Your borrowing capacity depends on factors such as your income, existing debts, living expenses, deposit size, and credit history. Lenders also apply different policies when assessing applications. We review your financial situation and compare lenders to help determine how much you may be able to borrow.

Many lenders prefer a deposit of 20% of the property value, which allows you to avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). However, some borrowers purchase with smaller deposits, sometimes as low as 5–10%, depending on their circumstances and lender policies.

Lenders mortgage insurance is an insurance policy that protects the lender if a borrower defaults on the loan. It is typically required when borrowing more than 80% of the property's value. The cost varies depending on the loan size and deposit and can sometimes be added to the loan amount.

Pre-approval is an indication from a lender of how much they may be willing to lend based on your financial position. It can help you understand your borrowing capacity and search for property with greater confidence before making an offer.

A fixed rate locks in your interest rate for a set period, providing certainty around repayments. A variable rate can move up or down depending on market conditions and may offer greater flexibility, such as additional repayments or offset accounts.

Most lenders require identification, proof of income (such as payslips or tax returns), bank statements, details of existing debts, and evidence of savings or deposit funds. We guide you through the exact documents required based on your circumstances and the lender you choose.

In addition to your deposit, you may need to budget for costs such as stamp duty, legal or conveyancing fees, lender fees, building and pest inspections, and government charges. We help you understand the full costs involved before you commit to a purchase.

A mortgage broker compares loan options from multiple lenders and helps structure a loan that suits your circumstances. We manage the application process, explain your options, and work to secure a competitive loan while saving you time navigating the process yourself.

Yes. Some buyers choose to purchase an investment property first while continuing to rent where they live. Lending criteria and deposit requirements can differ for investment loans, so it is important to structure the loan appropriately.

If your property has increased in value, you may be able to access equity to help fund the deposit or costs of another property purchase. This is a common strategy used by residential property investors and can help expand a property portfolio over time.