Whether it's your first investment property or a portfolio, we're here to help

Helping you navigate investment loan options
At Plavin Finance, we understand that property investment can play an important role in building long‑term financial security. For those looking to grow their wealth, exploring investment loan options can be an exciting step. We guide you through accessing investment loan options from banks and lenders across Australia, whether you’re purchasing your first investment property or adding to an existing portfolio. Our focus is on educating you throughout the process, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Understanding how investment loans work
Understanding the structure of an investment loan is an important part of planning your financial journey. One of the key factors to consider is the interest rate, as it has a direct impact on repayments and cash flow.

We take the time to educate you on the different investment loan options available, including fixed and variable interest rates, as well as principal and interest or interest‑only repayments. Fixed rates can provide certainty, while variable rates may offer greater flexibility. Interest‑only repayments can help improve cash flow in the short term, whereas principal and interest repayments may reduce the overall interest paid over the life of the loan. We also assist with calculating investment loan repayments, so you can clearly understand how each option may support your broader investment strategy and long‑term goals.

Credit history and borrowing capacity
Your credit history plays an important role when applying for an investment loan. A stronger credit profile can influence your borrowing capacity and may allow access to more competitive interest rates.

We help you understand how your credit history affects your options and discuss how much you may wish to borrow. This includes explaining how loan amounts can impact lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) and overall investment costs.

Loan‑to‑Value Ratio (LVR) explained
The loan to value ratio (LVR) is another key factor in applying for a investment loan. LVR compares your loan amount to the property's value, influencing both interest rates and the requirement for lenders mortgage insurance. A lower LVR often results in favourable terms, so assessing this ratio is an important step in the investment loan application process.

Planning for additional costs
When investing in property, it’s important to account for costs beyond loan repayments. Expenses such as stamp duty, legal and registration fees, can have a meaningful impact on your budget and should be factored into your financial planning.

At Plavin Finance, we make sure you’re aware of these costs early and understand how they fit into your overall investment position.

A clear and supported application process
Applying for an investment loan can feel complex, particularly with varying lender requirements. Our role is to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible by guiding you through each step.

This includes helping you gather the required documents, (DO WE NEED TO INCLUDE BANK STATEMENTS HERE THIS IS VERY SPECIFIC AND NOT SO RELEVANT?), and explaining lender criteria so you understand what’s needed and why. We also take the time to discuss purchasing in the correct structure, ensuring your loan setup aligns with your investment goals and broader financial position.

Throughout the process, we focus on educating you and keeping you informed, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Making informed investment decisions
The property market can be complex, but with the right guidance, it can offer long‑term opportunities for growth. Whether you’re buying your first investment property or expanding your portfolio, understanding market conditions and potential returns is important.

We provide clear explanations and insights to help you make informed decisions that align with your broader financial goals.

Supporting your investment journey
Plavin Finance is committed to supporting individuals and families across Australia throughout their investment journey. By helping you access investment loan options from banks and lenders nationwide, we aim to make property investment clearer, more structured, and easier to navigate.

If you’re considering an investment loan or reviewing your current structure, get in touch with Plavin Finance to explore your options with clarity and confidence.

Our Lending Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We start with a friendly, no‑obligation conversation to understand your situation. Whether you’re buying your first home or moving to your next one, we’ll talk through your goals, budget, and what you’re looking for in a property. There’s no pressure to proceed - this initial discussion is about answering your questions, educating you on your options, and helping you understand your next steps.

Step 2: Financial Assessment

Next, we review your financial position using supporting documents. This includes looking at your income, expenses, savings, and credit history to understand your borrowing capacity. From here, we work out how much you can comfortably borrow and what deposit may be required. We also take the time to align this with your goals and outline a clear plan for next steps - whether you’re ready to proceed now or need time to prepare.

Step 3: Loan Comparison

With dozens of lenders and hundreds of loan products available, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. We compare suitable options from our lender panel, focusing on loan structures and features that match your circumstances and objectives. We'll explain the differences in plain English so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Step 4: Loan Recommendation

We’ll arrange a time to meet - either in person or virtually, depending on what suits you, to walk through our recommended options. We explain why each loan has been selected and cover interest rates, features, fees, and loan terms, ensuring you understand exactly how everything works. There’s no pressure, our role is to guide you, not rush you.

Step 5: Application Submission

Once you’ve chosen the option you’re comfortable with, we take care of the paperwork. Your application is prepared and submitted with care to ensure it’s accurate and complete, helping reduce delays and keep the process moving smoothly.

Step 6: Liaison and Support

We'll stay in regular contact with the lender on your behalf, keeping you updated every step of the way. If the lender needs additional information or documentation, we'll let you know promptly and help you provide what's required.

Step 7: Settlement and Beyond

When your loan is approved, we coordinate with your conveyancer or solicitor to support a smooth settlement. After settlement, we remain available as a point of contact - whether you have questions about your loan, want to review your position over time, or need guidance as your circumstances change.

Our Recent Reviews

Marlon is an extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly broker who is both realistic yet able to find solutions without any trouble. He is always available, able to get things done quickly when needed, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Despite us being in a complex financial situation that many brokers would have given up on (returning from overseas with a baby and therefore being on a single income without any maternity leave pay, with a large portion of the one income being scholarships rather than actual salary), Marlon was able to navigate this with us and find a loan to get us our dream family home. I couldn't recommend him more highly!

N L

Marlon is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and reliable. He guided us through the process of obtaining a mortgage for our first home. He was very generous with his time and always answered all of our questions quickly, which gave us a lot of confidence during this overwhelming time. I can’t imagine us working with anyone else. I highly recommend Marlon and look forward to the next time we work with him.

