MAXLEND
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Investment Loans

The way an investment loan is set up can matter as much as the property. We help you structure it with care.

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Lending built around your investment plans

Borrowing to invest is different from borrowing for your own home. Lenders usually count only part of the expected rent, deposit requirements can be higher, and decisions such as interest-only repayments or how you use the equity in a property you already own deserve careful thought.

We look at your whole position, including any property you already hold, and compare suitable investment loans. For each option we explain how it could affect your cash flow now and your ability to borrow again later, because the first investment loan often shapes what is possible with the second.

Structure and cash flow

How a loan is structured can matter for years. Who the borrowers are, which property is offered as security and whether loans are kept separate all affect your flexibility if you later want to sell, refinance or buy again. We also talk through the practical side: periods without a tenant, maintenance, and how repayments would change if interest rates moved.

Working with your accountant

The tax treatment of an investment property depends on your personal circumstances. We arrange the lending and we are not tax advisers, so we recommend speaking with a registered tax adviser about that side of the decision. We are happy to work alongside them so the loan structure and the tax advice line up.

Whether this is your first investment property or an addition to a portfolio, the starting point is the same: a clear view of what you can borrow and what the loan would cost to hold.

How a MAXLEND broker helps

  • Structure as well as rate

    We consider how the loan is set up, not only the headline interest rate.

  • A view of your equity

    We explain how lenders work out usable equity in property you already own, and what using it involves.

  • Cash flow in plain numbers

    We show how repayments compare under different loan types so you can plan for the holding costs.

  • Room to grow

    We keep your longer-term plans in mind so the first loan does not limit the next one unnecessarily.

Investment loan structures

  1. Principal and interest

    Each repayment reduces the loan as well as covering interest, so you build equity over time.

  2. Interest only

    For a set period you pay interest only, which lowers repayments in the short term. The loan balance does not reduce during that time and repayments rise afterwards.

  3. Using existing equity

    Equity in a property you already own can sometimes be used towards the deposit and costs of an investment purchase, subject to the lender's assessment.

How we approach investment lending

A clear process from first conversation to settlement, with a MAXLEND broker beside you at each step.

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  1. Understand your strategy

    We discuss what you want to achieve and over what timeframe.

  2. Review equity and borrowing capacity

    We assess what you may be able to borrow, including any usable equity in property you own.

  3. Compare and structure

    We compare suitable loans and discuss how to structure them.

  4. Apply and settle

    We manage the application through to settlement and keep you informed.

Things investors should weigh up

Lenders usually count only part of expected rental income when they assess an investment loan, and deposit requirements can be higher than for a home you will live in. Vacancy periods, maintenance, insurance and interest rate rises all affect cash flow, so it helps to plan with a buffer.

How a loan is structured can also affect your ability to borrow again later. We are not tax advisers; please speak with your accountant about the tax treatment of any investment.

Documents you may be asked for

  • Photo identification and proof of income
  • Statements for existing home and investment loans
  • A rental appraisal or current lease for the property
  • Recent tax returns if you already hold investment property
  • Council rates notices for properties you own

General information only. A broker can explain how it applies to your circumstances.

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Investment Loans: common questions

See all questions
How do lenders treat rental income?

Most lenders include only a portion of the expected rent when calculating what you can afford, to allow for vacancies and costs. The portion varies between lenders.

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

Often, yes. A lender will value your home and assess how much equity is usable alongside your income and commitments. Borrowing against your home increases the debt secured on it, so it is worth understanding the risks first.

Is interest only a good idea for an investment loan?

It can suit some investors and not others. Repayments are lower during the interest-only period, but you do not reduce the loan and usually pay more interest overall. We can show you both options side by side.

What documents will I need?

Lenders generally ask for identification, proof of income such as payslips or tax returns, bank statements, and details of your assets, debts and living expenses. We will give you a checklist tailored to your application.

Should I choose a fixed or variable rate?

A fixed rate gives you certainty over repayments for a set period but usually less flexibility. A variable rate can move up or down and often comes with features such as offset accounts and extra repayments. Some borrowers split their loan between the two. The right choice depends on your priorities.

Points to weigh before you invest

An investment loan is part of a wider plan. These are the questions worth raising early.

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  • Structure matters

    How the loan is set up, including who borrows and what is used as security, can affect your flexibility later. Raise it before you apply, not after.

  • Interest only or principal and interest

    Each repayment type changes your cash flow and how quickly the debt reduces. A broker can show how they compare for the loan you are considering.

  • Allow for the quiet months

    Rental income can stop between tenants while costs continue. Lenders also count only part of the rent when assessing a loan.

  • Involve your accountant

    Tax treatment of investment property depends on your own position. We arrange the lending; tax advice should come from a registered tax adviser.

Ready to talk about investment loans?

Book a time with a MAXLEND broker. There is no obligation.

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