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For first-time investors

Buy your first investment property the right way.

Know what you can borrow and structure your lending for what comes next. Deal directly with Scott from your first question to settlement.

Scott, founder of koala financial
Rated 5.0 on Google🏦 Lenders compared for your situation🏠 Focused on first-time property investors🇦🇺 Helping clients Australia-wide
Thinking about your first investment property?

You don’t need to be wealthy to start.
Just well guided.

Borrowing power, deposit, costs, loan structure and timing all matter. We help you make sense of the moving parts and choose a next step that supports both your first purchase and what may come after it.

Google Reviews

What clients say about us

Rated 5.0 on Google
Osmane Jalloh
Osmane Jalloh

“Scott was amazing very professional and patient with me throughout my this process I couldn’t have done it without him I will definitely recommend him to all my family and friends thank you so very much Scott”

Sandra Ng
Sandra Ng

“Scott has been incredibly helpful and ran such a smooth process. Genuinely wants the best for his customers. Thanks Scott”

Julia Lothian
Julia Lothian

“As a first-time property investor, I had a lot of questions and didn’t really know where to begin. Scott made everything easy to understand and clearly explained my borrowing capacity, the different loan options and how we could structure the loan with future property purchases in mind. Scott was always quick to respond and happy to answer any questions along the way. I never felt pressured, and it was clear that his advice was based on my situation and what I wanted to achieve. I’d highly recommend Scott to anyone looking for a mortgage broker who understands first-time property investors. He made buying our first investment property much easier and far less stressful. Scott went over and beyond - I could not be happier with the high quality service received.”

Memory Nyashanu
Memory Nyashanu

“I would like to sincerely thank my broker Scott for the outstanding support and dedication shown throughout my remortgage process. From start to finish, his attention to detail was exceptional, ensuring that every aspect was handled with care and professionalism. What truly stood out was his kindness and patience. He took the time to explain everything clearly and in a way that I could fully understand, which made what could have been a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Even when the first lender declined, he did not give up. Instead, he remained committed, explored other options, and ultimately secured a successful outcome for me. That level of persistence and determination is rare and deeply appreciated. Beyond being a highly skilled professional, he is genuinely a great human being who truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a broker who goes above and beyond. Thank you once again for everything.”

Chris Legge
Chris Legge

“Scott was an unbelievable and reliable broker that doesn’t just walk you through all the hurdles associated with buying a house, but also advises you on all the options tailored to your situation. We couldn’t recommend him enough. Plus he sponsored a Koala on our behalf! We have a lot to thank Koala Finance for!”

See all reviews on Google →
How we can help

Lending that supports where you are now and what comes next

Your first investment might mean buying while you rent, using equity in your home or getting your current lending ready for a future purchase. We start with your position and goals, then shape the lending around them.

Most popular

Investment Property Loans

Understand your borrowing power and structure the lending with your next move in mind.

Explore investment property loans

Home Loans

Buying or refinancing a home can affect what you can borrow next. We help structure today’s home loan with your future plans in mind.

Explore home loans

SMSF Loans

Clear lending support for existing SMSF refinances and commercial property purchases.

Explore SMSF loans
How it works

A clear plan from your first conversation to settlement

1

Understand what’s possible

We’ll discuss your goals, borrowing power and whether you’re ready to buy now or would benefit from a plan first.

2

Build the right lending strategy

We work out your buying position, compare suitable lenders and structure your loan around this purchase and your future property goals.

3

Move forward with confidence

We manage the application, keep you informed through to settlement, and continue supporting you as your plans evolve.

See the full process
2027 CGT changes

Trust or company:
which structure could leave you with more?

Capital gains tax rules change from 1 July 2027. Compare a discretionary trust and company using the same property and growth assumptions to see how the estimated after-tax result changes.

Open the Trust vs Company calculator

A separate 30% minimum tax for discretionary trusts is proposed from 1 July 2028 and is not yet law.

Educational modelling only. Ownership structures and tax outcomes depend on your circumstances. Seek advice from a registered tax agent and lawyer.

Property calculators

Run the numbers before you make a move.

Estimate your borrowing power, costs and repayments, then explore property scenarios using your own figures.

Why start here?

Your borrowing power shapes everything that follows: your budget, your loan structure, and whether your next purchase stays within reach. The dial gives you a rough idea; your real number comes from a proper look at your full situation.

Investment Property Cash Flow
Negative Gearing
Refinance
Rent vs Buy
+8more
Explore the property calculators

Indicative estimates only. Calculator results are not financial, tax, legal or credit advice.

Free guide

5 finance decisions to get right before buying your first investment property

A free, plain-English guide to the five money decisions that make or break your first investment purchase.

