What equity could you actually use?
Your property value minus its loan is not the same as accessible equity. Valuation, LVR, servicing and lender policy all matter.
First investment · for homeowners
Your home may already be the starting point for your first investment.
See how much equity may be usable, what you can comfortably service and whether the cash flow still works when rates or costs move.
See what may be possibleA clear first conversation. No pressure to proceed.
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One broker. No call-centre hand-offs.Meet Ferdi
Individual experiences differ; lending outcomes and timelines vary.Before you browse listings
Can the next property work on paper—and in real life?
The aim is not the biggest approval. It is a first investment you can understand, fund and continue to hold.
What can you comfortably service?
Lenders assess debts, rent, living costs and rate buffers differently. Your own comfort level may be lower than the maximum.
Will the cash flow hold up?
Include repayments, rates, insurance, management, maintenance, vacancy and life outside the property.
How should the loan be separated?
Clear loan purpose and separate splits can make tracking easier. Your accountant should confirm the tax treatment.
A more resilient first investment
Aim for cash flow you can live with—not a tax loss you have to survive.
A tax deduction does not replace money leaving your account. Start with the full holding cost, then decide what still feels sustainable.
Unlock equity carefully
A rough starting calculation is property value × proposed LVR, less the current loan. The usable amount can be lower after valuation and servicing.
Keep investment borrowing clearly separated from private spending.Model the weekly reality
Rent received minus repayments, rates or strata, insurance, management, maintenance and a vacancy allowance gives a clearer before-tax cash position.
Taxable profit or loss is a separate calculation.Stress-test the hold
Model higher repayments, a vacancy and an unexpected repair. A sensible cash buffer may matter more than stretching to the highest purchase price.
Plan for the imperfect year—not only the first month.Compare the whole deal
New and established properties now have different tax considerations. Compare total cost, rent, ongoing expenses, location and resale—not tax alone.
A new build is not automatically the better investment.Simple check
Rent received minus all cash holding costs equals your before-tax cash position.
Ferdi can model lending and repayments. Use an accountant or licensed adviser for personal tax and investment advice.Australian investor tax reset
New build or established? The tax treatment is changing.
The core reforms are now law and mainly begin on 1 July 2027. Further implementation detail is still being finalised, so confirm your position with a tax adviser.
Checked 14 August 2026
Held before the cutoff
Existing investments are grandfathered.
Residential investments held before 7:30pm AEST on 12 May 2026 are exempt from the new negative-gearing limits while they remain held.
Established property after the cutoff
Losses will no longer offset salary.
From 1 July 2027, losses may offset residential-property income, including capital gains, and excess losses can carry forward—but not offset wages or other non-residential income.
Eligible new builds
Negative gearing can continue.
Eligible new residential property can continue to offset rental losses against other income, subject to the final rules and your circumstances.
CGT from 1 July 2027
Future real gains get new treatment.
The flat 50% CGT discount is replaced by inflation-based treatment and a 30% minimum tax on real gains. Eligible new builds can choose the existing 50% discount instead.
CGT changes apply prospectively to gains accruing from 1 July 2027 when realised. The treatment can differ by purchase date, property type, ownership and personal tax position.
A practical investor process
Turn your current position into a clear next move.
Ferdi models the lending side and keeps the finance process moving while your accountant, conveyancer or adviser handles their area.
Model my starting position- 01
Review what you have
Current loans, estimated property values, income, expenses and available cash.
- 02
Model what may be usable
Accessible equity, estimated capacity, repayments and buffer scenarios.
- 03
Compare lending structures
Suitable lender policy, product features and clearly documented loan purpose.
- 04
Coordinate to settlement
Application, valuation, approval and communication with your professional team.
A focused service for everyday investors
Built for the first move—and the next sensible one.
This may suit you if…
- You own your home and are considering a first investment
- You own one investment and want to understand the next step
- You value explanation and structure over hype
- You want one person managing the finance process
Bring these four starting points
- Approximate property values and loan balances
- Income and current monthly commitments
- Available savings and intended timing
- What you want the next property to achieve
Start with the property you already own
See what your current position could unlock—without stretching the next one too far.
Check my investor starting point
Rough figures are enough to begin · Tax and investment advice remains with your relevant adviser
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