Pre-approval timelines vary by lender and your personal circumstances. In most cases, we can obtain conditional pre-approval within 2–5 business days. Full unconditional approval after a property is selected typically takes 3–10 business days, depending on the lender’s workload and the complexity of your application.

Most lenders require a minimum 5–10% deposit, though a 20% deposit avoids Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — which can add thousands to your loan cost. For investment properties, lenders often require a higher deposit. First Home Buyer government schemes can allow purchases with as little as 5% in some cases.

LMI is insurance that protects the lender (not you) if you default on a loan with an LVR above 80%. It’s a one-off cost that is usually added to your loan balance. The premium varies by loan amount and LVR — use our calculator above for an estimate, or speak with a broker for an accurate figure.

Yes, many lenders cater specifically to self-employed borrowers. You’ll typically need 2 years of tax returns, business financials, and BAS statements. Some lenders offer ‘low doc’ loans that require less documentation. Our brokers specialise in finding the right product for business owners and sole traders.

A fixed rate locks your interest rate (and repayments) for a set period, usually 1–5 years, giving you certainty. A variable rate moves with the market, meaning repayments can go up or down. Many borrowers opt for a split loan: part fixed, part variable, to get the best of both worlds.

In most cases, our service is completely free to you. We receive commission from lenders at settlement. In some specialist or complex lending situations (such as private credit or non-conforming loans), a broker fee may apply, we will always be transparent and discuss this upfront before proceeding.