Thinktank Lifts Residential Loan Limit to $5 Million
The non-bank lender has raised its standard residential and commercial loan limits and loosened several lending criteria.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Commercial
Sydney-based non-bank lender Thinktank has raised its standard residential loan limit to $5 million per security, up from $3.5 million, with changes taking effect on 10 November 2026. Its standard commercial loan limit also rose from $4 million to $5 million.
Why it matters
The changes give brokers and borrowers greater flexibility, responding to demand for broader lending options. For Australian borrowers with larger property holdings or self-employed income, the revised criteria may widen access to non-bank finance.
Thinktank's residential aggregate exposure limit is $10 million across eligible securities, and maximum LVR for high-density inner-city apartments is 80% for loans up to $2 million. Specialised security lending now caps loans at $3 million and covers locations with populations above 20,000, down from 50,000.
The players
Thinktank
Thinktank is a Sydney-headquartered non-bank lender that offers residential and commercial property finance through brokers.
The details
Eligible self-employed borrowers with at least 24 months of ABN history can now provide one year of tax returns and an ATO notice of assessment rather than two years. The lender also removed the 10-storey restriction on off-the-plan properties and accepts self-storage facilities across all commercial documentation types at up to 75% LVR.
Timeline
10 November 2026: Revised residential and commercial lending policies took effect.
Market Landscape
Non-bank lenders have increasingly competed with the major banks in Australian property finance by offering higher limits and more flexible self-employed assessment. Thinktank's revisions extend that competitive pressure into larger residential holdings and commercial self-storage lending.
Self-employed borrowers with at least 24 months of ABN history may now apply with one year of tax returns and an ATO notice of assessment. Borrowers with larger residential holdings can access loans up to $5 million per security at 75% LVR in metro locations.
The takeaway
Borrowers and brokers should check whether the revised residential and commercial limits and self-employed documentation rules apply to their circumstances before approaching Thinktank. Eligibility details vary by security type and location, so direct confirmation with the lender is advisable.
Further reading
For broader context on commercial property lending, explore Commercial real estate coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mortgage Professional America Magazine.
