A guide to buying your second home - NAB
What to know before buying a second home
Before buying a second home or second property, it can help to understand:
- Your reason for buying, for example, a new home, holiday home or investment property.
- How you’ll fund the deposit through savings, usable equity or refinancing.
- Your borrowing power. Lenders will look at your income, expenses, existing debts and current home loan.
- The upfront and ongoing costs including stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections, insurance and repayments.
- Whether LMI may apply if your deposit or equity contribution is less than what the lender requires.
- Tax implications especially if the property will be rented out or used as an investment.
Why are you buying a second property?
The way you approach buying a second property may depend on what you plan to use it for. A second home can mean different things, including:
Buying your next home
You may be buying another property to upsize, downsize or move to a different location. If you’re also selling your current home, timing, settlement dates and bridging finance may become important.
Buying an investment property
If the property will generate rental income, lenders may consider a portion of expected rent as part of your application. You may also need to think about tax, rental expenses, property management fees, insurance, maintenance and vacancy periods.
Keeping your current home and buying another
If you plan to keep your current property, your lender will assess whether you can manage both loans, along with your everyday expenses and any other debts.
How much deposit do you need to buy a second home?
The deposit you need for a second home depends on the property price, your loan amount and your lender’s requirements. For instance, many buyers aim to have a 20% deposit to avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). Sometimes, a higher deposit may be required based on the risk profile of the area you’re buying in. If you already own a home, you may be able to use some of the equity you’ve built up as part of your deposit for a second property.
How borrowing power works when buying a second property
Your borrowing power is an estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on your financial situation. When you apply for a second home loan, your lender will usually look at:
- your income
- your regular expenses
- your existing home loan repayments
- any other debts or credit limits
- your deposit or usable equity (usually up to 80% of your property’s value, minus your loan balance)
- the type of property you’re buying
- whether the property may earn rental income
Even if you have equity available, you’ll still need to show that you can manage the repayments on your total lending. Begin by estimating your limit with a borrowing power calculator.
Second home mortgage options to consider
Refinancing to access equity
Refinancing may let you access usable equity in your current home and use it towards the deposit or costs of a second property. This can increase your total debt, so it’s important to understand how the new repayments may fit your budget.
Loan top-up or separate loan split
Some customers may be able to top up their current loan or create a separate loan split. Keeping loan purposes clear may be particularly important if part of the borrowing relates to an investment property.
Bridging finance
If you’re buying a new home before selling your current one, bridging finance may help cover the gap between purchase and sale. Timing, valuation and repayment risk should be considered carefully.
Investment home loan
If the second property will be rented out, an investment home loan may apply. Interest rates, repayments, loan features and assessment criteria may differ from an owner-occupier loan.
Budget for upfront and ongoing costs
A second property can come with upfront and ongoing costs beyond the deposit. These may include:
Tax considerations
How your second property is taxed can depend on whether you live in it, rent it out or use it for both. If it’s an investment property, you may need to consider rental income, expenses, record keeping and capital gains tax. Consider speaking with a registered tax adviser to understand what may apply to your situation.
How to buy a second property
Here are common steps to help you prepare for buying a second home or second property.
Step 1: Decide why you’re buying
Clarify whether the property will be your next home, a holiday home or an investment property.
Step 2: Estimate your deposit or usable equity
Work out how much you may have available through savings, equity or refinancing.
Step 3: Check your borrowing power
Use a borrowing power calculator to estimate what you may be able to borrow.
Step 4: Understand your costs
Plan for upfront costs, ongoing costs and a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Step 5: Compare loan options
Consider whether an owner-occupier, investment, refinance, split loan or bridging option may be relevant.
Step 6: Get pre-approval
Pre-approval can help you understand your budget before making an offer.
Step 7: Get expert support
A NAB home loan expert can help you understand your options and next steps.
Speak to a home loan expert
Book an appointment to speak with one of our experts via phone, video or face-to-face.
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The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.
Target Market Determinations for these products are available at nab.com.au/TMD.