A mortgage loan fund is an investment vehicle that pools investor money to lend to borrowers in exchange for registered first mortgages over improved or unimproved property as the primary security. In return for their investment, investors receive a regular income called a ‘distribution’ which is generally derived from the interest paid by borrowers.
The mortgage loan fund sector is showing growth of nearly 200% on the previous year as many Australians seek income and yield from an investment that isn’t directly correlated to the share market.
Prominent property market commentator, SQM Research, has attributed the popularity of mortgage funds to the restrictions on bank lending enforced by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the continued demand for loans. As such, non-bank lenders are building a solid portfolio of loans and quality management and investors are benefiting from competitive returns and a source of income.
To help you get to know more about this style of investment, its features, and its role in building a diversified portfolio, we’ve compiled a list of key things for you to look for when considering an investment in a mortgage loan fund with your Financial Adviser.
Pooled or contributory mortgage loan fund?
There are two types of mortgage loan funds; pooled and contributory.
In a pooled fund, your money is pooled with that of other investors to finance a portfolio or ‘pool’ of loans. You do not hold an ownership right in respect of any particular loan, just a right to the number of units that you subscribe for. Together with all investors, you share in the income generated by the entire pool of loans proportionately to the number of units you each hold. The risks associated with the individual loans are diversified across the portfolio and are all outlined in the fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). You may redeem your investment subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the PDS.
In a contributory fund, you decide which loan to invest in after reviewing the specific features, benefits, and risks associated with that loan. Your money is then joined with other investors to lend to the borrower. Distribution returns and the term of your investment should reflect the nature of the loan selected. Each available loan will generate its own return different and as such it’s important to note that this style of mortgage fund carries a higher risk because investments are concentrated in one mortgage loan.
Types of loans
Generally, a mortgage loan fund is exposed to the risks related to lending money and the types of underlying assets and projects to which the loan relates. Importantly, some mortgage loan funds lend money for development activities, with security interests over properties at various stages of property construction and development, or land subdivision projects. These may include residential, industrial, retail and commercial property which vary in their stage in the property market cycle.
It is important that such projects are managed by experienced developers and that you understand the additional risks of exposure to such activities. The PDS for the mortgage loan fund will set out the types of loans to be funded. It will set out details of the fund manager’s approach to valuations on the security properties (see further below). It will also state the manager’s policy on seeking first or second mortgages. Whilst a first and second mortgage may use the same real property asset as security, the first registered mortgage has priority over the second registered mortgage should the borrower default on their repayments.
Loan-to-Valuation Ratio
Loan-to-Valuation Ratio (LVR) is a term used to describe a lending risk assessment examined before providing approval for a mortgage. The LVR is calculated as a percentage of the loan amount compared to the appraised value of the property. A mortgage with a high LVR is associated with a higher risk.
An LVR can be calculated two ways – representing the maximum loan amount as a percentage of the “as if complete” valuation or as a percentage of the “as is” valuation of the security property.
A mortgage loan fund will generally be operated in accordance with specific lending criteria such as providing strict limits for LVRs to assist with risk management in the portfolio. Understanding these criteria and the current weighted LVR of the entire mortgage loan portfolio should help to make an informed decision about investing.
Before deciding to invest, it’s important to read the PDS and any updates on the portfolio (such as the RG-45 updates) to find out the LVR limits. You should also research the average LVR of the mortgage loan portfolio to ensure you’re comfortable with the associated risks.
Geographic diversification
As a property investor, no doubt you’re aware that the status of the property market in Australia differs between states, sometimes even regional territories. The markets in Sydney and Melbourne differ significantly than those of Brisbane or Perth. Depending on their position on the property clock, some states may find themselves in a slump whilst others are in a boom. Furthermore, some states may have micro-markets operating at different ends of the clock. A mortgage loan fund with an appropriate level of geographic diversification spreads this risk across various property markets reducing the risk of one market not performing and therefore minimising any diluted returns.
Investment manager and executive experience
A strong investment manager underpins the success of any investment, in any class. The decisions an investment manager makes impact how your money is used to generate returns. Traits to look for in an investment manager may include:
- Experience: an investment manager’s experience in their market means they should have developed an in-depth understanding of how it works, so they’re well placed to make calculated investment decisions in the best interests of their investors.
- Discipline: an investment manager’s ability to adhere to their investment mandate, criteria, and representations to investors means that investors benefit from transparency and strong emotional control when making investment decisions
- Risk management: there are inherent risks with any investment. The investment manager’s ability to identify risks and effectively manage their impact on returns provides added comfort for investors
Distribution yield
“Distribution yield” is the income paid to investors and is derived from the interest payable on the mortgage loans made by the fund net of fees. The distribution yield is generally expressed as an annualised percentage and paid either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. It’s important to consider this payment frequency with respect to your need for investment income. Many trusts offer two options for payment of distributions. You may either nominate to have distributions paid to your financial institution account or reinvested into the mortgage fund so you are able to harness the benefits similar to those of compound interest.
Redemption terms and conditions
Redemption timeframes will take into consideration the nature of the Fund’s activities such as lending money to borrowers. This is part of the Fund manager’s processes for managing liquidity and protecting the integrity of returns paid to investors. It’s important to understand the redemption terms and conditions outlined within the mortgage fund’s PDS and consider, with professional financial advice, your budget and need for access to your money before making an investment decision.
The Trilogy Monthly Income Trust
At Trilogy we offer a pooled mortgage trust, the Trilogy Monthly Income Trust, which aims to provide competitive returns through exposure to loans secured by registered first mortgages over Australian property. The Trust’s loan pool consists of over 80 loans to the residential, commercial, industrial and retail property sectors in Australia with a focus on construction lending.
The value of advice
Before making an investment decision, it’s always helpful to seek professional advice from a licensed Financial Adviser. All investments involve risk and an Adviser can take a holistic view of your current circumstances and help bridge the gap between where you are now, and where you want to be. This involves the development of a strategic financial plan supported by a diversified portfolio of investments and other financial products which are recommended in your best interests.
If you’re considering an investment in a mortgage fund and you’d like to find out more, Chat to our Investor Relations team today.
Learn more about the Trilogy Monthly Income Trust >
This article was prepared by Trilogy Funds Management Limited ACN 080 383 679 AFSL 261425 (Trilogy) and does not take into account your objectives, personal circumstances or needs nor is it an offer of securities. Application for investment can only be made on the application form accompanying the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) dated 17 December 2018 for the Trilogy Monthly Income Trust ARSN 121 846 722 and available from www.trilogyfunds.com.au. The PDS contains full details of the terms and conditions of investment and should be read in full, particularly the risk section, prior to lodging any application or making a further investment. All investments, including those with Trilogy, involve risk which can lead to loss of part of or all your capital or diminished returns. Trilogy is licensed to provide only general financial product advice about its products and therefore recommends you seek personal advice on the suitability of this investment to your objectives, financial situation and needs from a licensed adviser to conduct an analysis based on your circumstances. Investments with Trilogy are not bank deposits and are not government guaranteed.