Ethan Kravietz

Marlon was a superb mortgage broker! He was patient, helpful and efficient. He got us a great deal (we compared to 2 other brokers) and his advice was always in our best interests. Would recommend his services to anyone.

Evan Lurie

Marlon was extremely professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Highly recommend, especially for those seeing more complex financing options.

Derek Ramnuth

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a home with less than a 20% deposit?

Borrowing above 80% usually involves Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which protects the lender but can help you enter the market sooner.

- Some lenders accept deposits as low as 5%
- Common for first home buyers and certain professionals
- Government schemes or LMI waivers may be available

At Plavin Finance, we help you compare the true cost of buying now versus waiting, so you can make an informed decision.

How much does it cost to use a mortgage broker?

In most cases, you won’t pay a fee to use a mortgage broker.

Mortgage brokers are typically paid by the lender after your loan settles, which means there is usually no upfront cost to you.

Loan options are generally offered at the same rates as going direct to a bank
Broker commissions are regulated by law
You’ll receive full disclosure of how we’re paid before proceeding
Any fees (if applicable) are clearly explained upfront

At Plavin Finance, we make sure you understand exactly how we’re paid before any application is submitted, so you can proceed with confidence.

Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed?

Yes, self-employed borrowers can access home loans.

The main difference is that lenders assess your income differently, which is where we guide you through the process.

Typically requires tax returns and financials
Some lenders offer low-doc (or alternative verification - what do you think the best wording is here?) options using BAS or bank statements
Lenders focus on income stability and consistency
Certain lenders are more flexible for self-employed applicants

At Plavin Finance, we help identify suitable lenders, present your income clearly, and work with your accountant to gather the right documents and strengthen your application.

Should I go directly to my bank or use a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker gives you access to multiple lenders, not just one. Going directly to a bank limits you to their products, while a broker compares options across the market.
A mortgage broker can:

-Compare more than just interest rates and fees
-Assess loan features, lending policies, and eligibility
-Access lenders suited to different borrower situations
-Improve approval outcomes by matching you with the right lender
-Save time by managing the process from application to settlement

At Plavin Finance, we focus on educating you throughout the process, so you understand your options and can make confident, informed decisions. We act in your best interests and simplify the process from start to finish.

What happens if my circumstances change after getting a home loan?

Home loans can often be adjusted as your circumstances change.

Life events like starting a family, changing jobs, or planning renovations can all impact your needs, and there are usually options available.

Common examples include:

-Refinance to access equity or improve your loan
-Restructure your loan or adjust repayments
-Plan ahead to create more flexibility
-Access hardship support if you experience temporary financial difficulty

At Plavin Finance, we provide ongoing support well beyond settlement. We recommend reviewing your loan regularly to ensure it still suits your goals, and we’re here to help you manage your mortgage as your circumstances evolve.

What is the difference between fixed and variable home loans?

Fixed Rate
A fixed rate home loan locks in your interest rate for a set period, typically between one and five years, which means your repayments remain the same regardless of market changes during that time. This provides certainty and helps with budgeting, as you'll know exactly what your mortgage repayments will be.

Variable Rate
A variable rate home loan has an interest rate that can move up or down in response to market conditions, which means your repayments can change over time. Variable loans often come with more flexibility, such as the ability to make extra repayments or access redraw facilities.

At Plavin Finance, we can help you understand which option suits your financial situation and goals. Some borrowers choose a split loan, which combines both fixed and variable portions, allowing you to benefit from the security of fixed rates while maintaining some flexibility. Your choice depends on your risk tolerance and financial circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply for a home loan?

When applying for a home loan, you’ll need documents that verify your identity, income, expenses, and overall financial position.

This typically includes:

- Identification, such as a driver’s licence and passport
- Income documents, including payslips or tax returns if self‑employed
- Bank statements showing savings, spending, and existing debts
- Contract of sale if you’re purchasing a property

At Plavin Finance, we provide a tailored checklist based on your situation and lender requirements, and guide you through gathering everything early to help keep your application moving smoothly.

What does a mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders when you're looking to purchase a home or refinance an existing loan.

At Plavin Finance, we work on your behalf to assess your financial situation, understand your goals, and then search through our panel of lenders to find suitable home loan options that align with your needs. We handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders, and guide you through each step of the application process.

This saves you considerable time and effort compared to approaching multiple banks individually. Our role is to make the borrowing process more straightforward by using our industry knowledge and lender relationships to help you secure a home loan that suits your circumstances.

What is pre-approval and do I need it?

Pre‑approval (also known as conditional approval or approval in principle) is when a lender assesses your finances and agrees in principle to lend you a certain amount before you buy a property. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended as it:

Helps you understand your borrowing capacity and set a clear budget
Shows agents and sellers you’re a serious buyer
Allows you to bid with confidence at auction, where purchases are unconditional

At Plavin Finance, we help you obtain pre‑approval so you can house hunt with confidence. Pre‑approval is conditional, subject to final assessment once a property is selected, and typically valid for around 90 days.

How long does the home loan application process take?

The timeline for a home loan application can vary depending on several factors, but typically the process takes between two to six weeks from application to settlement. Initial pre-approval can often be obtained within a few days, which is valuable when you're ready to make an offer on a property. The full approval process involves the lender assessing your application, verifying your documents, and conducting a property valuation. At Plavin Finance, we work to keep things moving efficiently by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission, which can help avoid delays. Complex situations or busy periods may extend the timeline, while straightforward applications with all documentation ready can sometimes be processed more quickly. We'll keep you informed throughout and provide realistic timeframes based on your specific circumstances.