Hi Evan,

Steve’s strategy involves using separate trusts or companies to buy properties, with you acting as guarantor. Because each entity is separate, lenders (especially if using different ones) may treat the loans independently — allowing you to borrow multiple times.

That said, lending policies have tightened since those early books. Mos…[Read more]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the clear explanation—your examples really helped clarify the common misconception that loan interest is always deductible just because the loan is secured against an investment property.

The key takeaway for me is that deductibility depends on how the borrowed funds are used, not where they’re borrowed from or what ass…[Read more]

foreign income can be tough to work with, especially when it’s in Japanese. Most banks either heavily discount non-AUD income or reject it unless it’s fully translated. We ran into the same issue and found that the key was getting a mortgage broker who specialises in expat or foreign income lending. They know exactly which lenders will accept ove…[Read more]

Choosing the Right Property Investment Firm: What to Watch For
If you’re a property investor—especially one exploring opportunities interstate—it’s crucial to choose the right advisory firm. A recent discussion among investors highlights the risks of dealing with high-pressure sales tactics, pushy developers, and firms offering “free” services.…[Read more]

I’ve seen some mentoring arrangements where mortgage brokers pay around 20% of their commission, which can add up quickly depending on loan volume. For example, if a student writes 4 loans a month at $3,000 each in commission, that’s $2,400 going to the mentor. If the mentor has multiple students, the numbers get significant. It’d be helpful to…[Read more]

This issue isn’t uncommon with hybrid trusts, especially those set up by Chan & Naylor. Some lenders flag them due to past tax rulings or internal policy concerns. It’s not necessarily the firm, but the structure that’s problematic. Try using a broker familiar with trust lending—they can match you with lenders who do accept these setups. Also, d…[Read more]

Hi Colin, totally agree with your point about checking nearby established properties — great way to sense-check the price. As a local mortgage broker in Tarneit, I’d also recommend comparing with similar established properties to assess value. If you need help understanding finance options or want insights on local builders like Pivot, feel fre…[Read more]

Hi all,

Most lenders, like St George, treat that as a commercial deal, which means lower LVRs and higher rates. But there are a few lenders who might look at it as residential, depending on things like location, internal laundries, and servicing.

If you’re using equity tied up with St George, it gets trickier — but a good mortgage broker can oft…[Read more]

Look for an accountant experienced in investment property tax, negative gearing, depreciation, capital gains, and structuring. They should provide proactive tax planning and know ATO rules for investors. Verify their experience and credentials before hiring.

Totally agree with getting an unsigned contract early—having a broker do an “as if complete” valuation upfront can save major headaches, especially in places like Tarneit where valuations often fall short. Also, running the contract by a conveyancer or property lawyer before signing is a no-brainer. I’ve seen small clauses make a big dif…[Read more]

just adding some detailed context, taxi plates were considered solid investments, often financed at 60–65% LVR with 8–9% interest. But by 2017, ride-sharing and deregulation (especially in Victoria) caused plate values to crash. Many investors lost significant capital. This thread is a good snapshot of pre-Uber thinking, but anyone considering sim…[Read more]

Great Post! As a conveyancer for sellers, we handle the Contract of Sale, prepare the Vendor’s Statement (Section 32), arrange property certificates, and manage the settlement process. We also liaise with the buyer’s solicitor and ensure everything is legally compliant. Basically, we make sure the sale runs smoothly, and you avoid legal issues dow…[Read more]

Great post! First-time buyers have a lot to think about, and your tips cover the basics really well. Just wanted to add a few more helpful points:

Get pre-approved for a home loan – This gives you a clear idea of your budget and shows sellers you’re serious.
Work with a home loan broker – They can compare rates across lenders, explain dif…[Read more]

Sounds like an awesome session, always good to hear Brendan Kelly speak, especially right before the holidays when most people hit pause. Keen to hear what strategies were shared for getting deals over the line this late in the year. Did anyone walk away with new insights or a fresh game plan for 2020?

Funny how some of these ‘bad rep’ suburbs are now full of cafes and Teslas 😂 Goes to show how fast things change in Melbourne!

William Smith