Investment Loans — structure it right from day one
We help investors choose loans that work with their strategy — cash flow now, flexibility later, and fewer headaches at tax time (always seek independent tax advice). We’ll pick the lender for your plan, not the other way around.
Getting the loan right matters just as much as getting the property right
Finding the right investment property takes time, research, and patience. But once you’ve found it, the way you structure your loan can be just as important as the purchase itself. A poorly structured investment loan can limit your ability to grow your portfolio, complicate your tax position, and leave you with far less flexibility when you need it most.
At Awesome Lending Solutions, we work with property investors at every stage — from those buying their first investment property to experienced investors managing multiple loans across different lenders. Whatever your situation, the approach is the same: understand your strategy first, then build a loan structure that supports it.
This isn’t about finding the lowest rate and calling it done. It’s about setting things up in a way that gives you options — now and down the track.
How we help
Every investor has a different goal. Some are focused on cash flow. Others are building long-term wealth through capital growth. Most are trying to balance both. The starting point is always a conversation about what you’re actually trying to achieve.
Portfolio plan — We map out your goals, whether that’s cash flow, growth, or a combination of both. We also look at buffers, timelines, and how this purchase fits alongside what you already own or plan to buy next. Having a clear picture from the start means every decision along the way is working toward something specific.
Policy fit — Investor lending is a different world from owner-occupier lending. Lenders assess rental income, bonus income, and existing debt differently — and their policies vary significantly. I match your situation to lenders that actually understand how investors operate, so your application is assessed fairly and accurately.
Structure first — This is one of the most important things we do for investors. Cross-collateralisation — where multiple properties are tied to one loan — can seem convenient, but it creates serious complications down the track. Where possible, we keep properties on stand-alone loans so you maintain control and flexibility over each asset independently.
Documentation done right — Investor applications involve more paperwork than a standard home loan. Rental income, tax returns, lease agreements, and existing debt schedules all need to be packaged correctly. I handle this carefully so the lender gets a clear, complete picture — giving your application the best chance of a smooth approval.
Ongoing tune-ups — Getting the loan right on day one is the goal. But the job doesn’t stop at settlement. As rents change, interest rates shift, and your portfolio grows, your loan structure may need to be reviewed and adjusted. I stay in touch and flag when a review is worth having.
Loan features and smart structuring — the basics
Understanding the key features of an investment loan helps you make better decisions — and ask better questions. Here’s a plain-English overview of the things we’ll work through together.
Interest-Only vs Principal and Interest — An interest-only loan means your repayments only cover the interest, not the loan balance itself. This can improve your monthly cash flow, which matters when you’re managing rental income and expenses. A principal and interest loan reduces your debt faster but comes with higher repayments. The right choice depends on your strategy and risk tolerance — and it’s a conversation worth having properly rather than guessing.
Split loans — Fixing part of your loan gives you repayment certainty for a set period. Keeping part variable gives you flexibility — including the ability to use an offset account and make extra repayments. A split structure is often a sensible middle ground for investors who want stability without giving up all their options.
Offset accounts — For an investment property, an offset account acts as your buffer. Vacancy periods happen. Repairs come up. Opportunities arise. Having accessible funds sitting in an offset — reducing your interest while staying within reach — is smart financial management for any investor.
Stand-alone securities — Keeping each property on its own loan, secured only against that property, gives you the ability to sell, refinance, or leverage one asset without affecting the others. It takes a little more planning upfront, but the flexibility it creates over time is well worth it.
Refinance triggers — A review isn’t just about chasing a better rate. Significant equity growth, rate creep on an existing loan, or changes in lender policy can all be good reasons to take a fresh look at your structure. We keep an eye on these triggers and flag them when they’re worth acting on.
Record-keeping — This one sits outside the loan itself, but it’s worth mentioning. Keeping renovation costs, property expenses, and rental income well documented makes life significantly easier at tax time. Your accountant will thank you — and so will your future self.
Who this is for
This service is suited to anyone using property as part of a wealth-building strategy. That includes first-time investors who want to start with the right structure, experienced investors looking to review or expand an existing portfolio, and property owners who have accumulated equity and are considering their next move.
