Using Equity To Buy A Home in North Brisbane, QLD: Your 2026 Guide
This article is by Kelly Brothers Finance, North Brisbane Mortgage Brokers . Simply get in touch here if you need finance help.
North Brisbane, QLD homeowners are sitting on significant equity that could unlock their next property purchase. Whether you're looking to upsize to a larger family home, downsize to something more manageable, or add an investment property to your portfolio, your existing property might already hold the deposit you need.
The challenge isn't having equity — it's knowing how much you can actually access and which lenders will give you the most competitive rates on the additional borrowing. With North Brisbane property values having grown strongly over recent years, many homeowners discover they can access more equity than they initially thought. In suburbs like Alderley- Milton or Ashgrove, properties purchased just a few years ago may now provide substantial borrowing capacity.
Kelly Brothers Finance helps North Brisbane, QLD homeowners work through their equity options across 60+ lenders, completely free of charge.
Here's what you need to know about accessing your equity and securing competitive rates for your next home purchase.
Key takeaways
- Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% of your property's current value.
- Equity used for investment purchases is generally tax deductible; owner-occupier upgrades are not.
- Competitive variable rates for equity lending start from approximately 5.70% p.a.
How much equity can you actually access?
Your available equity depends on your current property value, outstanding mortgage balance, and how much lenders will allow you to borrow against the total value. Most lenders cap borrowing at 80% of your property's current value — some extend this to 90% or 95% depending on your situation and their lending policies.
Current valuations make a real difference to your position. In Milton, houses have grown by +21.21% over the past 12 months to a median of $1,557,500. If you bought at $1,300,000 a couple of years ago, your property may now be worth considerably more, potentially giving you access to hundreds of thousands in additional borrowing capacity that wasn't available when you first purchased. At 80% LVR on a $1,557,500 property with $900,000 owing, accessible equity works out to roughly $346,000 ($1,246,000 minus $900,000) — a meaningful deposit for your next purchase.
from 5.70% p.a.
Competitive variable rates for equity-based home lending, as of July 2026.
How does using equity to buy another home work in North Brisbane, QLD?
Using equity means borrowing against your current property to fund the purchase of another. The lender uses your existing home as security for additional borrowing, either by increasing your current mortgage or setting up a separate loan facility. You are essentially using your property's increased value as the deposit and purchase costs for your next home.
The exact structure depends on whether you're buying an investment property, upgrading to a new home, or purchasing before you sell your current one. Some lenders prefer to increase your existing mortgage, others set up separate facilities, and the choice affects your interest rates and ongoing management.
What government schemes and support apply to equity purchases?
Schemes relevant to equity buyers:
- › Family Home Guarantee: if you're a single parent, you can use equity from a previous home to buy again with as little as 2% deposit, no LMI required, up to $1,000,000 in North Brisbane, QLD. You do not need to be a first home buyer.
- › First Home Guarantee: does not apply to equity purchases — this scheme is for first home buyers only, not existing homeowners accessing equity for their next purchase.
- › Downsizer Super Contributions: if you're 55 or over and selling your family home (owned for 10+ years), you can contribute up to $300,000 per person ($600,000 per couple) to superannuation from the sale proceeds within 90 days of settlement.
- › CGT Main Residence Exemption: your family home remains exempt from capital gains tax when you sell, even if you've used its equity to purchase other properties beforehand.
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How do mortgage brokers help homeowners access equity in North Brisbane, QLD?
Step 1: Talk to us
Get in touch and we'll assess your current position — what your property is likely worth, your outstanding balance, and your borrowing capacity for the additional amount you need.
Step 2: Get your property revalued
We arrange a current market valuation of your existing property. This determines exactly how much equity you have available and forms the basis of your borrowing capacity calculation.
Step 3: Compare your loan structure options
We compare whether increasing your existing mortgage, establishing a separate home loan, or setting up a line of credit gives you better rates and flexibility for your situation.
Step 4: Submit applications to suitable lenders
We identify which lenders offer the most competitive rates for equity-based purchases and handle the application process across multiple options simultaneously.
