For property investorsReviewed 5 August 2026General education
Equity and affordability are different tests
Usable equity may help with security or deposit requirements, but it does not by itself prove the household can service more lending.
Gross rent is not the final input
Vacancy, rates, insurance, maintenance, management, tax, existing debt, and lender rental-income assumptions affect the wider picture.
Model the portfolio, not one listing
Adding a property changes total debt, cashflow pressure, concentration, and the effect of higher rates across every loan.
Treat listing links as research inputs
A property listing can prefill address and asking-price information only where terms allow. It cannot replace due diligence, valuation, or advice.
Evidence categories to organise
- Current property values and debts
- Rental evidence
- Rates and insurance
- Maintenance and vacancy allowance
- Interest-rate stress
- Ownership and tax advice
This guide does not account for your full circumstances and is not financial advice, a lending assessment, approval, or offer.