Borrowing power for an investment property

Does anyone know how banks calculate the borrowing power for an investment property? Reason being it appears lot lower than a person's primary place of residence.

Let's say I make $80K per year, with no other debts. Most banks would allow me to borrow about $450K, which equates to about $3000/mo, or $700/wk in mortgage, at ~6% over 25 years. Now, if my IP also generates about $700 per week in rental income, plugging this amount into banks' calculators only increase the total borrowing power to about $650K (or about $4200/mo in mortgage payment); a difference of only $200K. Why does my PPOR affords me to borrow $450K versus only $200K for the investment property, given that they are the same monthly payment amount of $700 each?

Granted, banks do consider expenses associated with running an IP, however, even if I were to factor for example $100/week in expenses, the rental income of $600/wk should allow me to borrow way more than $200K for IP.

Thoughts?

Comments

  • Granted, banks do consider expenses associated with running an IP, however, even if I were to factor for example $100/week in expenses, the rental income of $600/wk should allow me to borrow way more than $200K for IP.

    Why?

    For a quick calculation your 80k gave you power for 450k approx. 5.5 times
    your investment is 35k and at 5.5 times approx. 200K

    I was told when I went for my loan they took 80% of the rental income as there maybe times when your unit is vacant.

  • Another factor they'd consider is that you're much more likely to do whatever it takes to keep a roof over your head (i.e. the PPOR) than you are to fight (financially) to keep an IP.

  • ilostnemo,

    at 80% of rental income, it would still generates $29K annually.

    I understand your comparison of

    "For a quick calculation your 80k gave you power for 450k approx. 5.5 times, your investment is 35k and at 5.5 times approx. 200K"

    however, personal monthly expenses are factored in by the bank for the PPOR, and that's why max borrowing power is roughly 5-6 times of a person's income at the current interest rate. For IP, there are no personal monthly expenses.

    what gives? it's looks like the banks deem IP as lot more riskier? to the tune of about 55% discount (250K/450K)?

    • that 5-6 times an income is based on your total income, so rental income and salary don't differ.

      so if your 80k plus 35k investment property rent gives you the same borrowing power
      as someone who is just on $115k then I'd cry ripped off.

      The banks make money from interest, so it would be in there interest, to give you the biggest loan they believe you can afford.

      The 35k is also a GROSS figure like your $80,000

  • +2

    Dammit, I thought you were "borrowing" electricity…

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