5.0 from 8 Reviews
What Is an Investment Loan?
An investment loan is a type of finance specifically structured for buying an investment property rather than a home you intend to live in. Because the purpose of the loan is to generate rental income or capital growth, lenders assess these applications differently to owner-occupier loans. At MJ Finance and Advisory, we work with clients in Perth, across WA, and Australia wide to access investment loan options from banks and lenders across Australia, matching each investor with products suited to their property investment strategy.
Investment loan interest rates are typically set at a slight premium compared to owner-occupier rates. This reflects the higher risk profile lenders assign to investment lending. However, with the right guidance, investors can still secure competitive investor interest rates, particularly when their borrowing position is well-structured. MJ Finance and Advisory reviews your full financial picture to identify where rate discounts may apply and how your loan to value ratio (LVR) affects the terms available to you.
Variable Rate and Fixed Rate Investment Loans
One of the first decisions property investors face is choosing between a variable interest rate and a fixed interest rate. A variable rate investment loan moves with market conditions, which can work in your favour when rates fall. A fixed rate locks in your repayments for a set period, providing certainty when calculating investment loan repayments and planning cash flow around vacancy rate fluctuations or body corporate fees.
Some investors choose to split their investment property finance across both rate types, balancing flexibility with stability. MJ Finance and Advisory can walk you through the investment loan features and investment loan benefits of each approach, helping you align your choice with your broader portfolio growth goals.
Interest Only vs Principal and Interest
A common structure for property investment loans is interest only repayments. With an interest only investment loan, you pay only the interest component for a set term, which reduces your monthly outgoings and can help maximise tax deductions, particularly around negative gearing benefits. Many investors use this structure to preserve cash flow while their asset grows in value.
Principal and interest repayments reduce the loan balance over time, building equity in the property more quickly. The right structure depends on your investment loan amount, your income, and whether you are focused on short-term cash flow or long-term equity accumulation. MJ Finance and Advisory helps you weigh these options without steering you toward any outcome that does not suit your situation.
Investor Deposit and LMI Considerations
The investor deposit required for an investment property loan typically starts at 10 to 20 per cent of the purchase price, depending on the lender and the LVR. Where the deposit is below 20 per cent, Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) may apply, which adds to the overall cost of the loan. In some cases, investors choose to leverage equity from an existing property to fund the investor deposit, avoiding LMI and reducing the upfront cash required.
Equity release from an existing home or investment property is a widely used strategy for portfolio growth. By accessing built-up equity, investors can enter the market sooner and expand their holdings without waiting to save a full deposit. MJ Finance and Advisory can assess whether your current equity position supports this approach and which investment loan products are available to you.
Tax Considerations and Claimable Expenses
Property investors may be eligible for a range of tax benefits, including deductions on investment loan interest, claimable expenses such as property management fees, repairs, and body corporate levies, and negative gearing benefits where the property runs at a loss. Stamp duty on the purchase may also factor into your upfront cost planning. MJ Finance and Advisory is a mortgage broking business and does not provide tax advice, but we work alongside your accountant or tax adviser to ensure your investment property finance is structured in a way that supports your overall position.
Why Work With MJ Finance and Advisory?
MJ Finance and Advisory brings a structured, measured approach to investment loan applications. We access investment loan options from a broad panel of banks and lenders across Australia, comparing investment loan products to identify those that align with your goals. Whether you are buying an investment property for the first time, looking at an investment loan refinance, or building a multi-property portfolio aimed at passive income and financial freedom, MJ Finance and Advisory provides the clarity and direction needed to move forward with confidence. Our clients across Perth, WA, and Australia wide rely on us to cut through the complexity of investor borrowing and deliver structured, considered guidance at every stage.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We start with a no-obligation conversation to understand your goals. Whether you are buying your first home, investing in property, or looking to refinance, we take the time to listen and learn what matters most to you.
Step 2: Fact Find and Assessment
We gather the key details about your financial situation, including your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This helps us build a clear picture of where you stand and what options are available to you.
