Buying your first investment property
Discover the essentials of buying your first investment property with Nurse Loans' expert guidance
Rated 5 from 82 Reviews
Rated 5 from 82 Reviews
Embarking on the journey of buying your first investment property is an exciting milestone, especially for nurses who dedicate their lives to caring for others. At Nurse Loans, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with investing in real estate. Our mission is to guide you through the process, helping you access investment loan options from banks and lenders across Australia. Whether you're considering a town house, apartment, or stand-alone dwelling, our Finance & Mortgage Brokers are here to assist every step of the way.
When buying your first investment property, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the property market. This includes researching property locations, understanding rental yields, and considering the impact of negative gearing on your overall strategy. Our team can help you navigate these considerations, ensuring you make informed decisions tailored to your financial goals. As you explore the possibility of buying an investment property, it's important to understand key factors such as interest rates. These can significantly affect your loan amount and repayments. Whether you prefer a fixed interest rate for stability or a variable interest rate for potential savings, we offer guidance on the best options for you.
Applying for an investment loan can seem complex, but our streamlined application process makes it more manageable. We assist with gathering necessary documents like bank statements and calculating investment loan repayments. Understanding your borrowing capacity is essential before diving into the property investment loan application. Our brokers will work with you to determine a suitable loan to value ratio (LVR) and explore options for interest rate discounts. Additionally, we'll help you navigate lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) and stamp duty considerations, ensuring you're fully prepared for each financial aspect of buying a rental property.
The property investment strategy you choose should align with your long-term goals. Our brokers offer insights into various approaches, from focusing on rental yield to leveraging negative gearing benefits. Whether you're buying an investment property for immediate rental income or long-term capital growth, we tailor our advice to suit your needs. With access to a wide range of investment loan options, we ensure you find a solution that fits your circumstances.
As you prepare for buying your first investment property, consider the features of different property investment loans. These may include flexible repayment options, offset accounts, or redraw facilities that can enhance your financial management. Our Finance & Mortgage Brokers will explain each feature's benefits and how they align with your investment objectives.
The process of buying a rental property requires careful planning and execution. At Nurse Loans, we are committed to supporting nurses in achieving their property investment dreams. Our expertise in the field allows us to provide personalised advice and solutions tailored specifically to healthcare professionals.
Buying your first investment property is a significant step towards financial growth and stability. By partnering with Nurse Loans, you'll gain access to invaluable resources and support from experienced Finance & Mortgage Brokers. We invite you to take this opportunity to explore the property market with confidence, knowing that our team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your real estate investment journey. Whether you're ready to start your investment loan application or simply seeking advice on potential opportunities, we're here to assist you every step of the way.


























Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a conversation about your property goals - whether you're purchasing a home, investing, refinancing, or seeking another type of loan. Our Finance & Mortgage Brokers explain the overall loan application process, assess your financial position, and begin identifying suitable loan options from a wide panel of banks and lenders across Australia.
Financial Assessment
Your broker conducts a detailed review of your finances, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities and savings. They determine your borrowing capacity and explain key terms like loan-to-value ratio (LVR), lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), and any government schemes or discounts you may be eligible for.
Loan Comparison & Selection
With a clear understanding of your financial situation, our Finance & Mortgage Brokers research and compare a range of loan options. These may include fixed or variable interest rate loans, products with offset accounts, or flexible repayment features. Our brokers help you weigh the pros and cons of each loan, ensuring you choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Loan Pre-Approval
Securing loan pre-approval provides a clear idea of how much you can borrow and strengthens your position in the property market. Your broker prepares and submits the required documents - such as payslips, tax returns, and bank statements - to the lender for assessment. Pre-approval also gives you confidence to make offers when you find the right property.
Formal Loan Application
Once you've chosen your preferred loan, your broker completes and submits the formal application to the lender. They manage all required documentation, respond to any queries from the lender, and keep you informed throughout the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Loan Approval & Settlement Preparation
After your loan is formally approved, our brokers review the loan agreement with you and confirm that all terms - such as interest rate, fees, and repayment schedule - are clear and understood. They also help you set up your loan account and arrange any necessary insurance, such as mortgage or home loan protection.
Settlement & Ongoing Support
At settlement, the lender advances the funds and ownership of the property is transferred to you. Our brokers coordinate with your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure everything runs smoothly. After settlement, our Finance & Mortgage Brokers remain available for ongoing support - whether it's managing repayments, exploring refinancing opportunities, or helping with future property plans.
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Shaun Cunningham
As a founder, getting a mortgage requires a couple more hoops to jump through, which is why I couldn't recommend Nick O'Sullivan and the Azura team more highly. Not only were they able to offer a seamless process, but Nick was also patient with us as we changed our minds about when to buy (over a period of years!). The truth is anyone can approach a bank and get a mortgage, but when things don't go perfectly (e.g. abrupt government changes), that's when you want a pro on your team like Nick.
