DEFENCE PROPERTY INVESTMENT LOANS FOR ADF MEMBERS
ADF-exlusive loans to kickstart your property investment goals
Finding the right loan to grow your property portfolio can be tricky. There are so many options, and it’s hard to know which one will really work for you. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a loan which could slow your growth and waste your time. ADF-specific loans make the decision simple. With the defence broker to help you, you’ll get the right financing to easily expand your portfolio with confidence.
Secure the right investment loans that fit your financial realities
When it comes to property investment, there’s no reason to settle for a loan that doesn’t meet your needs. Your service in the ADF shows commitment, resilience, and adaptability, and your financial tools should reflect that. ADF-exclusive investment loans provide the flexibility and tailored solutions that take your unique situation into account.
With the help of a defence mortgage broker, you don’t have to compromise on your financial future. Repayment terms in these loans are designed to align with your income and schedule, so you can focus on growing your investment without worrying about inflexible terms or penalties that don’t work for you.
Avoid investment loan setbacks and make the most of your ADF-exclusive benefits
As an ADF member, you’ve got access to benefits that can make property investment a lot easier. These perks often go unnoticed, but they can give you better loan terms and more flexibility compared to regular investment loans.
By making the most of your ADF-specific benefits and with the right support, you can avoid many of the usual hurdles other investors face. This means you’ll get a loan that works better for your situation and makes the whole process a lot smoother. Your ADF service lets you skip over the common roadblocks, so you can focus on building your property portfolio without all the extra stress.
Maximise your investment with defence property investment benefits
From competitive interest rates to flexible repayment options, defence housing investment loans provide a suite of benefits that are both attractive and practical to ADF personnel like you.
Discounted Interest Rates
Some lenders offer lower interest rates for ADF members as part of their special service benefits, helping you save money over the life of the loan.
Flexible Loan Terms
Loans often come with more flexible terms. That’s why it’s easier to manage your payments, especially considering the unique challenges of military life.
Lower Fees
Many lenders offer reduced fees for loan applications, ongoing management, and other related costs, which can make the process more affordable for you.
Additional Repayment Flexibility
Some loans offer more flexibility when it comes to repayments, which can be useful if you’re deployed or dealing with other service-related commitments.
Loan Pauses
You might be able to pause loan repayments during deployment or other specified situations, giving you peace of mind when your schedule changes unexpectedly.
Guarantor Options
In certain situations, you might have the option to use a guarantor to secure your loan, offering extra flexibility to make the most of their benefits.
First Time Home Buyer Benefits
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, there could be additional perks or concessions available to help you get started on your property journey.
Loan Portability
If you need to relocate, some loans offer portability, allowing you to switch properties easily without starting the loan process over again.
ADF members trust us and here's why...
Start building your future while you serve in just 4 clear steps
Book your free strategy call
Pick a time that works for you. Whether you're on base, deployed, or home between postings, you can chat with someone who understands the ADF lifestyle and how your entitlements work.
Get a custom plan that fits around you
You’ll walk away with a simple step-by-step plan built around your goals, career stage, and what you’re actually eligible for, like DHOAS, HPAS, or HPSEA.
Choose the right location and property type
Based on your plan, you'll get help picking smart areas to invest in. Everything is explained simply so you understand why it fits your situation.
Let someone else handle the paperwork
Once you’re ready to go, most of the heavy lifting gets handled for you, so you don’t spend hours digging through forms during your downtime.
Fill out the form below and see how a trusted broker helps you make smarter investment decisions
Having the right support makes property investment easier, especially with defence service considerations. With so many options, it’s normal to feel unsure about the next step. By completing the form, you’ll be connected with a broker experienced in supporting ADF members, who can explain loan options suited to your financial position and service circumstances. Your information is handled securely and used only to provide relevant guidance.
During your free session, you’ll also uncover:
- How to use entitlements like DHOAS, HPAS, and HPSEA the right way, even if you’re not sure what they all mean yet
- Why picking the wrong location could cost you thousands, and how to avoid making that mistake
- What to do if you’re posted often and worry about not living in the place you buy
- How to build a smart investment around your service schedule without adding more stress to your life
- Which loans, grants, and programmes you may already qualify for, even if you don’t have huge savings
A quick call in around 10 minutes, you’ll gain clear, practical insights to help shape your defence property investment approach and move forward with greater confidence and security.
