What’s a good investment property loan rate in 2026?
Right now, investment property loans rates starting with in the low-mid 5s are generally considered good for variable loans and shorter fixed terms (1-3 years). For longer fixed rate terms (4 and 5 years), a rate in the mid-high 5s is more realistic.
If your rate starts with a 6, it’s probably worth talking to a mortgage broker to see if you can get a better rate elsewhere.
If you’re a high risk borrower (e.g. high LVR, self-employed with fluctuating income) or borrowing through a self-managed super fund, the best home loan rates are going to be higher and may well be closer to 7% or above.
Should I go with the cheapest rate I can find on my investment loan?
All things being equal, the cheapest investment loan rate is the obvious choice. But there can be scenarios where the cheapest rate may not be the best option for you. For example, if the cheapest rate is:
- On a loan with high fees (check the comparison rate for this)
- On a fixed loan when variable would be a better fit (or vice versa)
- A loan that doesn't offer you the features you need
- An intro offer which reverts to a higher rate after a period of time
- Offered by a lender you won’t qualify with
What difference will my interest rate have on my investment property costs?
The table below shows the difference in cost on a regular basis and over the life of a loan based on different investor loan interest rates.
In short, a 1% interest rate difference on a $750,000 loan would mean paying an extra $173,554 in interest over the life of a 30-year loan.
Are investment property rates going up or down in 2026?
Interest rates on investment property loans are increasing so far in 2026. In February, the Reserve Bank of Australia increased the cash rate to 3.85%, with a knock on impact in variable investor rates.
Even before the RBA lifted the cash rate, lenders had been increasing their fixed rates in anticipation of a hike. At the start of the year, investors could access interest rates starting with a 4 from some lenders, but with inflation still running hot, higher rates became an inevitability.
That said, even with the recent increases, the average home loan rate for investors is still relatively low when compared to the last couple of years. And if the economists are to be believed, significant further increases this year are unlikely.
Can I refinance my investment property to a lower interest rate?
If you’ve been with your current lender for an extended period (more than 12 months) it’s often possible to refinance to a lower interest rate. Lenders are constantly changing their rates and generally offer slightly lower rates to new customers versus existing borrowers.
On top of the rate, there may be other potential benefits to refinancing your investment loan. For example, some lenders offer cashback to borrowers who switch their loan to them, or you may be able to get a loan with better features, which can save you money.













