Adelaide Finance Specialists

Home Loans

Your Pathway to Home Ownership and Investment

Navigating Your Property Journey

The journey towards property ownership or investment is a significant financial milestone, unique to each individual's circumstances and aspirations. The Australian lending market offers a vast and complex array of financial products, each designed for a specific purpose.

Navigating this landscape requires expert guidance to ensure the chosen financial solution aligns perfectly with both immediate needs and long-term goals. A mortgage broker serves as a dedicated guide, possessing the expertise to analyse the entire market and tailor a strategy that empowers clients.

Owner-Occupied Home Loans

Lower rates, higher LVR, buying your dream home to live in

Lower Interest Rates

Higher LVR Options

Investment Property Loans

Tax benefits, portfolio building, generating rental income

Tax Deductible

Wealth Building

Owner-Occupied Home Loans

An owner-occupied home loan is designed for the purchase of a property that you intend to live in as your Principal Place of Residence (PPR).

Why Owner-Occupied Loans are Favorable

Lower Interest Rates

Lenders offer lower rates for owner-occupied loans because individuals are significantly less likely to default on a mortgage for the home they live in. The personal and emotional connection to a primary residence means maintaining mortgage repayments is typically the highest financial priority.

Higher Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)

Lenders often permit a higher LVR for owner-occupied properties, meaning you may be able to secure a loan with a smaller deposit.

Example:

A lender might offer a 90% LVR for an owner-occupier but cap the LVR at 85% for an investor buying a similar property.

Perfect For:

First Home Buyers Upgrading Families Relocating for Work Downsizers

Investment Property Loans

Investment property loans are designed for purchasing a property with the intention of generating income through rent or realising capital gain.

Understanding Investment Loan Criteria

Lenders view investment loans as inherently riskier than owner-occupied loans. An investor's connection to the property is purely financial, and in a market downturn or if the property underperforms, the risk of default is considered greater.

What This Means:

  • Higher interest rates
  • Stricter lending criteria
  • Lower maximum LVR (larger deposit required)

Lenders Will Assess:

  • Your personal income & credit history
  • Potential rental income
  • Local vacancy rates & rental yields

Significant Tax Advantages

Tax-Deductible Expenses

Unlike an owner-occupied home loan, the interest charges and various fees associated with an investment loan may be tax-deductible against the income the property generates. This can substantially improve the net return on the investment.

Interest-Only Options

Investment loans often offer interest-only repayment options. An interest-only loan allows you to only pay the interest component for a set period, without reducing the principal loan balance.

Benefits:

  • Maximise cash flow for other investments
  • Maximise tax-deductible interest
  • Redirect funds to reduce non-deductible debt
Important: Seek professional advice from an accountant or financial advisor to understand the specific tax implications for your situation.

What If Circumstances Change?

A borrower's circumstances can change. You might initially purchase a property as an investment and later decide to move into it, or conversely, you may move out of your home and decide to rent it out.

Important Requirement:

It is a requirement to inform the lender of the change in the property's use. This may trigger a change in the loan's interest rate but also alters the loan's tax status. A broker can provide long-term strategic advice to ensure you remain compliant and optimised for your tax position.

The Purchase Process, Demystified

A guide from search to settlement. A mortgage broker acts as your central project manager, coordinating all stakeholders to ensure a seamless transaction.

1

Strategy & Budgeting

The process begins with a thorough financial assessment to determine borrowing capacity and a realistic budget. This involves planning for a deposit and associated purchasing costs.

2

Securing Pre-Approval

Obtaining pre-approval from a lender is a critical step. It provides a firm budget for the property search and demonstrates to sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious contender.

Pre-approvals are generally valid for 3-6 months
3

Property Hunting & Due Diligence

With a budget in place, the property search begins. Once a suitable property is found, it is vital to conduct due diligence before signing a contract.

Engage solicitor/conveyancer
Building & pest inspections
4

Making an Offer & Signing Contracts

An offer can be made through a private sale negotiation or by bidding at an auction. If the offer is accepted, contracts are signed and a deposit is paid to secure the property.

Deposit typically 10% of purchase price
5

Formal Loan Application & Valuation

The pre-approval is converted into a formal loan application. This triggers the lender to order a valuation of the property to ensure its value is sufficient to secure the loan amount.

6

Unconditional Approval & Settlement

Once the valuation is confirmed and all lending criteria are met, the loan becomes unconditional. On the agreed settlement day, the new lender provides the funds to the seller's lender, the old mortgage is discharged, and the property title is officially transferred to you.

Your Broker's Critical Role

Throughout this complex timeline, a delay from any party—the solicitor, the valuer, or the lenders—can create a domino effect, potentially jeopardising the settlement and putting your deposit at risk.

The mortgage broker's role extends beyond simply arranging finance:

Central Communication Hub

Coordinating All Parties

Ensuring Deadlines Are Met

Adelaide Finance Specialists
Adelaide Finance Specialists

Ready to Start Your Property Journey?

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or building your investment portfolio, we'll guide you through every step with expert advice and access to 60+ lenders.

Pre-approval in days
60+ lender comparison
17+ years experience