Investment borrowing capacity is assessed differently to owner-occupied loans. Lenders typically count 70–80% of expected rental income to offset repayments, and policies vary significantly between lenders. If you already have a home loan, your investment capacity is calculated on top of your existing debt. Paddy assesses your complete financial picture and compares lender policies to identify your maximum investment capacity — which often differs from what a single bank would offer.

Yes — and this is one of the most common approaches. If your property has increased in value, you may be able to access built-up equity through a refinance or equity loan and use it as the deposit on your investment property. Paddy calculates your exact usable equity (typically up to 80% LVR), explains how to access it, and structures both the existing and new loan correctly to keep your finances clean and your borrowing capacity intact for the next purchase.

An interest-only (IO) loan means you only pay the interest — not the principal — for a set period (typically 1–5 years). This keeps monthly repayments lower and preserves cash flow. For investment properties, the interest is generally tax-deductible (speak to your accountant). IO loans typically carry a slightly higher rate than P&I equivalent, and you don't build equity in the investment property during the IO period. Whether IO is right for you depends on your cash flow, your strategy, and your tax position — Paddy explains the trade-offs and recommends based on your situation.

Yes — in several important ways. Interest rates are typically higher for investment loans. Lenders assess rental income in their calculations but usually only at 70–80% of the actual rent. LVR limits may be stricter. And as you build a portfolio, lenders assess your total debt exposure across all properties, which can limit your borrowing capacity at some institutions. Getting the structure right — which lenders, how the loans are set up, whether to cross-collateralise — matters significantly for long-term portfolio growth.

Geelong's investment market has several distinct corridors: high-growth greenfield areas (Armstrong Creek, Mount Duneed), established premium suburbs (Highton, Newtown, Belmont), coastal lifestyle markets (Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads), and yield-focused growth areas (Lara, Leopold). The "best" suburb depends on whether you're prioritising yield, capital growth, or lifestyle demand. Paddy handles the lending side — he recommends working with a buyer's agent or property investment specialist for suburb-specific advice. Read our blog for market insights.

Yes — and for many investors, using multiple lenders is strategically advantageous. Different lenders have different portfolio limits, different policies for assessing complex income, and different products that suit specific investment types. Paddy structures your portfolio across lenders where this supports your overall borrowing capacity and goals. He also identifies when cross-collateralisation (linking properties across one lender) is a risk rather than a benefit, and advises accordingly.

For an investment loan application, you'll typically need: payslips or tax returns (employer or self-employed), bank statements (last 3 months), details of your existing home loan and any other debts, evidence of the investment property (if identified), estimated rental income (a rental appraisal letter from a property manager), and proof of identity. If you're using equity from your existing home, your current property's estimated value and remaining loan balance are also needed. Paddy provides a clear document checklist before you start gathering anything.

Paddy strongly recommends it. The structure of your investment loan — whether it's IO or P&I, how it's set up relative to your owner-occupied loan, and which entity owns the property — has direct tax implications. An accountant or tax adviser can advise on the structure that best suits your tax position. Paddy then structures the lending to align with that advice. The two roles complement each other, and he regularly works alongside clients' accountants to make sure the finance and tax strategy are aligned.