Envision Finance
Home loans

Investment Home Loans

We help property investors compare a wide range of lenders to find the right balance of competitive rates and flexible features, whether you are buying your first rental or growing a portfolio.

Whole-of-market comparison

We look across banks, credit unions, non-bank lenders and specialist financiers, then explain the shortlist in plain English.

Answers within one business day

Send your situation and we come back with indicative options, realistic rates and what each lender will actually ask for.

No obligation to proceed

Comparison and guidance cost nothing. You choose whether to apply, and you keep control of the paperwork.

Investment Home Loans

Investment home loans are tailored for individuals purchasing property to generate rental income or capital growth rather than for personal residence. Lenders generally view investment properties as slightly higher risk than owner-occupied homes, which often results in marginally higher interest rates. However, investment loans offer specialized features like interest-only repayment periods, which can assist with cash flow management and tax strategies (though we recommend consulting a tax professional for specific advice). Lenders will assess the potential rental income of the property alongside your personal income when determining borrowing capacity. The main trade-off for investors is often between the lowest possible interest rate and the flexibility of the loan structure, such as the ability to use an offset account or redraw facility. We help you navigate these choices by shortlisting lenders whose policies align with your investment goals and existing portfolio structure.

When it makes sense

  • Purchasing a residential property to be used as a long-term rental.
  • Using the equity in your current home to fund an investment deposit.
  • Refinancing an existing investment loan to a lower interest rate.
  • Securing interest-only repayments to maximize monthly cash flow.
  • Buying an apartment or townhouse for short-term holiday letting.
  • Structuring a loan for a property held within a family trust.
  • Comparing lenders that offer high LVR options for investors.

Indicative terms

Indicative loan size00,000 to 5,000,000+
Indicative max LVRUp to 90% (standard is 80%)
Indicative rate range6.10% p.a. – 7.50% p.a.
Loan termUp to 30 years
Repayment typesPrincipal & Interest or Interest Only
Interest only termsTypically 1 to 5 years
Indicative timeline2 to 4 weeks for approval
Indicative feesApplication, valuation, and legal fees

How it works

  1. Portfolio Review — We look at your current financial position and any existing property equity to determine how much you can afford to invest in a new property.
  2. Lender Comparison — Our team compares investor-specific products, looking for lenders who offer the best rates and policies for the specific property type you're targeting.
  3. Pre-approval & Strategy — We secure a pre-approval so you can shop with confidence, while also discussing the most effective loan structure for your long-term goals.
  4. Valuation & Settlement — Once you have a contract, we manage the formal valuation—including rental appraisals—to ensure the lender is satisfied with the security.

Frequently asked questions

Are investment loan rates higher than owner-occupier rates?

Generally, yes. Most Australian lenders charge a premium for investment loans, often between 0.20% and 0.50% higher than their standard owner-occupier rates. We compare a wide range of lenders to find those currently offering the most competitive investor pricing.

Can I use my current home's equity as a deposit?

Yes, this is a common strategy for investors. You can often refinance your current home to 'top up' your loan, using that cash as a 20% deposit plus costs for an investment property. This avoids the need for a cash deposit and can help you build your portfolio faster.

How does interest-only lending work for investors?

With an interest-only loan, your monthly repayments only cover the interest charged, not the principal amount borrowed. This keeps repayments lower and can be useful for cash flow, but the principal doesn't decrease, and you will eventually need to switch to principal and interest repayments.

What rental income will a lender consider?

Lenders typically 'shade' the expected rental income, meaning they may only count 70% to 80% of the gross rent towards your borrowing capacity. This allows for vacancy periods and property management costs. We help you find lenders with the most generous rental inclusion policies.

Do I need a different credit score for an investment loan?

The credit score requirements are similar to other home loans, but lenders will look more closely at your total debt-to-income ratio. If you already have multiple properties, their assessment of your overall financial stability becomes more detailed.

How fast can I get an investment loan approved?

Approval times are usually consistent with standard home loans, typically taking 2 to 3 weeks. However, if the property is a specialized type (like a small studio or high-density apartment), the valuation process can sometimes add a few extra days.

Start your enquiry

Build your property portfolio

Tell us about your situation and we'll respond with suitable options, usually within one business day.

  • A response within one business day
  • Compared across banks and specialist lenders
  • No obligation and no cost to compare
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