Frequently asked questions about defence property investment
I don’t know where to start. What’s the first step in investing as an ADF member?
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed at the start. The good news is, you’ve got options made just for defence members that can help you begin. Your first step should be learning what you’re entitled to. That includes things like DHOAS (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme), HPAS (Home Purchase Assistance Scheme), and HPSEA (Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance). These are benefits just for ADF members to help with buying, owning, and even selling a home.
Next, think about your long-term goals. Do you want to live in this property now, or rent it out while you’re posted elsewhere? This can change what type of loan you look for or where you buy.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start by getting clear on your money situation, like your savings, income, and credit. From there, speak to someone who understands defence life and can guide you through planning. You’ll need a strategy that fits around deployments, postings, and changes in your career.
Just take it one step at a time. It doesn’t have to be scary or confusing when you break it down.
What if I get posted? Can I still invest in property?
Yes, you can still invest even if you’re likely to get posted again. In fact, lots of defence members buy homes they never actually live in full-time. Many turn them into investment properties and rent them out while serving somewhere else. That way, your property still works for you while you’re away.
The key is to plan ahead. If you think a posting might come soon, you may want to consider a location with strong rental demand so it’s easier to find tenants later. Also, having a good property manager means you won’t need to stress about day-to-day stuff while you’re deployed or living somewhere else.
Another thing to know is that some defence entitlements, like DHOAS, can still apply even if you rent the place out after living in it for a certain amount of time. It’s worth checking the rules closely.
At the end of the day, defence life moves fast. But that doesn’t mean you have to put off building your future. With the right setup, your investment property can move with you.
How do I use DHOAS properly without messing it up?
DHOAS sounds great, and it is, but the rules can be tricky if you don’t know how it all works. It’s designed to help eligible defence members with home loan repayments by giving monthly subsidies. But here’s the catch… you’ve got to meet some conditions to keep those payments coming.
First, make sure you’re using a DHOAS-approved lender. Not every bank qualifies. Then, you need to actually live in the home for a set period, usually 12 months. After that, in many cases, you can rent it out and still keep some benefits, depending on how long you’ve served.
One common mistake is buying a place far from your base, thinking you’ll live in it “one day”. If you don’t move in within the right timeframe, you could lose access to the subsidy.
To avoid issues, sit down and work out your service history, eligibility tier, and plans over the next couple of years. Knowing what’s ahead helps you decide whether DHOAS fits your timeline. Used well, it can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
I’ve heard people lose money in property. How do I avoid that?
This is a fair worry, especially if you’ve seen mates get burned. Property isn’t risk-free, but there are smart ways to lower the chances of losing money. One of the biggest mistakes people make is rushing in without a plan or proper research.
Start by picking the right location. Some areas grow in value faster than others. Look for places with strong job growth, schools, transport links, and low vacancy rates. Avoid buying just because something looks cheap. It might stay cheap for a reason.
Also, make sure the numbers stack up. Can you afford the mortgage if interest rates go up? Will the rent cover most of your costs if you can’t live there yourself? Run the numbers both ways: best case and worst case.
And always think long-term. Property usually grows in value over time, not overnight. If you’re only holding onto it for a year or two, the risk is much higher.
Property can be one of the best ways to build wealth if done right. Take your time, ask questions, and make sure the deal fits your life, not the other way around.
I’m worried this is all just another sales pitch. How do I know whom to trust?
This is a real concern, and sadly, it’s valid. There are some dodgy operators out there pushing overpriced house-and-land packages or deals that only benefit them. Here’s how you can protect yourself.
First, don’t let anyone rush you. If someone’s pressuring you to sign fast or saying “this deal won’t last”, it’s usually a red flag. Take your time to understand everything.
Second, check if the advice is tailored to defence life. If they don’t mention DHOAS, HPAS, or how postings affect your choices, they probably don’t really get it.
Third, ask direct questions. Who owns the land? How did they choose the suburb? Are they being paid to promote this property? People who are honest will give straight answers.
