Which lender is right for your investment?
Not all investment loan lenders are equal. Rental income shading, APRA assessment buffers, IO eligibility, SMSF and trust policy, and portfolio limits all vary — and the difference can be $150,000+ in borrowing capacity on the same income. This matcher analyses your scenario against our 297-lender panel and tells you which lender tier fits and why.
General information only. Not credit assistance, a loan offer, or a recommendation of any specific lender. Figures are indicative estimates only.
Your investment scenario
Important information
This is general information only and an indicative estimate — it is not credit assistance, a loan offer, a credit quote, or a recommendation of any specific lender. The borrowing capacity figures are illustrative estimates using simplified serviceability assumptions and will differ from a lender's actual assessment, which considers your full financial position.
Rental income shading percentages, assessment rate buffers, LVR limits, SMSF policy and IO eligibility shown are typical-market figures as at 21 June 2026 — individual lenders vary and may change policy at any time. Consider your own circumstances and seek independent advice before acting. LenderBridge is pursuing its credit licence pathway. Nothing here is, or should be taken as, licensed credit assistance.
How investment property lending actually works
Lenders don't assess investment loans the same way they assess owner-occupier loans. Rental income is shaded, interest-only options carry LVR restrictions, and your lender universe changes depending on whether you're buying in an individual name, a trust, or an SMSF.
This matcher analyses those variables — and tells you which tier of lenders your scenario sits in before you talk to a broker.
Common questions
How do lenders assess rental income on an investment property?
Most lenders shade rental income — crediting only 70–80% of the gross annual rent toward your serviceability calculation. This is to account for vacancy, rates, management fees and repairs. A lender that credits 80% vs 70% can meaningfully increase your borrowing capacity on the same income.
What is the difference between APRA lenders and non-bank lenders for investment loans?
APRA-regulated banks must apply a minimum 3% assessment rate buffer on top of the loan rate when calculating serviceability. Non-bank lenders outside APRA's framework typically apply a 1.5% buffer. On the same income and rental yield, non-bank lenders can offer meaningfully higher borrowing capacity — often $100,000–$200,000 more on a $100k income.
Can I get interest-only on an investment property loan?
Yes — interest-only (IO) investment loans are available across many lenders, but most cap IO at 80% LVR. Above 80%, lenders typically require principal and interest repayments. IO structuring is common for investors because it maximises cash flow and preserves negative gearing deductions.
Can I borrow for an investment property in an SMSF?
Yes, via a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). SMSF property loans are specialist products — the Big 4 banks have largely exited this market, leaving around 20 non-bank specialist lenders. Most SMSF investment loans are capped at 80% LVR.
General information only. This is not credit assistance, a credit quote or an offer of finance. Figures are indicative estimates — confirm with a lender before you rely on them.