Investment Loans: Your First Step to Building Wealth Through Property

Thinking about investing in property for the first time – or ready to grow your portfolio with confidence?

A well-structured investment loan isn’t just about funding a property. It’s the foundation of a scalable, long-term wealth-building strategy.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Here’s a guide on how investment loans work and what smart investors get right from the start.

1. What Makes an Investment Loan Different?

An investment loan is used to buy a property that you’ll rent out, not live in.  Unlike owner-occupier loans, these are designed with investors in mind – offering features and tax benefits to help you grow your portfolio over time.

But not all loans (or lenders) are created equal.  How you structure your loan can impact your borrowing power, tax outcomes and your ability to invest again in the future.

2. What Do Lenders Look For?

Lenders assess more than just your income.  They’ll review your full financial picture – including debts, expenses, savings, credit score and even the rental potential of your target property.

If you’re self-employed or run a business, up-to-date, well-prepared financials can be a game-changer.  It’s about presenting a strong, stable profile that matches lender policy.

3. How Much Can You Borrow?

It depends on your income, liabilities and how each lender calculates your serviceability (they don’t all follow the same formula).  Some lenders are more investor-friendly than others.

That’s why having the right broker matters.  At Hawkview Partners, we know which lenders offer flexibility and how to position your application for success.

4. What Loan Features Should You Consider?

Interest-only? Offset account? Fixed or variable? Split loan?

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer.  What suits a first-time investor might look very different from what suits a portfolio owner with three properties.

We help you choose features that align with your strategy – without locking you into something that limits future growth.

5. Do You Need a 20% Deposit?

Not necessarily.  In some cases, you can invest with just 10% down, depending on the property and lender.  You might even be able to tap into equity from another property or use a family guarantee.

The key is knowing your options and which ones are smart.  That’s where advice tailored to your profile makes all the difference.