29/12/2021
Purchasing an Acreage Property...tips for getting a home loan
When purchasing an acreage property, we have found that the process can feel overwhelming and is something completely "new" for clients. Below are some helpful tips we have found useful for home buyers:
1. Use a lender who has a strong appetite for rural property . Not all lenders have the same level of comfort for rural and regional properties. Using the right lender can mean a smaller deposit, better interest rate, quicker approval process and more enjoyable and less stressful experience. It can make a world of difference.
2. Hire a good conveyancer or solicitor who is experienced with rural and regional properties. We cannot stress how important it is to have a "switched on" professional by your side. Rural properties can be more complex and have special features, such as rights of way, easements, special zoning requirements, different building envelopes and rules for vacant land, building certificates/Council approvals for older buildings/dwellings and the list goes on. Lenders have specific requirements for rural and regional properties which they will accept and provide a home loan for. We have saved many deals by identifying certain requirements of lenders and making sure these are met by working with the client's conveyancer or solicitor, which has resulted in a smooth approval process for a home loan.
3. Don't pay too much deposit. Different lenders/banks will mandate different deposit levels for the purchase of a larger rural/acreage property. The differences can be between a 20% deposit to a 50% deposit, and in some cases for a smaller acreage you may even be able to reduce your deposit to 10-15%. This can make a big difference to the price and type of property you can purchase.
4. Make sure your interest rate is as competitive as possible. In most circumstances, you should not have to pay any more interest for a rural/acreage property compared to a standard home purchased in a major city. For commercial or income producing properties, there may be a risk margin applied for business or agri lending. But for most residential properties, interest rates should be very competitive.
We could continue this list with many more items.....as specialists in rural and acreage properties, we are engaged day to day, week to week in nothing but securing home loans for clients looking for these unique properties.
If you would like to know more about the process, how to prepare for a rural property purchase, calculate how much you could borrow or have any general questions, do not hesitate to contact our Principal Alison Smith on 0416 421 688 or [email protected].
We can assist with any property from a 1 acre block to a 200 acre rural retreat. Commercial farms and income producing properties can also be funded via our small business and agri business lenders.
We also have a website: www.rivendellfinance.com.au if you would like to read more.
Rivendell Finance ABN 36162165540 is an Authorised Representative of ACL No 384704.