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First Home Buyers
Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones. As a first home buyer in Australia, you may be eligible for government grants and stamp duty concessions that can save you thousands. Key things to understand include your borrowing capacity, the difference between a pre-approval and a formal approval, and how Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) works if your deposit is below 20%. A broker can compare dozens of lenders to find the best first home buyer rates and help you navigate the entire process from pre-approval to settlement.
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Refinancing
If you haven't reviewed your home loan in the past 12–18 months, there's a good chance you're paying more than you need to. Refinancing means replacing your current loan with a new one — often at a lower rate, with better features, or to consolidate debts. Common reasons to refinance include accessing equity for renovations, switching from a variable to a fixed rate (or vice versa), and reducing monthly repayments. A mortgage broker can assess whether switching lenders will genuinely save you money after accounting for exit fees and break costs.
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Investment Loans
Property investment is one of the most popular wealth-building strategies in Australia. Investment loans typically have slightly higher interest rates than owner-occupier loans, but the interest may be tax-deductible. Understanding concepts like negative gearing, loan-to-value ratios (LVR), and how lenders assess rental income is essential. Structuring your investment loan correctly from the start — whether interest-only or principal and interest — can have a significant impact on your cash flow and long-term returns.
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Self-Employed Borrowers
Getting a home loan when you're self-employed can feel harder, but it doesn't have to be. Lenders typically require two years of tax returns and financial statements, though some offer "low-doc" options for borrowers who can demonstrate income through alternative means such as BAS statements or accountant declarations. The key is presenting your finances in the best possible light. A broker experienced with self-employed applications knows which lenders are more favourable and how to structure your application for the strongest chance of approval.
Speak to Bala about self-employed lending →
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Construction Loans
Building a new home requires a different type of finance. Construction loans are drawn down in stages — typically five to six progress payments aligned with your build milestones (slab, frame, lock-up, fit-out, completion). During construction you usually pay interest only on the amount drawn, which keeps repayments lower while building. It's important to have council-approved plans, a fixed-price building contract, and a realistic budget including a contingency buffer. A broker can help you find lenders with competitive construction rates and smooth drawdown processes.
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