Frequently Asked Questions

A mortgage broker acts as the intermediary between you and lenders. Instead of going directly to a bank (where you only see that bank's products), a broker compares options across multiple lenders to find a loan that suits your situation. We handle the research, paperwork, and application process on your behalf.

In most cases, our service is free to you. We're paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles. We disclose all commissions upfront so you can see exactly what we receive. We're legally required to act in your best interests regardless.

When you go direct to a bank, you only see their products at their rates. We compare across 30+ lenders — including banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders — to find you the most competitive option for your specific situation. We also handle the paperwork and manage the application.

Book a free consultation via our contact page. We'll have a conversation about your goals, timeline, and financial situation. There's no obligation and no cost to the first meeting.

Your borrowing capacity depends on your income, expenses, existing debts, and the lender's assessment criteria. Use our Borrowing Power Calculator for a rough estimate, or book a consultation for a proper assessment. Lenders also apply a stress-test buffer of approximately 3% above the actual rate.

A pre-approval (also called conditional approval) is a lender's indication that they're willing to lend you up to a certain amount, subject to satisfactory property valuation and final checks. It gives you confidence to bid at auction or make an offer, and is usually valid for 3 months.

A fixed rate locks in your interest rate for a set period (usually 1–5 years), giving you certainty on repayments. A variable rate moves with market conditions — it can go up or down. A split loan combines both. The right choice depends on your situation and how rates are expected to move.

Not necessarily. You can borrow with as little as 5% deposit, though deposits below 20% usually require Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). First home buyers may also be eligible for government schemes that allow smaller deposits without LMI. We'll explain what applies to your situation.

From application to formal approval typically takes 3–10 business days with most lenders, though it can vary. We'll give you an honest timeline estimate based on the lender and your situation. Settlement usually occurs 30–90 days after formal approval, as agreed in the contract.

Typically: recent payslips (2–3), last 2 years of tax returns (if self-employed), bank statements (3 months), ID, and details of any existing debts or assets. We'll send you a clear checklist once we understand your situation.

Settlement is when ownership of the property officially transfers. Your solicitor and the lender's representatives exchange documents and funds. You don't usually need to be present. Once settled, your first repayment date will be set and you'll receive your loan documents.

Yes. Lenders assess self-employed applicants differently — typically using your last 2 years of tax returns and financials. Some lenders also offer 'low-doc' or 'alt-doc' loans for self-employed borrowers who have difficulty meeting standard documentation requirements.

Beyond your deposit, expect: stamp duty (varies by state and property value), conveyancing/legal fees ($1,500–$3,000), building and pest inspection ($400–$800), lender fees (application, valuation — varies by lender), and Lenders Mortgage Insurance if your deposit is below 20%. We'll help you estimate your total upfront costs.

LMI protects the lender (not you) if you default on your loan. It's typically required when borrowing more than 80% of the property value. It can be paid upfront or added to your loan. The cost depends on your loan amount and LVR.

Some loans have annual package fees ($300–$400/year) in exchange for features like offset accounts and rate discounts. Others have no ongoing fees. We compare the total cost of each loan — not just the headline rate — when making a recommendation.