Interest Only Home Loan
An interest only (IO) home loan lets you pay only the interest component of your loan for a set period, typically 1 to 5 years. This lowers your initial repayments and maximises cash flow, making it a favoured strategy for Australian property investors.
Subject to APRA regulations and lender credit assessment. Our brokers will advise whether an IO loan aligns with your investment strategy and help structure it correctly for potential tax purposes.
5 yrs
Max IO period (owner-occ)
10 yrs
Max IO period (investors)
80%
Typical max LVR for IO
80+
Lenders on our panel
Why property investors choose interest only loans
Maximise rental cash flow
Lower repayments during the IO period mean more of your rental income becomes positive cash flow, improving your ability to hold the property and reinvest.
Example: On a $700,000 IO loan at 6.5% p.a., your monthly IO repayment is ~$3,792 vs ~$4,672 P&I, saving ~$880 per month in cash flow.
Tax deductibility (investment properties)
The interest on a loan used to purchase an investment property may be fully tax deductible against your rental income under Australian tax law, making the IO loan cost-effective for investors in higher tax brackets.
Always consult your accountant. Tax outcomes vary by individual circumstances. Secure Finance coordinates with your tax adviser on loan structure.
Interest Only vs. Principal & Interest
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right structure for your goals.
| Feature | Interest Only | Principal & Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly repayment | Lower | Higher |
| Equity built during loan | No (IO period) | Yes, from day 1 |
| Total interest paid (lifetime) | Higher | Lower |
| Investor cash flow | Maximised | Reduced |
| Potential tax deductibility (investment) | Higher (interest amount) | Lower over time |
| APRA restrictions | Apply | None |
| Typical interest rate | 0.15–0.50% higher | Standard rate |
Free investment loan strategy session
Our brokers specialise in investor loan structuring. We'll help you determine whether interest only suits your portfolio strategy and find the right lender.
- ✓IO loan options from 80+ lenders on our panel
- ✓Investor-friendly lenders with flexible IO policies
- ✓Coordinate with your accountant on loan structure
- ✓Review existing investment loans for better rates
- ✓Understand APRA requirements and how they affect you
Interest only loan FAQs
Common questions about interest only home loans in Australia.
Maximise your investment property returns
Our investment lending specialists will structure the right interest only loan for your portfolio, and review it annually to keep it optimal.
Subject to APRA regulations and lender credit assessment. Tax advice should be sought from a registered tax agent. This information is general in nature.