Lastly, trust your gut. If something feels off or too good to be true, it often is. It’s okay to walk away or get a second opinion.
Remember, you’re not just buying a house. You’re building your future. Make sure the guidance you get actually supports that.
Do I need heaps of savings before I can start?
Not necessarily. While a bigger deposit can help reduce your repayments, there are ways to get started with less, especially as a defence member. Some lenders offer home loans with smaller deposits, sometimes as low as 5%, and defence benefits like HPAS can even help cover part of the upfront costs.
HPAS gives you a lump sum (currently around $16,949) to help with buying costs when you’re relocating. Plus, if you qualify, HPSEA might help cover things like agent fees, legal costs, or stamp duty when selling or buying due to a posting.
If you don’t have heaps saved yet, focus on building good habits like cutting back on unnecessary spending and paying off any high-interest debts. Even small steps can add up quickly.
Also, talk to someone who can help you work out how much you really need. Sometimes it’s less than you think. Starting sooner, even with a smaller amount, could mean getting into the market earlier and growing your wealth while you serve.
I’ve never owned a home before. Should I buy to live in or rent it out?
This depends on your lifestyle, goals, and current posting. If you’re staying in one place for a while, buying to live in can make sense, especially if you’re using entitlements like DHOAS or HPAS. Living in the home for at least 12 months also unlocks certain tax benefits and keeps you eligible for subsidies.
But if you’re likely to move soon, renting it out might be smarter. This is called “rentvesting”. You buy where it makes financial sense and live somewhere else. That way, you get into the property market without waiting for the perfect posting or location.
Ask yourself if you actually want to live in that place. Check if that’s close to your base. If not, would it make a good rental?
Both paths can work. You just need to match the option to your life stage and career plans. And remember, the choice doesn’t lock you in forever. Lots of defence members switch between living in their property and renting it out over time.
Is now even a good time to invest in property?
There’s no perfect time to invest, but there are smart times to start based on your own goals. Trying to time the market perfectly often leads to sitting on the fence for years. Instead, focus on your personal situation. Are you financially ready? Can you hold the property long-term? Do you have a plan?
Even when the market’s uncertain, property can still grow in value over time, especially in areas with solid demand and limited supply. And if you’re using defence entitlements, these benefits can offset costs and give you a head start compared to civilian buyers.
Interest rates might rise or fall, but that’s part of the cycle. What matters more is whether you can manage the repayments across different scenarios. Planning for ups and downs gives you more control and confidence.
So, rather than asking “Is now the perfect time?” ask “Am I prepared to take the next step?” If the answer’s yes, then now could be the right time for you.
I don’t want to deal with tenants and repairs. Is there another way?
Totally understandable. Being in the military means your time is already stretched, and dealing with broken toilets or chasing late rent isn’t on your wish list. The good news is, you don’t have to manage it all yourself.
A good property manager can handle almost everything for you, like finding tenants, collecting rent, organising maintenance, and handling emergencies. Yes, they charge a fee (usually around 7 to 10% of the rent), but the peace of mind is often worth it, especially if you’re deployed or posted far away.
When choosing a property, think about how easy it will be to manage from a distance. Newer homes might cost more upfront, but often need fewer repairs in the early years. Properties in high-rental-demand areas tend to attract better tenants, which can also make life easier.
You’re building a future asset, not another job. Set it up right from the beginning, and your investment property can quietly grow in the background while you focus on your career.
How do I know which location is right for a defence investment property?
Location can make or break your investment. It’s not just about where you’d like to live. It’s about where renters want to live and where values are likely to grow.
Look for areas near major cities, transport links, good schools, hospitals, or defence bases. These spots often have higher demand from families, professionals, and other renters. Suburbs with low vacancy rates and rising infrastructure projects are also signs of a growing area.
You don’t have to buy in the same city you’re currently posted to. Many defence members invest interstate if the numbers make more sense. Just make sure you understand the local market, rental laws, and who’s going to manage the place if you’re not nearby.
Also, consider how long you plan to keep the property. Short-term gains are rare, but areas with long-term growth trends can reward you over time.
Take your time, compare suburbs, and don’t rush just because a place looks nice on paper. Think like an investor, not just a buyer.