  • Build your first investment with a long-term property strategy.
  • Understand the finance decisions that shape your borrowing power and future options.
  • Make smarter decisions around your deposit, cash flow and loan structure before you sign a contract.

Get the free guide

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More than just loans

Every loan settled adopts a koala.

For every loan we settle, we adopt a koala in your name through an accredited koala conservation program - and a koala adoption pack arrives in your post.

The Adopt a Koala program helps protect these iconic Australian animals in the wild for future generations.

Scott - koala financial
Property Investment Specialist
Accredited Mortgage Broker
Meet Scott

You deal with Scott.
Start to finish.

koala financial was built to make property finance simpler, clearer and less overwhelming.

You’ll receive honest guidance, a lending strategy that’s built around your long-term goals, and support from your first enquiry through to settlement.

No being passed between departments. No conflicting advice. Just clear guidance when you need it most.

Guidance focused on first-time property investors
Lending structure with your next property in mind
Lender options compared and explained in plain English
Direct support from your first question through to settlement
FBAA memberCredit Representative 567904Australian Credit Licence 486112 (PCFS)Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking
Frequently asked questions

Questions first-time investors ask before they begin

You do not need to know all the answers before speaking with a broker. These are some of the questions we can help you work through.

How much deposit do I need for my first investment property?

Many investors work towards a deposit of 10% to 20% of the purchase price, plus buying costs such as stamp duty and conveyancing. Some people can use equity in an existing home instead of relying entirely on cash savings. For a lower-deposit purchase, the sweet spot is a 12% deposit plus 5% for costs. This can help balance buying sooner with the cost of LMI, which is normally around 2% of the loan.

How much can I borrow?

Your borrowing power depends on your income, living expenses, existing debts, credit limits and the expected rent from the property. Lenders assess these factors differently and include buffers for higher interest rates. We can assess your position before you start looking so you have a more realistic buying range.

Can I use the equity in my home to invest?

Often, yes. Usable equity in your home may help fund the deposit and buying costs for an investment property. We can show you what may be accessible, how the repayments could change and how to keep the lending structure clear. If your borrowing capacity and the valuation support it, using equity can be a faster way to start building a portfolio.

What is the difference between an investment loan and a home loan?

They work in much the same way, but lender policies, pricing and available features can differ. Expected rent may be included in the assessment, and some investors consider options such as interest-only repayments. We compare suitable lender options and explain how each one could affect your broader plan.

Should I rent where I live and buy elsewhere?

This is known as rentvesting. It can help you enter the property market while continuing to live in an area that suits your lifestyle. Whether it works for you depends on your deposit, borrowing power, cash flow and longer-term goals. We can compare the lending implications of each pathway without pressuring you towards either option.

What are the upfront and ongoing costs?

Upfront costs may include stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections and loan fees. Ongoing costs can include repayments, council rates, insurance, maintenance and property management. We help you map the likely costs before you commit so you can plan with a realistic buffer.

Is negative gearing a reason to buy?

Negative gearing should not be the reason you buy on its own. It may affect your after-tax cash flow, but the property and repayments still need to suit your goals. Australian tax rules for some residential investment properties change from 1 July 2027, so speak with a registered tax agent about how the rules apply to you.

How long does the process take?

It depends on whether you need pre-approval, whether you have already found a property and how quickly the selected lender can assess the application. Once we understand your situation, we will explain the likely steps and timing and keep you updated throughout the process.

Do I need a big income or to be wealthy to start?

No. You do not need to be wealthy to explore what may be possible. Your borrowing position will depend on your income, expenses, debts, deposit or equity and the property you are considering. The first step is to understand your numbers and choose a purchase that stays within your means and supports your longer-term goals.

Should I get pre-approval before I start looking?

Pre-approval is usually worth considering before you start making offers. It can give you a clearer buying range and identify potential lending issues early. It is still conditional rather than guaranteed approval, so the property and your circumstances will need to satisfy the lender’s final assessment.

Should I buy an investment property before buying my own home?

It can make sense for some people, particularly when buying where they want to live is currently out of reach. It also creates trade-offs involving borrowing power, cash flow, lifestyle and potential first-home buyer concessions. We can help you understand the lending options before you decide which path fits your goals.

Is now a good time to invest?

There is no single right time for everyone. A better question is whether your finances, borrowing capacity, cash buffer and goals make you ready for the commitment. We will help you assess what is possible without pressuring you to buy before you are comfortable.

Ready to buy your first investment property?

Find out what is possible and take your next step with a clear plan. Your first discovery call is free and there is no pressure to proceed. You will speak directly with Scott.