Dual occupancy properties are two non-adjoining houses on one plot of land. One person owns them. Usually, the titleholder occupies one and rents out the other. However, in some cases, the titleholder may rent out both dwellings.
Negative gearing properties are investments where the cost of maintaining the property is greater than the rental income coming in. These types of investment properties are popular because you don’t have to claim the loss on your taxes. You can then sell the property for a profit.
Borrowing terms
Typically, banks and lenders offer the following terms:
- If you are a first-time homebuyer, you can borrow 95% of the value of the property.
- If you are an investor, you can borrow 95% of the value of the property.
- If you are applying for a low doc loan, you can borrow 80% of the value of the property.
- If you are applying for a construction loan, you can borrow 100% of the value of the property from select lenders.
Despite these standards, some banks and lenders may consider dual-occupied loans higher risk and may limit how much you can borrow.
Types of dual occupancies
Besides the non-adjoining houses, there are two other common forms of dual-occupied properties: duplexes and granny flats. Duplexes are two adjoining houses that share a common wall. Other times they are a single house divided into two by building extra walls and entrances. Granny flats are either separate smaller dwellings located on the same property or are different upstairs or downstairs living spaces used as living quarters for older relatives or guests.
Securing a loan for dual-occupied properties can be challenging. Banks and traditional lenders tend to view these loans as high-risk because these properties may not always be in high demand. If you need to apply for a home loan for a dual-occupied negative gearing property, Mortgage Street and its team of brokers can help. As non-bank lenders, they make it easier for individuals seeking non-traditional home loans to secure a mortgage.