How to finance an NRAS approved property

If you’re thinking of purchasing an NRAS-approved property as an investment property, consider meeting with a mortgage broker. NRAS properties are rented to tenants for 20% lower than market rent, which makes them "riskier" to a lender, which can make it harder to get finance.

Here's an overview of NRAS properties, and an explanation of what's involved in applying for finance.

What is an NRAS investment property?

The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) is a government initiative that is designed to increase the supply of new rental properties and to improve rental affordability across Australia.

It was launched in 2008 to help resolve the shortage of affordable rental housing in Australia. It works like this:

• Investors who purchase or build rental properties under the NRAS receive rental returns below normal market rents.
• Typically, properties are rented out at 20% below the market value rent.
• For example, if the market appraisal on a home is $600 per week, an NRAS landlord would offer the property to an eligible tenant for $480 a week.
• In return, the landlord (or NRAS applicants) receives an annual tax incentive for 10 years on the eligible property (see tables below).

Why is it harder to get finance for an NRAS investment property?

Many lenders don't accept an NRAS property as security for a home loan.

There is a long-term lease registered on the title, which means when the property is sold, the new owner must continue to rent the property through the NRAS in accordance with the terms on the lease.

Lenders assess property loan applications based on risk, and NRAS properties can be considered higher risk, as you can only sell them to other investors. Once a property is NRAS registered, you can't withdraw it from the NRAS pool and live in it or sell it to an owner occupier.

You are also accepting a lower than market rent for the property. This is offset by the NRAS incentive, but a lower rental income still makes lenders nervous, as most don't take tax breaks or offsets into account when they determine your ability to repay the loan.

Due to the lower income and lower re-sale marketability of the property, the property is considered higher risk than a regular investment property. The home loan application process is largely the same as a standard residential loan, however you may need to jump through hoops in order to qualify for a home loan.

How much is the NRAS incentive worth?

If you satisfy all NRAS criteria, you may receive the annual tax incentive either as a tax offset or a paid amount, depending on your tax position. The NRAS incentive is only available to successful NRAS applicants who rent properties to low-moderate income households at a rate that is at least 20% lower than the market value rent.

The incentive payment includes:

• A cash payment or tax offset from the Australian government
• A contribution per property as direct payment from state and territory governments

The amount payable under the NRAS Incentive is indexed according to movements in the "rents" component of the Housing Group of the Consumer Price Index for the year, December quarter to December quarter. It is assessed as at 1 March, using the weighted average rate of the 8 capital cities' housing components, and is effective from 1 May each year.

The current NRAS Incentive amount is:

How can you improve your chances of getting home loan approval for an NRAS property?

Generally, you will purchase an NRAS property through an approved consortium. These are currently:

• Affordable Housing Consulting Pty Ltd (AHC)
• Community Housing Canberra Ltd (CHC)
• Quantum Housing Group (QHG)
• Urban Affordable Housing Consortium (QAHC)

You may be able to borrow up to 80% LVR on the purchase price. However, the bigger your deposit, the less risky the deal is to the lender. So, putting down a higher deposit can improve your chances of being approved for a home loan.

Qualifying for a home loan for an NRAS-approved property will likely be easier with the help of a mortgage or finance broker, who can help you access finance to buy a property leased through the NRAS.

Will my lender know it’s an NRAS approved property?

Lenders can tell if a property you’re buying is part of the NRAS. They will see this from paperwork such as the title search, contract of sale or building contract.

Written by

Sarah Megginson

Head of editorial

As an authority on all things personal finance, Sarah Megginson is passionate about helping you save money and make money. She is an editor and money expert with 20 years’ experience and an extensive background in property and finance journalism. Sarah holds ASIC RG146-compliant Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification, and she's a regular media commentator, appearing weekly on TV (Sunrise, Channel 7 news, Nine news), radio (KIIS FM, Triple M, 3AW, 2GB, 6PR) and in digital and print media. See full bio

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