Frequently asked questions

We compare home loan options across many lenders, recommend loans that suit your best interests, prepare your application and manage the process from start to settlement.

Our service is generally paid by the lender via commission upon settlement. We disclose all commissions in writing before you proceed, in line with our legal obligations.

Australian mortgage brokers are legally required to act in the best interests of their clients when providing credit assistance. This includes recommending loans that are appropriate and cost-effective for your situation.

Your bank only offers its own products. A broker compares many lenders, which often surfaces options better suited to your circumstances.

No — you always have the final say. We present options with clear comparisons and our recommendation, but the choice is yours.

No. You can walk away at any time before signing a loan. There is no contract tying you to us.

A credit guide is a document we provide before giving you credit assistance. It outlines who we are, how we're paid, our complaints process, and your rights.

Yes. We operate under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP) and are authorised through Australian Finance Group Ltd (ACL 389087). We must comply with responsible lending laws and the best interests duty.

This depends on the lender, loan type and your circumstances. Some loans accept 5% deposits (with Lenders Mortgage Insurance or under the Home Guarantee Scheme), while 20% avoids LMI. We'll explain what applies to you.

Generally, you must be buying or building a new home in WA under a value cap, be 18+, an Australian citizen or PR, and meet residency requirements. We check eligibility on your behalf.

WA offers stamp duty concessions for eligible first home buyers. The exact amount depends on the property value and current rules. We'll calculate your position before you bid.

A government program that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a 5% deposit without paying LMI. The government guarantees the remaining 15%. Places are limited each financial year.

LMI is a one-off insurance premium that protects the lender (not you) if you default. It applies when you borrow more than 80% of the property value. It can be paid upfront or added to your loan.

Yes — through a guarantor loan where a family member uses equity in their property to support part of your loan. This can eliminate the need for LMI and reduce the deposit you need.

You can still buy together, but the FHOG and first home buyer concessions generally won't apply because one applicant has previously owned property. We'll explain the implications.

Some lenders require you to demonstrate savings held for at least 3 months. Rent payments, regular deposits, and other evidence of financial discipline can count. Not all lenders require genuine savings.

Yes — pre-approval gives you a clear budget, shows sellers you're serious, and speeds up the buying process once you find the right property.

Typically 3–6 months depending on the lender. If it expires before you find a property, we can usually refresh it quickly.

Common triggers include your fixed term ending, a significant change in circumstances, wanting to access equity, or suspecting your current rate has become uncompetitive. We'll run a free health check to help you decide.

Yes — potential costs include discharge fees, government fees, and break costs if you're on a fixed rate. We calculate net savings after all costs before recommending you proceed.

Typically 2–6 weeks from application to settlement, depending on the lender and complexity. We keep you updated throughout.

If you exit a fixed-rate loan before the term ends, the lender may charge a break cost to recover their lost interest. These can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the rate environment.

One credit enquiry has a minor impact. We only submit your application once we've identified a suitable lender, to minimise unnecessary enquiries.

Yes — the same refinancing process applies. Self-employed borrowers may need to provide different documentation (BAS, accountant letters) depending on the lender.

Some lenders offer cashback (typically $2,000–$5,000) to attract refinancers. It can be worthwhile, but only if the rate and features are also competitive. We assess the total cost, not just the incentive.

Yes — if your property has increased in value, you can draw on the additional equity for renovations, investment, or other purposes as part of the refinance.

Most full-doc lenders want 2 years of tax returns and financials. Alt-doc lenders accept BAS statements, accountant letters or business bank statements. We match your documents to the right lender.

Some lenders accept one year of financials, and alt-doc options work off BAS or bank statements instead.

Full-doc self-employed loans are typically priced the same as standard loans. Alt-doc and low-doc rates can be higher because the lender takes on more risk.

A loan that requires less documentation than standard. Instead of full tax returns, lenders may accept BAS, business bank statements, or an accountant's declaration to verify income.

It depends. Some lenders accept ABN holders with as little as 12 months trading history, especially if you have prior industry experience. Options improve with longer trading periods.

Most lenders look at your last two years of taxable income (from tax returns). Many "add back" non-cash deductions like depreciation, which can increase your assessed income significantly.

Yes — many lenders accept borrowing entities such as companies and trusts. The structure affects rates, LVR limits, and guarantor requirements. We'll explain the trade-offs.

Yes — interest-only loans are common for investment properties for cash flow and tax reasons. Speak with your accountant about the tax implications for your situation.

