Refinancing › Can I access equity when I refinance?

Can I access equity when I refinance?

Often yes. If your property has grown in value or your loan has reduced, you may be able to increase your loan and release some equity, subject to your borrowing capacity and the lender accepting the purpose, such as renovations or investing.

Written by Ross McFarlane, Licensed Mortgage Broker (Credit Representative 526725). About the author

Why this matters

Refinancing is a common way to put built up equity to work, whether for renovations, an investment deposit, or other approved purposes. Lenders still assess whether you can service the larger loan and may ask what the funds are for, so it is not automatic, but it is frequently available.

The key points

Equity can be released if value has risen or the loan reduced.
Subject to your borrowing capacity.
The lender may ask the purpose of the funds.

Free, no obligation

See if refinancing stacks up for you

Answer a few quick questions and we can compare your loan against a panel of more than 70 lenders. No cost, no obligation.

Check Your Options

A few quick questions, no obligation.

What is your goal?

Buy a home or investment property First home, next home, or adding to your portfolio Build a house or develop land New build, renovation, duplex, or subdivision project Lower my current repayments Better rate, release equity, or restructure existing debt Finance an established commercial property Business premises or commercial investment asset

Tell us a bit more about the plan

How do you earn your income?

Standard salary or wage Full-time, part-time, or casual employment (PAYG) Self-employed or business owner Sole trader, company director, or contractor

How is your credit score?

This helps us match you to the right lender from the start.

Healthy No issues that I am aware of A few small marks A couple of late payments, now caught up Not sure, or it is complicated We work with specialist lenders for these situations

Last step. Where should we send your options?

Your information is private and we will never share it.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Australian Mobile Number

By submitting, you agree to be contacted by one of our team of licensed mortgage brokers. No obligation. No spam.

You're all set.

We've received your details. One of our friendly brokers will reach out within 1 business day to help guide you through your options.

More refinancing questions

Back to the full Refinancing guide

Last reviewed: June 2026

General information only. This page provides general information about home loans and is not financial or credit advice, a quote, or a guarantee, and your personal circumstances have not been considered. Lending policies, interest rates, fees and eligibility vary by lender and change over time. Always confirm your own situation with a licensed mortgage broker or lender before acting. Ross McFarlane (Credit Representative 526725) is an authorised Credit Representative of Australian Associated Advisers Pty Ltd t/a Keylend, Australian Credit Licence 392169.