Investment Property

Low Doc Investment Loans for streamlined financing

Toby Boswell
Updated on:
March 5, 2025
First published:
March 5, 2025
Neighbourhood with houses
Yard Financial Pty Ltd | ACN 623 357 513 | Australian Credit Licence 509481

Table of Contents

For property investors who may not have access to traditional financial documentation, Low Doc investment loans offer a practical and flexible financing solution. These loans are specifically designed for investors who may not meet the standard documentation requirements of conventional investment loans, such as payslips or lodged tax returns.

Low Doc investment loans are particularly beneficial for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and investors with complex financial situations. By offering financing with streamlined documentation requirements, these loans provide an alternative way to verify income while maintaining responsible lending practices.

Explore Yard's Low Doc Investment property loans

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Understanding Investment Home Loan Rates

Investment home loan rates refer to the interest rates applied to loans used for purchasing investment properties. These rates play a critical role in determining the overall cost of financing a real estate investment, directly impacting both monthly repayments and long-term investment returns.

The importance of Investment Home Loan Rates

Investment home loan rates influence:

  • Monthly repayments: Higher rates lead to increased monthly financial commitments.
  • Investment returns: Lower rates can enhance the profitability of your property investment.
  • Long-term financial planning: A thorough understanding of these rates aids in budgeting and effective cash flow management.

Differences between Investment and Owner-Occupied Home Loan Rates

Investment mortgage rates are generally higher than those for owner-occupied properties. Lenders often consider investment properties to be higher risk, which can result in:

  • Stricter lending criteria
  • Higher interest rates
  • Larger deposit requirements

These differences must be considered when developing a property investment financing strategy.

Factors influencing Investment Loan Interest Rates

Several factors determine the interest rates offered on investment property loans, including:

1. Market conditions and economic factors

Interest rates fluctuate in response to economic indicators and market trends. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) sets the official cash rate, which significantly influences investment loan rates.

2. Borrower’s credit score and financial history

Lenders assess your financial stability by reviewing:

  • Credit score
  • Repayment history
  • Overall financial health

A strong credit profile can improve access to competitive investment loan interest rates.

3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)

The LVR is the ratio of the loan amount to the value of the property. A lower LVR, supported by a larger deposit or property equity, can often secure more favourable loan terms.

4. Property location and type

Investment properties in high-demand areas or with stable rental markets may be eligible for better interest rates. Specific property types, such as commercial or rural properties, may also impact loan terms and interest rates.

5. Income documentation type: Full Doc vs. Low Doc

The type of loan documentation you provide also affects the interest rate. Full doc loans, which require payslips or lodged tax returns, typically offer lower interest rates. Low doc loans (also known as Alt doc loans) which accept alternative income verification methods (e.g. accountant's letter or BAS statements), may have higher interest rates to offset the increased risk perceived by lenders.

Understanding these factors can help investors make informed decisions when comparing investment property loan rates and choosing the right financing solution.

Types of Investment Property Loans

When choosing an investment property loan, it is important to understand the different rate types and repayment types available. These choices can impact your investment strategy, cash flow, and long-term financial planning.

1. Rate types: Variable vs. Fixed rates

Investment loans typically offer two main interest rate structures:

  • Variable rate loans: These loans have interest rates that can fluctuate over time based on changes in the broader economic environment. While variable rates can offer savings when interest rates decrease, they also carry the risk of increased repayments if rates rise.
  • Fixed rate loans: With fixed-rate loans, the interest rate remains the same for a set period (usually 1-5 years). This provides stability and predictability in repayments, which can assist with budgeting and financial planning. However, fixed-rate loans may offer less flexibility if interest rates drop.

2. Repayment types: Principal & Interest vs. Interest Only

In addition to choosing between variable and fixed rates, borrowers must also decide on the repayment type:

  • Principal and Interest (P&I) loans: With P&I loans, repayments cover both the loan's interest and the principal amount. This structure gradually reduces the total amount owed over time, building equity in the property. P&I loans often come with lower interest rates and can improve your financial position in the long term.
  • Interest Only (IO) loans: With IO loans, your repayments only cover the interest on the loan for a specified period (typically 1-5 years). While this approach can improve short-term cash flow, the principal remains unchanged, meaning the total loan amount does not decrease. This type of loan may suit investors prioritising cash flow over equity growth, but it can also result in higher interest costs over the life of the loan.