Step 3: Research and Strategy
Using our panel of lenders and deep market knowledge, we research the most suitable finance options for your needs. We compare rates, fees, features, and loan structures to find the right fit, not just the cheapest rate.
Step 4: Recommendation and Presentation
We present our recommended solution in plain language. We walk you through the numbers, explain the terms, and answer any questions so you feel confident before moving forward.
Step 5: Application Preparation
Once you are happy to proceed, we prepare and package your application. We handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders, and make sure everything is submitted correctly the first time to avoid delays.
Step 6: Approval and Settlement
We manage the process through to formal approval and keep you updated every step of the way. We work closely with your real estate agent, conveyancer, or solicitor to make sure settlement goes smoothly.
Step 7: Ongoing Support
Our relationship does not end at settlement. We check in regularly to make sure your finance still works for you as your life and goals change. We are always here when you need us.
I engaged Michael as my mortgage broker for both an investment property purchase and a refinance of my existing portfolio, completed in September last year. As a seasoned property investor myself, I can say Michael stands out in this market on several fronts. He's genuinely knowledgeable — not just across loan products, but the market itself. He's an investor too, so he practises what he preaches. While he's always careful to note he's not giving financial advice, his perspective on investment strategy and the options available was genuinely valuable. What really sets him apart is his diligence. He follows up proactively with banks and always has a backup plan ready, so I never had to worry about finance falling through at settlement. He was responsive well outside business hours, and secured me a competitive rate throughout. 9 months on, I'm still very happy with the decision to work with Michael. Highly recommend him to any investor looking for a broker who understands both the numbers and the market.
Yi Shen
I can't recommend Michael highly enough. From the moment I started my home loan application through to receiving my pre-approval, Michael handled everything professionally and guided me through every step of the process. I'm not naturally good with numbers, and I found the lending process quite overwhelming. Michael took the time to explain everything clearly and presented multiple options (Plan A, Plan B and Plan C), so I always understood what was available and what would work best for my situation. What really impressed me was that he never judged my circumstances. Whether your income isn't ideal or your borrowing capacity is limited, he doesn't simply tell you "no." Instead, he genuinely works hard to find the best possible solution and negotiate the most suitable deal for you. Throughout the entire process, Michael was knowledgeable, responsive, patient and genuinely had my best interests at heart. He went above and beyond to help me, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better mortgage broker. If you're looking for someone who truly cares about achieving the best outcome for their clients, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Michael.
Yingying Fu
I recently worked with Michael for refinancing my home loan and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Michael helped me understand how I could use debt recycling to better manage my finances and also shared valuable insights around building my investment portfolio. What I appreciated most was that Michael took the time to explain different strategies in a simple way and genuinely cared about helping me make better financial decisions, not just arranging a loan. His knowledge, patience and professionalism really stood out. I learned a lot throughout the process and feel much more confident about my next steps. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for a mortgage broker who goes beyond the loan application and provides real value and guidance.
Sue Murphy
I had an great experience working with Michael to secure my first home. As a first home buyer using the 5% deposit policy, I had so many questions throughout the process. Michael was always very professional and took the time to explain everything clearly. Beyond just helping me with the loan application, Michael also provided valuable advice on my offer strategy and helped me navigate the buying process with confidence. Thanks to his guidance and support. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy and supportive mortgage broker. Thank you so much for making my first home buying journey such a smooth and positive experience!
Undarmaa Gantulga
Yes. MJ Finance and Advisory operates in accordance with Australian financial services and credit legislation. Mortgage brokers in Australia are required to hold an Australian Credit Licence or operate as a credit representative under an aggregator that holds such a licence. We are also bound by responsible lending obligations, which means we are required to make reasonable enquiries into your financial situation and ensure that any loan we recommend is not unsuitable for you. Additionally, we are members of an industry association and are required to meet ongoing professional development and compliance standards. You can have confidence that when you work with MJ Finance and Advisory, you are working with a professional who takes their obligations to clients seriously.
