Borrowing power for an investment property is assessed differently to an owner-occupied loan. The key differences are rental income shading (lenders count 80% of gross rent), APRA serviceability buffer (assessed at product rate plus 3%), and investment loan rate premiums of 0.3%–0.8%.
Yes, but only at 80% of gross rental income for most lenders. A $3,000/month rental property adds approximately $2,400/month ($28,800/year) to your assessed income.
Yes. Investment property loans typically price 0.3%–0.8% higher than equivalent owner-occupied loans due to APRA guidance.
Yes — if you have significant equity in your home (LVR below 80%), you can draw a separate equity loan to use as the deposit on an investment property.