5.0 from 38 Reviews
Investing in property is one of the most popular ways Australians look to build wealth and work toward financial freedom. Whether you are buying your first investment property or growing an existing portfolio, having the right investment loan in place can make a significant difference to your long-term outcomes. At Lyan Finance, we work with clients in Sydney and across Australia to help them access investment loan options from banks and lenders across Australia, comparing products and structures to find a fit that suits their individual situation.
Understanding Investment Loan Options
An investment loan is a type of home loan used to purchase a property that you intend to rent out or hold for capital growth, rather than live in yourself. Because lenders treat investor borrowing differently from owner-occupier lending, the rates, conditions, and requirements can vary considerably. Investor interest rates are often slightly higher than owner-occupier rates, and lenders will assess your application differently, taking into account expected rental income, existing debts, and your overall financial position.
At Lyan Finance, we help you compare investment loan products across a wide panel of lenders, so you can understand what is available to you before making a decision. We look at the investment loan features that matter most to your situation, including whether a variable rate or fixed rate structure suits your property investment strategy, and whether an interest only or principal and interest repayment type aligns with your cash flow needs.
Variable Rate and Fixed Rate Investment Loans
One of the first decisions you will face when buying an investment property is whether to choose a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate. A variable rate investment loan moves with market conditions, which means your repayments can go up or down over time. A fixed rate investment loan locks in your interest rate for a set period, giving you certainty over your repayments during that term. Some investors choose to split their loan across both rate types to balance flexibility with predictability. Lyan Finance can walk you through the differences and help you understand how each option might affect your investment loan repayments over time.
Interest Only Investment Loans
Many property investors choose an interest only investment structure, particularly in the early years of holding a property. With interest only repayments, you pay only the interest charged on the loan amount each month, rather than reducing the principal. This can help manage cash flow, particularly when rental income may not fully cover all holding costs. It is worth noting that interest only periods are typically limited to a set term, after which the loan reverts to principal and interest repayments. Lyan Finance can help you understand how calculating investment loan repayments works under each structure, so you can plan accordingly.
Loan to Value Ratio, Equity, and Deposits
When applying for a property investment loan, lenders will assess your loan to value ratio (LVR), which is the amount you are borrowing compared to the value of the property. A lower LVR generally means better access to investment loan interest rate discounts and a reduced likelihood of needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Many investors use equity release from an existing property to fund their investor deposit, which can reduce the amount of cash savings needed upfront. Lyan Finance can help you understand how to leverage equity from your current home or investment properties to support your portfolio growth.
Tax Considerations for Property Investors
Property investment finance comes with a range of tax considerations that are worth understanding before you commit to a purchase. Investors may be able to claim claimable expenses such as property management fees, repairs and maintenance, body corporate fees, and the interest on their investment loan, to the extent the property is rented or held to produce assessable income. Many investors also look to maximise tax deductions through strategies such as depreciation schedules. Negative gearing benefits have historically allowed investors to offset rental property losses against other income, though legislation passed in 2026 changes these rules for properties acquired from 12 May 2026 onwards. The rules are complex and still evolving, so it is important to seek advice from a qualified tax professional or accountant who can assess your specific circumstances.
It is also worth being aware of changes to capital gains tax rules taking effect from 1 July 2027, which replace the 50 per cent CGT discount for certain assets with cost base indexation. Again, a tax adviser can help you understand how these changes may affect your property investment strategy.
Stamp Duty and Upfront Costs
When buying an investment property, stamp duty is one of the larger upfront costs to factor into your budget. The amount varies by state and territory and is calculated based on the purchase price of the property. Other costs to consider include conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, and loan establishment fees. Understanding the full cost of entry is an important part of planning your investment property finance, and Lyan Finance can help you think through what your investment loan amount may need to cover.
Rental Income, Vacancy Rates, and Passive Income
A key part of any property investment strategy is understanding the rental income you can expect to receive and how vacancy rates in your target area might affect that income. Rental income contributes to your ability to service the loan, and lenders will factor it into their assessment of your borrowing capacity. However, lenders typically only count a portion of rental income in their calculations to account for periods of vacancy and other costs. The goal for many investors is to generate passive income over time, with the property ideally covering its own costs and contributing to long-term wealth building.
Investment Loan Refinancing
If you already hold a rental property loan, an investment loan refinance could be worth exploring. Refinancing your investment loan may allow you to access a more suitable rate, unlock equity for further purchases, or restructure your repayments to better suit your current strategy. Lyan Finance can help you review your existing investment property rates and compare them against what is currently available from lenders across Australia. You can also explore our refinancing service page for more information on how refinancing works more broadly.
At Lyan Finance, our role is to help you access investment loan options from banks and lenders across Australia, compare investment loan products, and understand what each option means for your financial position. We work with clients buying an investment property for the first time, as well as experienced investors looking to expand their portfolio. If you are also considering building rather than buying, our construction loans service may be relevant to your plans. For more on the team behind Lyan Finance, visit our about us page.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation. Whether you reach out by phone, email, or through our website, we take the time to understand your situation, your goals, and what you are hoping to achieve. There is no pressure and no jargon - just a friendly chat to get things moving in the right direction.
Step 2: Fact-Finding and Assessment
Next, we take a closer look at your financial position. We gather details about your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This helps us build a clear picture of your borrowing capacity and identify the right loan options for your needs.
Step 3: Research and Loan Comparison
With access to a wide panel of lenders, we do the legwork for you. We compare hundreds of loan products to find options that suit your goals, whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or investing in property.
Step 4: Loan Recommendation
We present you with our recommended loan options in plain language. We walk you through the features, interest rates, fees, and repayment structures so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Step 5: Application Preparation
Once you are happy with your chosen loan, we prepare and submit your application on your behalf. We handle the paperwork, liaise with the lender, and make sure everything is in order to give your application the best chance of approval.
