Investing

Investment property strategy calculator

Model the cash you'll need to buy an investment property, what it could cost you each week to hold, and how equity could build toward your next purchase.

What it shows

Three questions every investor asks.

How much cash do I need?

Your cash to complete: the deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, lenders mortgage insurance where it applies and other purchase costs, less what you borrow.

What will it cost to hold?

Your weekly holding cost after rent, allowing for loan repayments and ongoing costs such as rates, insurance, strata, maintenance and property management.

When could I buy the next one?

How equity could build through repayments and growth, and roughly when it might be enough for your next deposit.

Investing with a plan

The property is the easy part. The structure is what lasts.

A good investment works on paper and in your budget. These are the things we plan for with every investor, and our Property Investment Guide goes deeper.

Cash flow comes first

A property that costs more to hold than you expected puts pressure on everything else. Knowing your weekly holding cost upfront helps you choose a property, and a loan, you can sustain through rate rises and vacancies.

Loan structure matters

Interest-only or principal and interest, how the loans are split, and whether your home is used as security all affect your cash flow, your tax position and how easily you can buy again. It's far easier to get right at the start.

Equity drives growth

Most portfolios grow by using the equity in one property to fund the deposit on the next. How quickly that happens depends on growth, repayments and your borrowing capacity, not just the price you paid.

Get tax advice alongside

Rental income, deductions and depreciation all affect what an investment really costs. We work alongside your accountant so the lending and the tax plan fit together.

Investor questions

Before you buy, not after.

What investors ask us most, whether it's their first property or their fifth. Got another? Book a chat.

How much deposit do I need for an investment property?

Lenders commonly look for 10 to 20% of the purchase price, plus enough to cover stamp duty and costs. Many investors use equity in their home instead of cash. Borrowing more than 80% usually means paying lenders mortgage insurance.

What costs are involved in buying an investment property?

Beyond the deposit, expect stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, loan costs and possibly lenders mortgage insurance. Stamp duty is usually the largest, and investors generally can't access first home buyer concessions.

What is a property's holding cost?

It's what the property costs you to own once the rent comes in: loan repayments, council rates, insurance, strata fees, maintenance, property management and, in some cases, land tax.

Should I choose interest-only or principal and interest?

Interest-only repayments are lower and can help cash flow, but the loan doesn't reduce and interest-only rates are often higher. Principal and interest builds equity faster. The right choice depends on your goals and tax position.

How soon can I buy another investment property?

When you have enough usable equity or savings for the next deposit and costs, and your income can support the extra borrowing. The calculator gives a rough timeline, and we can map out a more detailed plan.

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