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In this no-fluff, finance-deep dive episode of The Property Nerds, Founder and Head of Research Arjun Paliwal is joined by Jack Fouracre, Founder of Fouracre Financial, to unpack four overlooked finance levers that could be the difference between a stalled portfolio and your next big growth move.
If you’re an investor feeling stuck at three properties… this episode might be the reset button you’ve been waiting for.
🔓 Why Borrowing Power Is the New Growth Gatekeeper
With interest rates remaining sticky and lending policies tightening, more Aussie investors are hitting a borrowing ceiling sooner than expected.
And yet, most of these ceilings are self-imposed.
From overlooked liabilities to underutilised entities like SMSFs, Jack and Arjun break down four ways to unlock borrowing power — helping investors buy that next property, not just the first few.
Let’s dive into the big four:
1. SMSFs: The Hidden Lending Power in Your Super
TL;DR: Your super can be a separate borrowing entity — and it doesn’t affect your personal borrowing power.
Most investors don’t realise that SMSFs (Self-Managed Super Funds) can access completely separate lending policies, using your employer contributions and rental income to service the debt.
Why this matters:
- ✅ Doesn’t rely on your personal income
- ✅ Can add 1–2 properties to your portfolio — without lifestyle compromise
- ✅ Prime lending still available (even for new business owners)
- ✅ 80–90% LVR options exist for high-income earners
“It’s not a matter of should you use SMSF — it’s about how it fits in your bigger financial plan.” – Jack Fouracre
This strategy is especially powerful for business owners, high-income earners, and those with strong super balances who want to keep investing without impacting their day-to-day cash flow.
2. Personal Liabilities: The Quickest Way to Boost Borrowing Capacity
Your car loan, buy-now-pay-later balances, credit cards, and even private health insurance could be silently killing your borrowing power.
Key takeaways:
- A $20K credit card can cost you $150K–$200K in borrowing capacity
- Reducing liabilities can unlock access to better banks and lower interest rates
- Rent sharing or living at home can massively reduce debt-to-income ratios
“Cutting just one of these liabilities can open a whole new tier of lenders — and it could mean the difference between one more property or being stuck for years.” – Arjun Paliwal
Even something as simple as reducing a credit card limit can get you a better refinancing deal and avoid having to go to third-tier lenders.
3. Structuring: Play the Long Game, Not Just the Next Purchase
Structuring is more than trusts and tax talk — it’s about preserving future options.
Whether you want to:
- Buy a home later (without hitting a borrowing wall)
- Transition to commercial property
- Reduce tax on the sale of residential properties
…having the right structure from the start can make or break your portfolio.
But beware: Not every accountant, broker or buyer’s agent thinks long-term. Many investors sequence the advice wrong — and pay the price.
Ideal sequence:
- Speak to a strategic finance expert (not just any broker)
- Understand your portfolio goals with your buyer’s agent
- THEN, go to your accountant for structural advice, not strategy
4. Different Lenders, Different Rules: Unlock Hidden Policies
It’s not about access to banks — it’s about knowing the policies that fit your situation.
Third-tier lenders can offer:
- ✅ 40-year loan terms
- ✅ Lower serviceability buffers
- ✅ Better treatment of bonus, overtime, commission income
- ✅ Faster approvals for complex portfolios
But you need to know when to use them — and when to pivot back to majors.
“The game is in sequencing — borrowing from the right lender at the right time, and then reshuffling as the portfolio grows.” – Jack Fouracre
This strategy is a must for investors on commission incomes, running multiple jobs, or with inconsistent income sources.
🔁 The Compound Effect of Smart Finance Strategy
Together, these four levers — SMSFs, liability management, portfolio structuring, and lender policy strategy — can dramatically shift your portfolio potential.
It’s not just about borrowing more. It’s about:
- 📈 Keeping your growth options open
- 🔁 Avoiding portfolio gridlock
- 💸 Reducing holding costs
- 🏡 Buying the right property at the right time — not when the bank says “yes”
💬 Want a Team That Understands the Bigger Picture?
Finance is not one-size-fits-all — and it’s not just about loan approvals. It’s about finance strategy.
That’s why Arjun recommends working with specialist teams like 4Acre Financial, who live and breathe investor portfolios — not first home buyers or transactional loans.
🧠 Combine that with InvestorKit’s data-led property strategy, and you’ve got a high-growth, low-guesswork partnership.
🎧 Listen Now
🎙️ Full Episode: 4 Finance Strategies That Can Make or Break Your Portfolio