Yes, absolutely. Self-employed borrowers often face a different set of requirements when applying for finance compared to those who receive a regular salary. Lenders typically want to see evidence of consistent income over time, which may include tax returns, business financial statements, and notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office. At MJ Finance and Advisory, we have experience working with self-employed clients across a range of industries and understand the nuances involved in presenting a self-employed application in the strongest possible way. We will take the time to understand your business structure and income history so we can identify lenders whose criteria may be suited to your circumstances. Getting in touch early is always a good idea so we can plan accordingly.
In most cases, our mortgage broking services come at no direct cost to you as the borrower. This is because mortgage brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles. We are required by law to disclose any commissions or fees to you upfront, so you will always know exactly how we are remunerated before you proceed. In some circumstances, a fee may apply, and if that is the case, we will always be transparent about this from the outset. We believe you deserve to understand how the process works and how we are paid, so we make it a priority to have open and honest conversations about this with every client.
MJ Finance and Advisory assists clients with a broad range of lending needs. This includes home loans for owner-occupiers, investment property loans, refinancing existing loans, construction loans, and loans for self-employed borrowers. We also assist with commercial finance, equipment finance, and asset finance for business clients. Whether you are purchasing your first home, looking to grow a property portfolio, or seeking finance for your business, we can work with you to explore your options. Every client's situation is different, which is why we take a personalised approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. We encourage you to get in touch so we can understand what you are looking to achieve.
Coming prepared to your first appointment can help us get a clearer picture of your financial situation and make the most of your time together. Generally, it is helpful to have recent payslips or proof of income, your most recent tax returns if you are self-employed, bank statements from the past few months, details of any existing loans or debts, and a form of identification. If you are purchasing a property, any contracts or property details you have are also useful. Do not worry if you do not have everything ready straight away. Our first conversation is really about getting to know you and understanding your goals, and we can guide you on exactly what will be needed as we move forward.
When you go directly to a bank, you are only seeing what that one lender has to offer. At MJ Finance and Advisory, we have access to a wide panel of lenders, which means we can look across multiple options on your behalf. This gives you a broader view of what is available in the market rather than being limited to a single institution. We also work for you, not the lender. Our job is to understand your circumstances and help you find a loan structure that suits your situation. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options in plain language, and support you through what can be a significant financial decision.
Not at all. While MJ Finance and Advisory is based in Perth, we work with clients right across Western Australia and throughout Australia. Thanks to technology, we are able to meet with clients virtually, communicate via phone and email, and manage the entire process remotely if needed. Whether you are in regional WA, another state, or even overseas and looking to purchase property in Australia, we are well-equipped to assist you. We believe that where you live should not limit your access to quality finance and mortgage broking services, and we are committed to making the process as accessible as possible for all of our clients.
Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan or other loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance for a variety of reasons, including wanting to access equity in their property, consolidate debts, change their loan structure, or simply review whether their current loan still suits their needs. Whether refinancing is worth considering depends entirely on your individual circumstances, including your current loan terms, your financial goals, and any costs involved in switching. At MJ Finance and Advisory, we can help you review your current situation and explain what refinancing could mean for you, without any pressure to make a decision. We recommend speaking with us before making any changes to your existing loan.
The timeline for a home loan application can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly documentation can be gathered and verified. In general terms, once a complete application is submitted to a lender, formal approval can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. At MJ Finance and Advisory, we work to keep the process moving as efficiently as possible by staying on top of your application and maintaining regular communication with the lender on your behalf. We will always keep you updated on where things are at and let you know if anything additional is required. Our goal is to make sure there are no unnecessary delays.
A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a mortgage broker does the legwork on your behalf. At MJ Finance and Advisory, we take the time to understand your financial situation, your goals, and what you are hoping to achieve. From there, we research loan options across our panel of lenders and present you with options that may suit your needs. We also handle much of the paperwork and communication with lenders throughout the application process, keeping things moving and keeping you informed every step of the way.
MJ Finance and Advisory works with property investors across Perth, WA, and Australia wide. Book an appointment to discuss your investment property finance needs with our team.
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