Choosing the right loan type for your investment strategy

The ideal choice between these loan types depends on your investment goals:

  • If you want to build equity in your investment property and reduce debt, a Principal & Interest loan may be more suitable.
  • If your strategy focuses on maximising cash flow, for example, during the initial stages of an investment, an Interest Only loan might provide more flexibility.
  • For those looking to manage financial risk, a Fixed Rate loan offers repayment stability, while a Variable Rate loan may benefit investors who want to take advantage of potential interest rate drops.

Understanding these investment loan options is critical to aligning your financing structure with your investment strategy and achieving the best possible financial outcomes. To explore Yard's competitive interest rates and find the right loan for your investment needs, check our current rates here.

Low Doc Investment Loans

Low Doc Investment Loans provide an alternative financing option for property investors who may not meet the standard documentation requirements of traditional loans. These loans are particularly beneficial for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and those with complex financial situations who may not have access to conventional income verification documents like payslips or lodged tax returns.

Eligibility criteria and required documentation

While low doc loans have streamlined documentation requirements, lenders typically still require alternative forms of income verification, such as:

  • Accountant’s declaration verifying income
  • Business Activity Statements (BAS)
  • Bank statements demonstrating financial stability
  • Rental income statements or a rental appraisal

Advantages of Low Doc Investment Loans

  • Flexible documentation requirements: Access financing without needing full financial statements/tax returns or payslips.
  • Faster approval process: Simplified application and quicker processing times.
  • Broader accessibility: Supports investors with non-traditional income streams, such as sole traders, business owners, freelancers and contractors.

Considerations for Low Doc Investment Loans

  • Potentially higher interest rates: Lenders may apply a risk margin to account for the reduced documentation.
  • Lower loan-to-value ratios (LVR): Borrowers may need a larger deposit to secure a low doc loan.
  • Fewer lender options: Not all lenders offer low doc lending, which can limit your choices.

Yard specialises in low doc lending for investors, offering tailored solutions to help you secure financing with alternative income documentation. To learn more about how Yard can support your investment goals, visit our Low Doc Loan page.

The important questions answered

What are the current trends in investment property interest rates?

Interest rates for investment property loans can vary based on economic conditions, lender policies, and market demand. Monitoring trends helps investors make informed decisions about their financing options.

How can I negotiate a better interest rate for my investment loan?

To secure a more competitive interest rate for your investment loan, focus on maintaining a strong credit score, providing a larger deposit, and demonstrating financial stability through consistent income and low debt levels. Additionally, investing in a property located in a desirable metro area or a high-demand location can also enhance your chances of securing a better interest rate, as lenders often view such properties as lower risk.

Are investment loan interest rates usually higher than owner-occupied rates?

Yes, investment mortgage rates are typically higher due to the additional risk lenders associate with investment properties. This reflects the market dynamics and risk assessment involved in property investment financing.

What is the impact of interest rates on investment property returns?

Higher interest rates increase loan repayment costs, which can reduce rental yield and overall return on investment. Selecting the appropriate loan structure can help mitigate these effects.

What is a Low Doc/Alt Doc Loan?

Low Documentation (Low Doc) or Alternative Documentation Loans (Alt Doc) is a way to acquire home loans for people with income and assets, but without the regular ways to prove this.

Does Yard offer Low Doc Loans?

At Yard, we understand that not everyone who is looking for a home loan will have traditional proof of their ability to afford to repay the loan or may have complex financial structures. As a non-bank lender, our Loan Consultants are able to take your unique circumstances into account when discussing your home loan. So if you're looking for a mortgage but aren't sure whether you can prove that you can repay, get in touch with our friendly team today and we'll talk you through the process and what we need to be able to finance your property.

Does Low Doc mean that you do not need to verify my income?

All home loan lenders have an obligation to not let you borrow more than you’re financially able to repay. Low doc loans are an alternative way to prove that you have the income required to service the loan, and we will still need to verify your income through the alternative documentation.

What is the difference between a low doc and a regular home loan?

Regular or traditional home loans typically require you to submit recent payslips and tax returns to verify your income. This can be a hurdle for self-employed individuals or those with irregular income, or complex finances. Non-bank lenders like Yard take a more flexible approach to income verification when you apply for a low doc loan.

While traditional income verification is not required, you'll need to provide documents like accountant's letters, BAS statements, or bank statements. These documents help us assess your financial health and ability to repay the loan.

Can I switch from a low doc investment loan to a full doc loan later on?

Yes, borrowers can transition from a low doc loan to a full doc loan once they are able to present lodged tax returns or payslips. This switch can typically provide access to lower interest rates.

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