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sarah ander
As a first home buyer, Carl and the team at Azura were incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. They made everything feel straightforward and were always there to answer any questions along the way. I’ve already recommended them to friends and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get a mortgage!
VT
Van Tran
Nick and the team at Azura Financial exceeded our expectations at every step. Their guidance was clear, their expertise was evident, and they handled every financial detail with care — giving us complete peace of mind throughout the process. We couldn't have asked for a better team by our side. Thank you very much, V&V.
AP
Alannah Paige
I am a first home buyer and had Carl as my mortgage broker. He worked diligently to follow up any issues or questions I had and made the process as smooth as it could. I highly recommend! Thank you Carl.
PW
Philip Woods
Carl and team were absolutely impressive with their attentiveness to answering questions no matter how stupid they were. The urgency they put into attending to timelines and requests was superb. I would recommend them without hesitation.
めめん
Nick was amazing to work with. He's easygoing, quick to reply, and genuinely a very competent broker. He made my loan possible and secured a great deal for me. Highly recommend:)
C
Carina
Nick O’Sullivan helped me with my first investment property purchase last year. As it was my first time, I had plenty of questions, but he was always happy to help and made the whole process seamless. I recently used Nick again to refinance my loan and secure a great interest rate, and once again everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend Nick and his team and look forward to working with them again in the future.
JS
Joey Shatari
The ONLY broker i will use in the future is Carl Elsass. That is all.
MH
Menefrida Horbino
Nick made the entire mortgage process seamless and stress-free. He was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to explain every step clearly. We always felt supported and confident in our decisions thanks to his guidance. Highly recommend Nick to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy mortgage broker
Nurses often have several pathways to buy with less than 20%. With an LMI waiver from a participating lender, eligible nurses can purchase with a 10% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, nurses can buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI. Single parents and single legal guardians may be able to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit under the same scheme. Eligibility depends on your income, employment type, and the specific lender or scheme criteria.
Eligible roles typically include Registered Nurses, Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Most lenders require a minimum annual income of $90,000 to qualify. Enrolled Nurses are generally not eligible for the LMI waiver, but they may be able to avoid LMI by purchasing through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme instead. Criteria vary between lenders, and we can confirm which options apply to your role and income during a consultation.
It depends on the lender. Some lenders assess 100% of your overtime, shift allowances, and penalty rates as income, provided you have been with the same employer for a minimum of 6 months. Other lenders will discount this income by 20% or more, or exclude it entirely. The difference in how a lender treats your non-base income can affect your borrowing capacity by $50,000 to $60,000 or more. Because we work with over 70 lenders, we can identify which ones will give you full credit for the income you actually earn.
At most lenders, the LMI waiver can apply to the full loan as long as one applicant meets the professional and income criteria and holds a significant share of the application. Your partner does not typically need to work in healthcare, though each lender has its own requirements around how income and equity are split across applicants.
Casual and agency nursing income is treated differently depending on the lender. Some require a minimum of 12 months in the same role, while others accept 6 months with consistent hours. Certain lenders calculate casual income over a rolling 52-week period, which can work in your favour if your shifts have been steady. We deal with this regularly and can place your application with a lender that takes the most favourable view of your income structure.
At some lenders, self-employed nurses borrowing under their own name may be able to access the same products and rates as salaried nurses. Maximum loan limits and additional documentation requirements typically apply, so it is worth confirming your eligibility before you apply.
The scheme, formerly known as the Home Guarantee Scheme, allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying LMI. The government backs the gap between your deposit and the 20% lenders normally require. From 1 October 2025, there are no income caps, no waitlists, and no limit on the number of places available. The scheme has supported over 320,000 Australians since it launched in 2020. Eligibility criteria and property price caps apply, and we can confirm whether your purchase qualifies.
On a $600,000 property with a 10% deposit, LMI would typically cost between $15,000 and $20,000. On properties closer to $900,000, the cost can exceed $30,000. Nurses who qualify for an LMI waiver or purchase through a government scheme may not need to pay any of this, though savings depend on the property value, deposit size, and lender.
The entire process typically takes 8 to 14 weeks, depending on the property type, the lender, and whether you are using a government scheme. Government-backed purchases sometimes involve additional paperwork, and we manage that process to reduce delays.
The First Home Owner Grant is not profession-specific. Any eligible first home buyer purchasing or building a new home may be able to apply. Grant amounts vary by state, ranging from $10,000 in New South Wales and Victoria up to $50,000 in the Northern Territory. The grant generally applies only to new or substantially renovated properties that you intend to live in as your principal place of residence. We can confirm the current amount and eligibility rules in your state.