If your home has increased in value, you may have built up usable equity. WJ Home Loans can help you access that equity through refinancing or a loan top-up — for renovations, investments, debt consolidation or other major expenses.
Equity is the difference between your property's current market value and the amount you owe on your home loan. If your property has increased in value or you've been paying down your mortgage, you may have accumulated usable equity.
Equity release refers to accessing that equity as cash — typically by refinancing your existing loan to a higher amount, or adding a separate loan facility. The released equity can be used for a range of purposes, including home renovations, a deposit on an investment property, paying off higher-interest debts, or funding major life expenses.
WJ Home Loans helps you assess how much equity you have available, compare suitable products across our lender panel, and structure the release in a way that suits your financial goals.
There are several ways to release equity depending on your goals, existing loan and lender policy.
Increase your existing loan balance to access equity. Simple, often with minimal fees if staying with the same lender — subject to a new valuation and credit assessment.
Refinance your loan to a higher amount with a new lender. Allows you to access equity while potentially securing a lower rate at the same time.
Keep your primary loan intact and establish a separate loan facility for the released equity — useful for separating investment and owner-occupied debt.
Use equity in your existing property to fund the deposit on a new investment property without needing to liquidate other assets.
We estimate your available equity based on your property value and outstanding loan balance, then help you understand how much a lender is likely to release.
LVR limits, product features and interest rates vary across lenders. We identify the most suitable options for your equity release purpose.
How you use the equity may affect the interest rate and tax treatment. Investment use vs personal use can be treated differently — we'll help you structure this clearly.
From assessing your equity position to lodging the application and processing the drawdown, we manage the process for you.
We're paid by the lender, not you. We'll always disclose upfront commissions and trail so there are no surprises.
We'll estimate your available equity, explain your options and compare suitable products across our lender panel — at no cost to you.
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Accessing your equity is straightforward with the right guidance. Here's what to expect.
We review your current loan balance, estimated property value and LVR to calculate your available equity and how much a lender is likely to approve.
We discuss what you're using the equity for and identify the most suitable release structure — top-up, refinance or split facility.
We prepare and lodge your application. The lender will order a valuation to confirm the property value before approving the equity release.
Once approved, funds are released to your account or directed to the relevant purpose — renovation builder, investment deposit, or other.
Your equity is roughly equal to your property's current market value minus your outstanding loan balance. Most lenders will release equity up to 80% of the property value (to avoid LMI), sometimes up to 90% with LMI. We'll give you an indicative figure based on your situation.
Equity can be used for almost any purpose — home renovations, a deposit on an investment property, debt consolidation, a vehicle, education or other major expenses. The purpose may affect how the loan is structured.
Yes — releasing equity increases your loan balance, which increases your repayments. We'll model the repayment impact before you proceed so there are no surprises.
LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio) is your loan balance as a percentage of your property value. Most lenders will release equity up to 80% LVR without requiring Lender's Mortgage Insurance. Going above 80% is possible with LMI, at a higher cost. We'll explain your LVR position and options.
Yes — if your existing lender offers a loan top-up, you may be able to access equity without a full refinance. This is often simpler and cheaper if your current rate and product are still competitive. We'll assess which path makes more sense for you.
Our team of brokers is happy to talk through your situation — no obligation and no pressure.
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No-obligation equity assessment. We compare options across our lender panel.
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