Strategies for property investors
We can help you free up funds from your investment property with our interest only loans. We also explain negative gearing which has the potential to optimise the tax benefits available from your investment property.
How interest only mortgages can benefit you
Interest only home loans reduce your repayments because they cover the interest portion of the loan only. They do not reduce the principal amount of the loan.
An interest only home loan may suit you if you want to:
- Manage repayments – paying interest only off your home loan frees up the funds you would have used to pay the principal for other investments
- Gain a tax benefit – you may be able to claim the interest portion of the repayment as a tax deduction if the property is an investment and you are negatively gearing
- Purchase an investment property while minimising your home loan repayments.
Interest only home and investment loans
Interest Only repayment options are available on these home loans:
- Rocket Repay Home Loan
- Flexi First Option Home Loan
- Fixed Options Home Loan
- Rocket Investment Loan
- Flexi First Option Investment Loan
- Fixed Rate Investment Property Loan
- Bridging Loan
You can also choose to pay interest only in advance
The interest only in advance option is available on the Fixed Option Investment Loan for a fixed interest term of up to 5 years. It allows you to pay interest 12 months in advance and receive a discount off the standard fixed interest rate. You may also be able to take advantage of tax benefits by claiming the interest as a tax deduction.
Negative gearing property for investment
Understanding gearing and taxation will help you optimise the tax benefits available from your investment property. Gearing is the term used to describe borrowing for investment purposes.
- Positive gearing means the rental income from your property exceeds the costs of owning it, i.e. bank interest and fees, property and maintenance costs
- Negative gearing means the costs of owning your property exceed the income it generates.
The benefits of negative gearing property
Negative gearing an investment property may be beneficial as an investor. The $700 monthly shortfall shown below could be used as a tax deduction against other income from salary or wages.
| Negative gearing | |
|---|---|
| Rental income on investment property | $1,500 per month |
| Less | |
| Loan interest | ($2,000) per month |
| Council rates | ($200) per month |
| Shortfall | $700 per month |
Contact us
Talk to a Westpac home loan expert on 132 558 for more details.
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Things you should know
The taxation position described is a general statement and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and it is based on current tax laws and their interpretation. Westpac Financial Planners are not qualified to give tax advice. Your individual situation may differ and you should seek independent professional tax advice on any taxation matters.
The information contained within this page is general in nature. It serves as a guide only and does not take into account of your personal financial needs. Before you act on this information you should seek independent legal and financial advice.