How much equity can you use?
Lenders will generally let you borrow up to 80% of your property's value without LMI. Whatever is left after your current loan is your usable equity.
Enough for a serious renovation, or a 20% deposit plus costs on a property around $1,240,000. Confirm it with Nathan.
Estimate only, based on an 80% loan-to-value ratio. Your accessible equity depends on the lender's valuation of your property and your capacity to service the larger loan. Some lenders go above 80% with LMI or a waiver.
The right facility for the job, from paint to knock-down rebuild.
Renovations, big and small
A new kitchen funded by a simple loan top-up, or a structural extension funded by a construction loan with progress payments. The right facility depends on the size of the job, and choosing well saves real money.
The next property
Released equity can cover the deposit and costs on an investment property or holiday home, so your savings stay untouched. Kept as a separate split, the interest stays cleanly deductible for your accountant.
A cleaner debt position
Roll expensive car loans and card balances into your mortgage at a third of the interest rate, structured over a short term so the low rate is not eaten by a long one. Done properly, it is a reset, not a band-aid.
From "roughly this much" to money in the account.
Value and verify
A 30-minute call to map your equity, your goal and your servicing position. We order free upfront valuations with multiple lenders, because valuations differ and the highest one is worth real money.
Structure the release
Top-up, separate split, construction loan or full refinance: we model each against your goal and tax position, then negotiate the pricing before anything is lodged.
Settle and re-check
We run the application to settlement and set the splits up correctly from day one. Rate Watch™ then reviews your whole lending every year, free.
Hear from our happy homeowners.
What renovators ask about equity.
How much equity can I actually access?
Usually up to 80% of your property’s current value, minus what you still owe. On a $1.2m home with a $650,000 loan, that is about $310,000. Going above 80% is possible with LMI or a professional waiver, and your income still needs to service the bigger loan.
Do I need to refinance to release equity?
Not always. If your current lender is competitive, a loan top-up or a new split with the same bank is faster and cheaper. If their pricing has drifted, a refinance releases the equity and fixes the rate problem in one move. We model both.
Renovation top-up or construction loan: which do I need?
Cosmetic work (kitchens, bathrooms, paint, landscaping) usually suits a simple top-up or redraw. Structural work with a licensed builder on a fixed-price contract often works better as a construction loan, where the lender releases money at each building stage and you only pay interest on what is drawn.
Will the bank ask what the money is for?
Yes, and a clear purpose smooths approval. Renovation quotes, a property purchase plan or a list of debts to consolidate all work. Large unspecified cash-outs attract more questions and, at some lenders, lower limits.
Find out what your home can fund.
A free 30-minute call with Nathan: your usable equity across multiple valuations, and the cleanest structure for what you want to do with it.