Step 6: Approval and Settlement
We keep you updated every step of the way through the approval process. Once your loan is approved, we work closely with your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure settlement goes smoothly and on time.
Step 7: Ongoing Support
Our relationship does not end at settlement. We stay in touch to make sure your loan continues to work for you. As your circumstances change or better options become available, we are here to review your loan and help you stay ahead.
Huge thanks to Andrew from Lyan Finance! He is such a friendly, professional, and fast-working broker. He made the whole process smooth and stress-free, and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. I'm completely satisfied and will definitely reach out to him again in the future!
유현우
I highly recommend Andrew. I have had some complicated mortgage issues and Andrew has worked efficiently with my solicitor, bank and building company. He is very prompt at getting things done. He has made the whole process go along smoothly Andrew has been very patient with all my questions.
Rachel Newman
Andrew has been my broker for more than 10 years. I purchased my second property with his assistance and we have gone through a number of refinancing since then for my two properties. He has been very professional and helpful. My interest is very much looked after. I highly recommend him.
Reggie CRUZ
I had an exceptional experience with Andrew An. From start to finish, he demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to finding the best mortgage solution for me. His knowledge of the market was impressive, and he took the time to explain every detail clearly, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. He was always available to answer my questions and provided timely updates. Thanks to Andrew's hard work, I secured a fantastic mortgage rate and my home buying experience was a success. I highly recommend Andrew An to anyone looking for top-notch mortgage services!
Jackson H
Lyan Finance works with property investors in Sydney and across Australia to compare investment loan products from a wide panel of lenders. Book an appointment with our team to talk through your situation.
Contact UsGetting started is straightforward. You can reach out to us by phone, email, or through our website to book an initial consultation. This first conversation is a chance for us to learn about your situation, what you are hoping to achieve, and any questions you might have. There is no obligation involved in having that initial chat. From there, if you are ready to move forward, we will guide you through each step of the process, from gathering your documents through to submitting your application and beyond. At Lyan Finance, we believe that good communication and a clear process make a real difference, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Lyan Finance can assist with a wide variety of lending needs. Whether you are purchasing your first home, upgrading to a larger property, investing in real estate, refinancing an existing loan, or looking at options for a construction loan, we are here to help. We also assist self-employed borrowers, who often face additional complexity when applying for finance. Our role is to understand your specific situation and connect you with lenders who have products suited to your needs. No two clients are the same, and we approach each situation individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
A mortgage broker acts as the link between you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Rather than you having to contact each lender individually, a mortgage broker does that work on your behalf. At Lyan Finance, we take the time to understand your financial situation, your goals, and what you are looking for in a home loan. We then research options from our panel of lenders and present you with choices that suit your circumstances. We also handle much of the paperwork and communication with lenders throughout the application process, which can save you a significant amount of time and effort.
In most cases, there is no direct cost to you for using our mortgage broking services. Lyan Finance is typically paid a commission by the lender once your 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 compensated before you proceed. This transparency is something we take seriously. If there are any situations where a fee may apply, we will always discuss this with you clearly and in advance. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and comfortable at every step, with no surprises along the way.
While the exact documents required can vary depending on your situation and the lender, there are some common items that most lenders will ask for. These typically include proof of identity, recent payslips or evidence of income, tax returns (particularly for self-employed borrowers), bank statements, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property you are looking to purchase. At Lyan Finance, we will provide you with a clear checklist tailored to your circumstances so you know exactly what to gather. Being well-prepared with your documents from the beginning can help avoid unnecessary delays in the application process.
Yes, refinancing is one of the most common reasons people come to us. There are many reasons why someone might consider refinancing, such as wanting to access equity in their property, consolidating debts, changing their loan structure, or simply reviewing whether their current loan still suits their needs. At Lyan Finance, we can review your existing loan and compare it against options available through our lender panel. We will explain the potential costs involved in refinancing, such as exit fees or application fees, so you can make an informed decision. Refinancing is not always the right move for everyone, and we will always give you an honest assessment of your situation.
Not at all. While Lyan Finance is based in Sydney, we work with clients right across Australia. Thanks to phone, email, and video calls, we are able to provide the same level of personalised service to clients whether they are in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or a regional area. The home loan process can be managed entirely remotely if that suits you, and many of our clients prefer the convenience of being able to communicate with us from wherever they are. If you are local to Sydney and would prefer a face-to-face meeting, we are happy to arrange that as well. We work around what suits you best.
Absolutely. Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and it can feel overwhelming when you are not sure where to start. At Lyan Finance, we work with first home buyers regularly and understand the questions and concerns that come with the process. We can walk you through how home loans work, explain the different loan types available, and help you understand what government grants or schemes you may be eligible to apply for, such as the First Home Owner Grant. We take the time to explain things in plain language so you feel confident and informed throughout the process.
The timeline for a home loan can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you apply with, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly documentation is provided. Generally speaking, once a full application is submitted with all required documents, lenders can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to issue a formal approval. At Lyan Finance, we work to keep the process moving as smoothly as possible by helping you prepare your documents correctly from the start and staying in regular contact with the lender on your behalf. We will keep you updated throughout so you always know where things stand.
When you go directly to a bank, you are only seeing what that one lender has to offer. At Lyan Finance, we work with a wide range of lenders, which means we can present you with a broader set of options to consider. We are not tied to any single institution, so our focus is on finding a loan that suits your needs rather than promoting one particular product. We also provide personalised guidance throughout the entire process, from your first enquiry through to settlement. For many people, having someone in their corner who understands the lending process and can explain things clearly makes a real difference.