Step 5: Coordinate settlement timing
We work with your solicitor to ensure funds are available when you need them, whether you're buying at auction, purchasing off-the-plan, or need bridging finance to buy before you sell.
Step 6: Monitor and optimise ongoing
We keep track of both loans and alert you to refinancing opportunities that could reduce your overall borrowing costs as market conditions change.
What mistakes do homeowners make when using equity to buy property?
The biggest error homeowners make is not shopping around for their additional borrowing. Many assume they must borrow more from their existing lender — but this lender may not offer the most competitive rates for equity-based purchases. Different lenders assess equity differently, and some specialise in this type of lending while others see it as higher risk.
Another frequent mistake is underestimating the impact of serviceability assessment. You'll be assessed on your ability to service both your existing mortgage and the new borrowing, which can limit how much additional lending you qualify for. Lenders apply the APRA serviceability buffer of 3% on top of actual rates, so you need to demonstrate you can afford repayments at approximately 9% even if the actual rate is considerably lower.
What are the tax implications of using equity for property purchases?
Using equity to buy an investment property creates tax deductibility opportunities — the interest on borrowings used to purchase income-producing assets is generally tax deductible. However, if you use equity from your family home to buy another family home, the interest may not be deductible even though you're borrowing against an existing property.
The tax treatment depends on what you use the borrowed funds for, not what security you borrow against. This distinction affects your overall investment return and should influence your loan structure choice.
How the deductibility breaks down:
- › Investment property purchase: interest on equity borrowing is typically tax deductible as it's used to generate rental income.
- › New family home: interest is generally not tax deductible even when borrowing against your current home's equity.
- › Mixed purposes: if you use part of the equity for investment and part for personal purposes, only the investment portion may be deductible.
- › Record keeping: maintain clear records of how borrowed funds are used to support any tax deductions claimed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much equity can I access from my North Brisbane home?
Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% of your current property value, though some extend this to 90% or 95% depending on your income and credit profile. The exact amount depends on your property's current market value, your outstanding mortgage balance, and which lender you approach.
Do I need to get my property revalued to access equity?
Yes — lenders require a current valuation to determine how much additional borrowing they'll approve. This can be a desktop valuation, kerbside assessment, or full inspection depending on the lender and loan amount.
Can I use equity to buy an investment property in North Brisbane?
Absolutely — using equity from your family home to purchase an investment property is common and the interest is typically tax deductible. Lenders assess investment purchases differently than owner-occupier upgrades, so loan structure and rates may vary.
What happens to my interest rate when I access equity?
Your rate depends on the loan structure your lender uses. Some increase your existing mortgage at your current rate; others set up a separate facility which may have different pricing, particularly for investment purposes. Competitive variable rates for equity lending start from approximately 5.70% p.a.
How long does it take to access equity for a purchase in North Brisbane?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks from application to fund availability, depending on valuation timing and lender processing. If you're buying at auction or have a short settlement period, we can expedite the process where possible.
Should I use a mortgage broker or go to my bank for equity lending?
A mortgage broker, every time. Different lenders have significantly different policies on equity lending, LVR limits, and interest rates for additional borrowing. Your existing lender may not offer the most competitive option for your additional borrowing needs.
Is the interest on equity borrowing tax deductible for North Brisbane homeowners?
It depends on what you use the borrowed funds for, not what you borrow against. Equity used to buy an investment property is generally deductible; equity used to buy your next family home typically isn't, even though you're borrowing against the same security.
Your Next Steps
Using your equity to buy another property is about more than just having enough — it's about getting the right loan structure and competitive rates for your additional borrowing. The difference between lenders can affect your interest rate, ongoing flexibility, and tax position, which is exactly what a broker comparison is designed to find for you.
The right lender for equity lending depends on your situation, and that's a conversation worth having. Talk to the Kelly Brothers Finance team or call 07 3847 9450, and we'll compare your options across 60+ lenders at no cost to you.
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External Resources
Kelly Brothers Finance · Paddington and North Brisbane, QLD · General information only - this article does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. · Last updated 3 July 2026