How Much Deposit Do I Need for an Investment Property in Australia?

Last Updated 14 February 2025

Investing in property can feel daunting, especially when you start crunching numbers and calculating the deposit required. Generally speaking, lenders in Australia ask for a deposit of at least 20% of the property’s purchase price. For a $500,000 property, we’re talking about a $100,000 deposit. However, there are a few strategies and options to lighten the load, which we’ve laid out below.

Practical Steps to Secure Your Investment

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) Insight

The Loan-to-Value Ratio determines the percentage of the property’s value that can be borrowed. A higher deposit reduces the LVR, potentially saving you on Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which is applicable for deposits less than 20%. Aim to save that 20% as much as possible to keep costs low.

Government Grants and Schemes

Are you taking advantage of all available resources? Some Australian states offer grants or incentives for property investors. Research government schemes like the First Home Owner Grant, which could help alleviate some of the financial pressure, even for investment purposes.

Equity Utilisation

If you already own a property, you might be sitting on untapped potential. You can leverage existing home equity to fund your investment property deposit. It’s like having an ace up your sleeve, enabling you to enter the market sooner without saving up the full amount.

Partnering with Professionals

At Better Way 2 Build, we believe in taking the stress out of your property investment journey. Our bespoke services, tailored to your unique needs, connect you with the ideal builder and location. We manage everything from custom design with 3D walkthroughs to key handover and building inspections. Trust in our expertise can be the deciding factor in simplifying your financing process.

With years of experience in the property market, Better Way 2 Build offers more than just a cookie-cutter approach. Our comprehensive services ensure that you’re not alone in your investment journey. Contact us today for tailored advice specific to your situation, or to discover the full suite of services we offer at Better Way 2 Build. Your ideal investment property awaits!

Article by Mike King

With over 30 years of experience in the building industry in Western Australia, I have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully navigate the home building process, from finance to handover. My role as a building broker allows me to address the gaps in the industry by providing clients with tailored options and acting as their advocate, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience in achieving their dream home. Through my company, Better Way 2 Build, I am dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life by offering expertise, empathy, and transparency throughout the home building journey.

How Nearby Amenities Can Boost Your Investment Property’s Rental Appeal

Practical Tips to Minimise Maintenance Costs for Investment Properties

Pros and Cons of Cross-Collateralisation for Property Investment

Christine Cappas

Mike is a truly genuine person who cares about his client. From the start he was very transparent and let me know how everything works, he is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff! I completely trust him in buying and buying my first home

Monserrat Reuter

I built my first home all on my own thanks to Sev and Marlise. I don’t even know where to start as words cannot describe how grateful I am that I found these two. To build my own home was only a dream that Sev and Marlise helped make into a reality. The unconditional support and dedication towards whatever I needed throughout the whole process made me feel so safe and looked after. Even though I built my dream home on my own it never felt that way, it didn’t matter the time or day, these guys went out and beyond for me with every detail and step of the process. They are people of their word that you can genuinely trust in this dog eat dog world. They are upfront and honest, it was never about the money but how you felt leaving their office. I had many friends and family tell me about the awful experiences they had building with other companies, so naturally I was a little frighten and on guard but Sev me Marlise squashed this with one meeting. But the biggest thing I can say about Sev and Marlise is that my experience was incredibly fulfilling and wholesome and I am so grateful for them and their expertise and professionalism. If I ever decide to build again I know exactly where to go! Thank you guys so much for all the love and support which has continued even after the build. Much love to you all!! 😊

Ashley De Faria

Sev and Marlise were so incredible throughout our time with them. We’re so happy that we got to work along side an epic team. My partner and I had a vision, Sec and Marlise happily put up with our pickiness and changes (including after hour messaging), and did everything they could do bring that to life. They are so warm and welcoming too making this whole crazy big process more enjoyable. I couldn’t recommend these two enough!

Raphaela & Amelia Jay

Mike was wonderful from the beginning and still helpful. We were about to give up Building but Mike assured us that he will definitely make it happen. Thank you Mike

Errin Patsy

Contacted Mike by chance for a new build and was met with honest and factual help. Excellent follow up and support, Mike is reliable and will go out of his way to get the best deal.

Rhys Crawford

Mike has been helpful and reliable in getting my first home build started and well on its way to a timely completion. I recommend his services to anybody looking to build a new home!

Natasha Hanisch

When searching for a home loan you need to be able to rely on someone you can trust to be able to present you with all the options available and give you the right information to make the right decisions. Mike King from Better Way 2 Build is able to do all of this and so much more, with his extensive experience and knowledge he was able to answer confidently and made us feel at ease using Better Way 2 Build. Everything was handled quickly, efficiently and his customer service is the best you could find anywhere else. "Thanks Mike for helping change our lives.”

Mk Ultra

Mike King has helped my little family get into our own home by guiding us through everything that is to know for building a house. I did not know anything about building, I was shown and given 100% support for the process of owning my own home and I am still being supported during the build. I was given an amazing package deal much cheaper then I predicted with heaps of extras, in the location I wanted. Mike King has made it easy to understand the process and I would highly recommend him.