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Last Updated: 11th August, 2022
It’s difficult to pay off a mortgage and save a deposit for an investment property. Fortunately, you can use the equity in your home as a deposit. You’ll need to refinance your current home loan to access your equity.

How Does Equity Work When Buying An Investment Property?

Equity is the difference between your home’s current value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. Equity increases in two ways:
  • When your home value appreciates
  • When you start paying off your home loan and reduce the balance owed
You can use the equity in your home to buy an investment property without having to sell your home first. If you have enough equity, you can borrow 100% of the new property’s value without using your cash on hand, if you have enough equity. Most lenders will let you access up to 80% of the value of your home as equity but some will go as high as 90%.

How Can I Access Equity?

  • Through cash-out refinance: This is where you cash out your money through a home equity loan. You get your home valued and the bank assesses the amount of equity available.
  • Through a line of credit: This is where you apply for a line of credit home loan. A line of credit acts like a credit card that uses your home as security.
Once you are happy with the refinance rate and terms you find, then you can apply for a loan. The refinance process will be similar to when you originally applied for your home loan. You will need to provide documents such as payslips, tax returns, and proof of identity. The lender will also assess your financial situation and serviceability to make sure that you can afford the new loan repayments. Once your new loan has been approved, the refinance process can take up to six weeks to complete. When the funds are available, you can use this money to buy an investment property.

What To Consider Before Refinancing To Invest

There are a few things to do and consider before you refinance your home loan to buy an investment property.
  • The first thing you need to do is find out the current value of your property. We can help you get free valuation reports. When property prices increase, you might have access to more equity than you originally thought.
  • Then make sure that you have enough equity in your home. You will need at least 20% equity to refinance, and more if you want to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
  • Once you have determined that you have enough equity, compare refinance rates and terms from multiple lenders to find one that offers a competitive interest rate and has the features and services you want.
  • Remember, once approved, you are paying off two loans: your new home loan and the investment loan.
At Home Loan Experts, we can help you navigate the process and work out whether refinancing to invest is the right option for you. Give us a call on 1300 889 743 or enquire online today.

What Are The Benefits Of Refinancing To Buy An Investment Property?

  • You save time and money by not having to save a significant deposit.
  • You save thousands of dollars in LMI fees.
  • You earn rental income.
  • Since you’re refinancing, you can lower the interest on your current home loan
  • You can diversify your investment portfolio.

What Are The Risks Of Refinancing To Buy An Investment Property?

  • There is no guarantee that property prices will always increase; so the equity you can access might be lower than you anticipate.
  • If the investment property is vacant or untenanted for too long, then there won’t be rental income to cover mortgage repayments.
  • You will be juggling two debts: a refinanced mortgage and an investment loan. Lenders will check your borrowing power and financial situation to ensure you can afford to repay these loans.

Should I Pay Off My Home Loan First Or My Investment Loan?

When you pay off your home loan, you’ll have a roof over your head, while paying down your investment loan will give you more cashflow and equity.

When Should You Pay Your Investment Loan First?

  • If you have negative cashflow, paying off your investment loan sooner can convert the asset into one with positive cashflow.
  • If you are considering retirement, paying off your investment loan will increase your monthly cashflow.
  • If the interest rate on your investment loan is significantly higher than the one for the home loan, consider paying the rental property off as a priority.
  • If you plan to convert your owner-occupied property into an investment property in the future and want to sell your current investment property soon, consider paying it off first.

When Should You Pay Off Your Home Loan First?

  • If you are just starting to pay off your home loan; when you make extra payments on your mortgage early in the term, compound interest has a greater impact.
  • If you owe more than 80% of the property value; you will have to pay LMI if you refinance at a higher LVR.
When you’ve decided to refinance your home loan to buy an investment property, we can help you determine how much equity you can use and get you an investment loan that suits your financial goals. Call us on 1300 889 743 or enquire online today.