You've been paying off your home loan for a few years, property values have moved in your favour, and you've started wondering whether you could use what you've built up to buy an investment property. The short answer, for many homeowners, is yes — and it's one of the most common ways Australians grow a property portfolio without needing a separate cash deposit. Here's how it works. What Is Equity? Equity is the difference between what your property is worth and what you stil