Frequently asked questions.

The first step is a 14-minute call. We discuss your goal, timeline, income, and any constraints — then we prepare a written Strategy Memo before any lender is approached. This ensures you understand the structure, cost, and options before you decide to proceed.

A pre-approval is a lender's preliminary assessment based on the information you have supplied. A Strategy Memo is the broker's written recommendation — it explains the loan structure that suits your situation, what it will cost, and which two or three lenders on our panel are most likely to write it on those terms. The memo arrives before any application is lodged.

Typical documents include: 100 points of ID (passport or driver licence), recent payslips (usually 2 to 3), bank statements (typically 3 months), tax returns and notices of assessment (for self-employed borrowers), and details of existing debts and assets. Your broker will give you a complete checklist based on your specific circumstances.

From Strategy Memo to settlement, most applications take 3 to 6 weeks. The timeline depends on the complexity of your income, the lender's processing time, and how quickly documents are provided. Refinances tend to be on the shorter end; self-employed or complex structures may take longer.

LVR stands for loan-to-value ratio. It is the loan amount expressed as a percentage of the property value. For example, an 80% LVR means you are borrowing 80% of the property's value. Lenders use this ratio to assess risk — a lower LVR typically gives you access to more competitive rates. An LVR above 80% usually requires lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

Not necessarily. Many lenders accept deposits as low as 5% for owner-occupiers. However, a deposit under 20% means the LVR exceeds 80%, which typically triggers lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). There are also government schemes such as the First Home Guarantee that can help eligible buyers purchase with a smaller deposit without paying LMI.

LMI is a one-off premium that protects the lender (not the borrower) if the loan defaults. It is required when the deposit is less than 20% of the property value. The cost varies by lender, loan size, and LVR. In some cases, lenders may capitalise the LMI premium into the loan amount rather than requiring it upfront.

Yes. Self-employed applicants typically need to provide two years of tax returns and notices of assessment, plus an ABN and GST registration details. Some lenders offer low-doc or alt-doc loans for self-employed borrowers who cannot provide full tax documentation. A broker can identify which lenders on the panel are suited to your income profile.

A fixed-rate loan locks your interest rate for a set period (commonly 1 to 5 years), providing predictable repayments. A variable-rate loan fluctuates with the lender's standard variable rate, which means repayments can go up or down. Each structure has trade-offs — your Strategy Memo will outline which option suits your circumstances.

At least once a year. Every loan we settle includes a written annual review for as long as the loan exists. The review looks at your current rate, loan structure, and what the panel is offering — then recommends whether to stay, restructure, or refinance. There is no fee and no obligation to change.

Our fee structure is outlined in the Credit Guide before any work begins. Brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender at settlement, and some may charge an application or ongoing fee depending on the loan type. All fees and commissions are disclosed in writing before you sign anything.

Yes. Refinance is one of our core services. We assess your current loan against what the market is offering and prepare a Strategy Memo that shows whether refinancing makes sense once costs such as discharge fees, break costs, and stamp duty on a new mortgage are factored in. If staying put is the better option, we say so.

A comparison rate combines the interest rate with most upfront and ongoing fees to give a single percentage figure. It is designed to help borrowers compare loans more easily. The comparison rate is an indicator only — your actual cost depends on the loan amount and term.

With a P&I loan, each repayment reduces both the interest charged and the loan balance (principal). Over time you build equity. With an IO loan, repayments cover only the interest for a set period (usually up to 5 years) — the principal does not reduce during that time. IO loans typically suit investors or borrowers managing cash flow for a defined period.

That is what the Strategy Memo is for. We assess your income, property type, loan size, and goals against 30+ lenders on our panel. The memo recommends two or three lenders whose policies and products align with your situation. We do not sell a single lender or a single product — the recommendation is written down so you can read it, think about it, and ask questions before deciding.