A new survey has highlighted the strength of the broker channel in property investment, with more than half of respondents indicating they use brokers to fund investments.
According to property investment consultancy firm Momentum Wealth’s 2026 Property Sentiment Report, 51 per cent of Australian investors rely on a broker to compare loans and select a product suited to their needs.
Meanwhile, 36 per cent of respondents said they would apply directly with a bank lender, while just 8 per cent would go straight to an online lender. A further 5 per cent said they would choose none of the above when securing a property loan.
This dominance aligns with broader mortgage industry data. The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia reported that in the December quarter of 2025, 76.7 per cent of home buyers used the broker channel for their loan.
During the same period, brokers settled $142 billion in new home loans.
“The enthusiasm of investors to turn to a broker for support indicates the importance of the human element of organising a mortgage,” Damian Collins, managing director of Momentum Wealth, said.
“The aspect of choice that a broker brings to the table is equally crucial. And we know that investors who have complex circumstances are able to leverage the professional relationships that brokers form with their panel of lenders.”
Focus on property investment increases
The survey also showed a growing cohort of Australians viewing property as a key portfolio asset.
Half of respondents (50 per cent) said they prioritise building long-term passive income for retirement, up from 23.5 per cent in 2025. A further 35 per cent indicated they are focused on saving to purchase additional investment properties.
The findings are based on responses from 670 investors, with 57 per cent owning an investment property and 32 per cent owning only their principal residence. The remainder were renters or rentvestors.
Overall, 35 per cent of respondents said they plan to purchase an investment property within the next 12 months, including 47 per cent of aspiring investors and 29 per cent of existing investors.
Key barriers cited included macro-economic and personal factors, with 23 per cent concerned about interest rates, 22 per cent lacking sufficient deposit or equity, and 21 per cent focused on reducing debt.
At the same time, 15 per cent said nothing was preventing them from purchasing, and they were ready to buy immediately.
The survey also found interstate investment activity is accelerating, as previously reported by Broker Daily sister brand Real Estate Business (REB).
Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne were identified as the most preferred capital city investment locations.
Collins added that while 2025 was a strong year for property investment, 2026 is expected to present new challenges.
“With interest rates shifting into a tightening phase, investors are being encouraged to review borrowing structures, refinancing options, and broader strategies to stay ahead,” he said.
[Related: Why lenders are reluctant to finance modular homes]
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?Make Broker Daily a preferred news source on Google.
