Home Loans & Investment Property Lending
We Can Help With:
- First Home Buyer Loans – Government schemes, grants, and low-deposit options
- Home Loan Pre-Approval & Purchase Finance
- Self-Employed Home Loans – Alt-doc and full-doc options available
- Investment Property Loans – For both new and experienced investors
- Loan Structuring for Tax & Cash Flow
- Refinancing & Equity Release
- Debt Consolidation into Your Home Loan
Whether you're buying a home or investing in a rental property, we work with you from strategy to settlement – and beyond.
Why Work With Us?
✅ Extensive experience in both owner-occupier and investment lending
✅ Specialist in self-employed & complex income borrowers
✅ Independent advice with access to 40+ lenders
✅ Long-term focus – we’ll keep reviewing your loan to ensure it keeps working for you
✅ Friendly, face-to-face service – local to Geelong and surrounds
🔹 General Home Loan FAQs
What’s the minimum deposit I need for a home loan in Australia?
Most lenders require a minimum of 5–10% of the property value as a deposit. However, a 20% deposit is ideal to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Can I get a home loan with less than 20% deposit?
Yes – many lenders allow loans up to 95% LVR, but you may need to pay LMI. Some government schemes (like the First Home Guarantee) can help you avoid LMI with a smaller deposit.
What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?
LMI is an insurance premium added to your loan when you borrow more than 80% of the property’s value. It protects the lender, not you.
How much can I borrow for a home loan in Victoria?
This depends on your income, expenses, credit history, and deposit. We can help you get a free borrowing power assessment based on your specific circumstances.
🔹 First Home Buyer FAQs
What government grants are available for first home buyers in Victoria?
Eligible first home buyers in Victoria may receive the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp duty concessions. You may also qualify for the First Home Guarantee.
Do I need to be employed full-time to get a home loan?
Not necessarily. Lenders assess your income stability – full-time, part-time, contract and self-employed income can all be considered if consistent and verified.
Can I buy my first home using a guarantor?
Yes. A family member (usually parents) can offer equity from their home as security, allowing you to borrow up to 100% of the purchase price.
🔹 Investment Property Lending FAQs
What’s the difference between an owner-occupier and investment home loan?
Investment loans are used to purchase rental properties and often have slightly higher interest rates. They may also offer different tax advantages and repayment structures.
Can I use equity in my home to buy an investment property?
Yes – you can release equity from your current home to use as a deposit for your next purchase, helping you grow your portfolio without needing new savings.
Is negative gearing still allowed in Australia?
Yes – negative gearing allows you to deduct property-related expenses from your taxable income if they exceed rental income. This remains a common investor strategy.
Can I buy an investment property under a trust or company?
Yes, and many investors do. We can help structure loans under trusts or companies for asset protection or tax planning – in collaboration with your accountant.
🔹 Refinancing & Loan Structuring FAQs
When should I refinance my home loan?
If your interest rate is over 2 years old, or your goals have changed (e.g. renovations, debt consolidation), refinancing could save you money or unlock equity.
Can I consolidate other debts into my mortgage?
Yes. Personal loans, car loans and credit card debt can often be rolled into your home loan, reducing your overall monthly repayments.
What is an offset account and how does it work?
An offset account is a transaction account linked to your loan. The money in it reduces the interest charged on your loan principal, helping you pay it off faster.
Is fixed or variable better for home loans?
Both have pros and cons. Fixed loans offer repayment certainty, while variable loans give flexibility and features. Many clients choose a split loan (part fixed, part variable).
🔹 Self-Employed Home Loan & Investment Loan FAQs
Can I get a home loan if I’m self-employed?
Yes, absolutely. Many lenders offer both full-doc and alt-doc (low-documentation) loans tailored to self-employed applicants. We help you present your income clearly, even if you don’t have traditional PAYG payslips.
What documents do I need as a self-employed borrower?
Depending on the lender, you may need:
- Last 1–2 years of personal and business tax returns
- ATO Notice of Assessment
- BAS statements
- Business activity summary
- Bank statements showing income and business cash flow
Some alt-doc lenders may accept just BAS, accountant letters or trading statements.
Can I get a loan if I’ve only been self-employed for 1 year?
Yes – it’s possible. While many banks require 2 years, some specialist lenders will consider 12 months with strong income and business performance. We know which lenders to approach.
Are interest rates higher for self-employed borrowers?
Not always. If you can provide full financials and meet standard servicing, you may qualify for the same rates as PAYG borrowers. Low-doc loans may have slightly higher rates depending on risk.
What is an alt-doc or low-doc loan?
An alt-doc (alternative documentation) or low-doc loan is a home or investment loan that allows you to verify income without providing full tax returns. These are popular with self-employed clients who reinvest in their business or manage complex financials.
Can I refinance my home loan if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Even if you were PAYG when you first took the loan, we can help refinance based on your current self-employed income — using the right lenders who understand business cash flow.
Is it harder to borrow as a company or trust?
Not with the right guidance. We regularly structure loans through companies, trusts, and self-managed super funds (SMSFs) for business owners and investors. We work closely with your accountant to get the structure right.
Can I use my business income for servicing a home loan?
Yes. We can help you use business income to demonstrate serviceability. This might include director’s drawings, net profit, and retained earnings — depending on lender policy.
Will I need Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?
If you’re borrowing more than 80% of the property value (LVR), LMI usually applies — just like with any other borrower. However, we may be able to help you avoid LMI via guarantor support or government schemes (if eligible).
Do you help with both home and investment loans for self-employed borrowers?
Yes – we specialise in both. Whether you're buying your family home, refinancing, or growing a property portfolio through your business or trust, we can help.