Often, yes. We structure equity releases as a separate loan split to keep investment and personal debt distinct for tax purposes.

When the costs of owning an investment property (including loan interest) exceed the rental income, you make a loss. This loss can often be offset against your other taxable income, subject to current tax rules.

Most lenders require 10–20% for investment properties. LMI may apply under 80% LVR. Rates and terms vary by deposit size.

For tax reasons, offset is generally preferred for investment loans. Redraw can create complex tax consequences. Consult your accountant.

Yes — this is called "rentvesting." You rent where you want to live and buy an investment where the numbers work. Different rules apply for grants and concessions.

There's no hard limit, but your borrowing capacity shrinks with each property. Some lenders cap the number of financed properties. We structure portfolios to maximise capacity.

Funds are released in stages (slab, frame, lock-up, fixing, completion) as your builder hits milestones. You only pay interest on drawn funds during the build phase.

Yes — the WA First Home Owner Grant specifically applies to new homes, including knock-down-rebuilds and new builds.

Generally 10–20% of the total (land + build). Guarantor options may reduce this. Requirements vary by lender.

If there are variations to the contract, the lender may need to reassess. We recommend building a contingency buffer (typically 5–10%) into your finance planning.

Some lenders finance owner-builders, but requirements are stricter — lower LVRs, higher rates, and you may need to show building qualifications or experience.

Yes — many lenders finance private sales. The process includes verification of the seller and vehicle.

A finance product for business use vehicles where you own the asset from day one and can claim GST on the purchase, plus depreciation and interest as tax deductions.

Not always — 100% finance is available for some borrowers. A deposit typically improves your rate and reduces repayments.

A lump sum due at the end of the loan term. It reduces your regular repayments during the loan but means you owe a larger amount at the end — you can refinance, pay it off, or trade in.

Yes — we arrange chattel mortgage, hire purchase and leasing for plant, machinery, trucks, IT and commercial equipment. Low-doc options exist for established businesses.

Working capital lines, term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, trade finance and commercial property loans. The right option depends on the purpose of funding.

Not always. Many business loans are secured against business assets, debtor books, or are unsecured. Using your home is one option, not a requirement.

Unsecured online lenders can fund in 24–72 hours. Secured bank facilities typically take 2–6 weeks. Speed often comes at a price in interest rates.

Some lenders cater to newer businesses, though pricing and terms are tighter. A strong business plan and director's personal position help.

A facility where a lender advances funds against your outstanding invoices. Useful for businesses with long payment terms from customers.

Neither is universally better. Fixed gives repayment certainty; variable offers flexibility and offset access. A split loan combines both. We model all three for your situation.

A rate that includes the interest rate plus certain fees and charges, designed to help you compare loans on a more like-for-like basis. It's not perfect — it doesn't include all fees — but it's more useful than the headline rate alone.

A transaction account linked to your home loan. The balance is "offset" against your loan principal before interest is calculated, reducing the interest you pay.

Payments above your minimum. Variable loans usually allow unlimited extra repayments. Fixed loans often cap them (typically $10,000–$20,000 per year).

Lenders may pass on RBA rate changes to variable-rate borrowers, but aren't obligated to match them exactly. Fixed rates are unaffected during the fixed term.

Loan-to-Value Ratio — the loan amount divided by the property value, expressed as a percentage. An 80% LVR means you're borrowing 80% of the property value. LVR affects rates, LMI, and approval.

Typically: 100 points of ID, 2 recent payslips, 2–3 months of bank statements, details of assets and liabilities, and a signed privacy consent. Self-employed borrowers need different documentation.

From application to unconditional approval: typically 1–3 weeks for PAYG, 2–4 weeks for self-employed. Complex applications can take longer.

Conditional means the lender has approved you subject to conditions (e.g. satisfactory valuation, proof of insurance). Unconditional means all conditions are met and the loan is ready to settle.

Each credit enquiry has a small impact. We only submit to one lender at a time after careful selection, to avoid multiple enquiries.

There are specialist lenders for credit-impaired borrowers. Rates are higher and LVRs may be lower. We can explain options and help you work toward improving your position.

The lender releases funds to the seller's account via your conveyancer/settlement agent. Title transfers to your name, and you receive the keys. We coordinate with all parties to make sure it runs smoothly.

Yes — a conveyancer (or settlement agent in WA) handles the legal transfer of property ownership. We can recommend local conveyancers we trust.