range of loan products. This means you get to compare more options before making a decision. At Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans, we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and then present you with options that may be suitable for your situation. We also handle much of the paperwork and communication with lenders on your behalf, which can save you a significant amount of time and effort throughout the process.
A mortgage broker acts as a go-between for you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a mortgage broker does the legwork on your behalf. They assess your financial situation, help you understand your borrowing options, and submit your application to a lender that may suit your needs. At Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans, we work with a wide panel of lenders, which means we can present you with a range of options rather than just one. Our role is to make the home loan process clearer and more manageable for you from start to finish.
In most cases, our service comes at no direct cost to you as the borrower. Mortgage brokers in Australia are typically paid a commission by the lender once your home loan settles. This commission is paid by the lender, not by you. We are required by law to disclose any commissions or fees upfront, so you will always know exactly how we are compensated before you proceed. If there are any circumstances where a fee may apply, we will be completely transparent about this from the outset. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with every aspect of working with us.
While the exact documents required can vary between lenders, there are some common items you will typically need to have ready. These usually include proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence, recent payslips or proof of income, bank statements from the past few months, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property you are looking to purchase. If you are self-employed, you may also need to provide tax returns and business financial statements. At Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans, we will give you a clear checklist of what is needed for your specific situation so you can gather everything without any confusion.
At Mortgage Broker Perth by Natloans, we are committed to putting our clients first in everything we do. We take the time to genuinely understand your situation, your goals, and your concerns before presenting any options. We believe that a good outcome starts with a good conversation, and we pride ourselves on being approachable, honest, and thorough throughout the entire process. Our clients trust us because we communicate clearly, act with integrity, and are with you every step of the way from your first enquiry through to settlement.
We can assist with a wide range of home loan types to suit different situations. Whether you are purchasing your first home, upgrading to a larger property, investing in real estate, or looking to refinance your existing loan, we can help you explore your options. We work with lenders who offer variable rate loans, fixed rate loans, split loans, interest-only loans, and more. Each loan type has its own features, benefits, and considerations, and we will help you understand what each one means for your situation. Our aim is to make sure you have a clear picture of your options so you can make an informed choice.
Mortgage Broker Perth works with investors across Perth to find property investment loan options from a wide panel of lenders. Book an appointment with our team today to talk through your goals and find a loan structure that works for you.
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