If you’re serious about property investment, the loan structure decisions you make early on have a long tail. Getting them right from the beginning — with the guidance of someone who understands both lending policy and investor strategy — is one of the most valuable things you can do.
Why structure matters more than most people realise
It’s easy to focus on the rate. Rates are visible, easy to compare, and feel like the most obvious lever to pull. But for investors, structure — how your loans are set up, which lenders hold which securities, and how your repayments are arranged — often has a far greater impact on your long-term financial position than a small difference in interest rate.
A well-structured investment loan portfolio gives you the ability to access equity when you need it, sell an asset without disrupting the rest, manage cash flow through different market conditions, and keep your borrowing capacity in good shape for future purchases.
That’s what we focus on at Awesome Lending Solutions. Not just getting your loan approved — but setting it up in a way that supports where you want to go.
Ready to talk through your investment strategy and make sure your loan structure is working for you?
Get in touch and let’s start with a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bigger deposit for an investment property than a home loan?
The deposit requirements for investment loans are similar to owner-occupier loans, most lenders accept a minimum of 10%, though having 20% avoids Lenders Mortgage Insurance. However, lenders assess investment applications differently, and some require a stronger overall financial position. If you already own property, you may be able to use existing equity as your deposit rather than cash savings.
Can I use equity in my home to fund an investment purchase?
Yes, this is one of the most common ways investors get started. If your home has increased in value since you bought it, you may have usable equity, the difference between what it’s worth and what you owe. We can assess how much equity is available and structure a loan that accesses it without unnecessarily tying your properties together.
What is cross-collateralisation and why should I avoid it?
Cross-collateralisation is when a lender uses multiple properties as security for one loan or a group of loans. While it might seem convenient, it gives the lender significant control over your portfolio. Selling one property, accessing equity, or refinancing becomes far more complicated when properties are linked this way. We structure loans to avoid this wherever possible, keeping each property independent and your options open.
How does rental income affect my borrowing capacity?
Lenders factor rental income into their assessment, but not always at face value. Most lenders apply a rental income shading, typically accepting 70–80% of the rental income to account for vacancy and expenses. Different lenders treat rental income differently, which is another reason matching your application to the right lender matters.
Should I use an interest-only loan for my investment property?
Interest-only loans can make sense for investors because they reduce your monthly outgoings and can help with cash flow management. However, they come with a set term, typically one to five years, after which the loan reverts to principal and interest repayments. Whether interest-only is right for you depends on your strategy, cash flow position, and risk tolerance. We’ll work through this with you rather than making a blanket recommendation.
What happens to my investment loan if I want to sell the property?
If your investment property is on a stand-alone loan, selling is straightforward; the proceeds pay off the loan, and you retain any remaining equity. If the property is cross-collateralised with other assets, it gets more complicated. This is one of the key reasons we prioritise stand-alone loan structures for investors from the very beginning.
Can I have investment loans with multiple lenders?
Yes, and in many cases it’s a smart strategy. Spreading loans across different lenders can protect your borrowing capacity, give you access to different products and policies, and reduce the risk of one lender’s decisions affecting your entire portfolio. We’ll look at what makes sense for your situation rather than defaulting to convenience.
How do lenders assess self-employed investors?
Self-employed investors face additional scrutiny because their income is less straightforward to verify. Lenders typically require two years of tax returns and financial statements. Some lenders have more flexible policies for self-employed borrowers, and identifying the right one early is important. We work with self-employed investors regularly and know which lenders are the best fit.
When should I review my investment loan structure?
A review is worth having when your property has grown significantly in value, when your interest rate hasn’t been repriced in a while, when you’re planning your next purchase, or when your personal financial situation has changed. As a general guide, reviewing your investment loans every one to two years is a sensible habit, and we make that process easy.
Do I need to see a financial adviser before taking out an investment loan?
A mortgage broker helps with the lending side of property investment, loan structure, lender selection, and application management. For broader financial planning, tax strategy, and investment advice, we always recommend speaking with a qualified financial adviser and accountant. We’re happy to work alongside your existing advisers, or point you in the right direction if you need a referral.