Finance First: Why Lending Strategy Should Come Before Property

When it comes to buying property, whether it’s your first home or your fifth investment, most people start in the same place: searching for the perfect property. But according to lending strategist Matt Dimos, that’s the wrong way around.

In this episode of the Home & Finance Podcast, I sit down with Matt Dimos, Director of Clarence Property Finance, to explore why savvy investors and homeowners are flipping the script, prioritising finance over property.

Matt’s core philosophy is simple: your lending structure determines how far you can go.

Instead of finding a property and then scrambling to fund it, Matt helps clients build a finance strategy that supports both their immediate purchase and their long-term goals.

“It’s about structuring your debt in a way that protects cash flow, maximises borrowing power, and keeps doors open for your next move,” Matt explains.

Without this planning, buyers often hit a wall after their first or second property. They’re left “asset rich but finance poor,” trapped by rigid loan structures that make growing a portfolio almost impossible.

So, why do so many people still do it the wrong way, property first, then finance?

“Because we’re conditioned to focus on the property,” says Matt. “We fall in love with the deal, not the data. But the truth is, without a strategy, that dream home can become a financial trap.”

Clarence flips that script by starting with a deep-dive strategy session that explores where you want to be in five or ten years and then reverse-engineers your finances to get there.

“No cookie-cutter loans, no quick fixes. It’s about setting up for flexibility, equity access, and long-term success.”

One of Matt’s biggest red flags? Relying solely on pre-approval.

“Pre-approval tells you what you can afford today. A strategy tells you what you can afford tomorrow,” he says.

Clarence focuses on future-proofing, ensuring clients don’t experience “portfolio fatigue,” where poor loan structuring (such as cross-collateralization or mixing personal and investment debt) blocks them from refinancing or expanding later.

Unlike traditional brokers who disappear after settlement, the Clarence team stays in the picture. They review each client’s structure every 6–12 months, looking for opportunities to refinance, release equity, or realign with their next investment goal.

“Your property strategy will evolve, and your finances should too,” Matt says.

This proactive approach enables investors to adapt to changing markets and protect themselves from being constrained by rigid or high-risk positions.

For Matt, empowerment through education is key.

“An educated client makes smarter decisions. We’re not here to sell loans, we’re here to build partnerships.”

Clarence clients learn how structures work, how offset accounts can optimise cash flow, and how to use lending as a strategic wealth-building tool, not just a short-term fix.

“A loan isn’t just about the rate,” Matt says. “It’s a tool. Use it right, and it builds your future. Use it wrong, and it can cost you everything.”

In the wrap-up, the message is clear:
Wealth isn’t built by reacting; it’s built by planning.

If you’re ready to start your property journey the smart way, begin with your finances. Clarence Property Finance offers strategy sessions for homebuyers and investors who want to structure their finances for growth from day one.

Visit the Website Clarence Finance https://www.cifb.com.au/

Visit Clarence Property Finance to learn more, or find the full episode on the Home & Finance Podcast blog.

Finance First: Why Lending Strategy Should Come Before Property
🎧 Available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major platforms.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lOYlWO1Jfo8x67nlMK6b1?si=gP3Rhy_sS0CGkej3EO9AHw

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2335496/episodes/17908606

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