The FHBG allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying LMI. Places are limited each year, and criteria apply based on income, property type, and location.

Under the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), voluntary contributions to super may be withdrawn to help with a deposit. Limits and government criteria apply.

In many states and territories, first-home buyers may receive stamp duty exemptions or concessions. Rules and thresholds vary, and government conditions apply depending on property value and location.

A guarantor loan allows a family member to use the equity in their home as additional security. This may enable you to buy with a smaller or no deposit. These loans carry risks for the guarantor, and lender criteria apply.

Pre-approval (conditional approval) is when a lender reviews your finances and indicates how much you may be able to borrow. It is not a final loan offer but can give confidence when house hunting. Lender criteria apply.

A cooling-off period allows you to withdraw from a purchase after signing a contract. The length and rules vary by state. Criteria and conditions apply, and cooling-off usually does not apply at auctions.

The FHOG generally applies only to new homes, though some states offer concessions for established properties. Rules vary by state, and government eligibility applies.

Beyond the deposit, costs may include stamp duty (if applicable), legal/conveyancing fees, inspections, moving costs, and insurance. Concessions may reduce upfront costs, but criteria apply.

Eligibility depends on property value, location, and whether you’ve previously owned property. Government and lender rules apply, and a broker can help check the latest options.

Common reasons include the potential to reduce repayments, consolidate debts, change loan features, or access equity. Any benefits depend on your situation, lender policy, and costs involved.

There is no strict limit, but refinancing too often may involve additional costs such as break fees, discharge fees, or new application fees. Whether refinancing is suitable depends on your personal situation and lender criteria.

Possible costs include application fees, property valuation fees, break fees (for fixed loans), and settlement or government charges. A broker can outline likely costs based on your circumstances.

Refinancing may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the lender and how quickly documents are supplied. Timelines vary by lender.

Equity is the difference between your property’s market value and the amount you owe. For example, if your home is worth $600,000 and you owe $400,000, your equity is $200,000. How much can be accessed depends on lender criteria.

Most lenders allow borrowing up to 80% of the property’s value (including the current loan). Some may allow higher with LMI. Eligibility depends on lender policy and financial position.

It may be possible to use equity as a deposit for another property, depending on income, debts, and borrowing power. Lender criteria apply.

Yes, some lenders may allow equity to be released for home improvements, education, or other purposes. Approval depends on loan type and lender policy.

Not always. While refinancing may provide benefits, it may also involve costs or extend the loan term. Suitability depends on individual circumstances, and lender criteria apply.

The deposit is the upfront payment made when signing the contract, often 5–10% of the purchase price. The remaining balance is usually due at settlement. Conditions vary depending on the contract and state regulations.

A cooling-off period is a timeframe after signing a contract in which a buyer may withdraw from the purchase. The length and rules vary by state or territory. Cooling-off generally does not apply at auctions.

“Subject to finance” is a condition that makes the purchase dependent on loan approval. If finance is not approved within the agreed time, the buyer may be able to withdraw without penalty. Lending criteria apply for loan approval.

An unconditional contract means all conditions (such as finance, inspections, or special clauses) have been met. At this point, the buyer is fully committed, and withdrawing may result in penalties.

Special conditions are additional clauses included in the contract, such as requirements for repairs, inclusions, or settlement extensions. These are legally binding once agreed by both parties.

The settlement date is the agreed day when the buyer pays the remaining purchase price and legal ownership is transferred. Timelines may vary depending on the contract terms and lender processing.

A sunset clause is a provision often found in off-the-plan contracts that sets a deadline for property completion. If construction is not finished by that date, either party may have the right to cancel the contract. Conditions vary by contract.

Due diligence is the process of checking important details before committing to a purchase. This may include reviewing the contract, conducting inspections, confirming zoning, or verifying council approvals. Requirements vary depending on the property.

A buy-back clause is sometimes included in land or development contracts. It allows the developer or seller to buy back the land if construction does not begin within a set timeframe (for example, 12–24 months). Conditions vary by contract, and legal advice is recommended.

Permanent residents generally have the widest access to loans. Some lenders may also consider temporary residents and partner visa holders. Each lender has different rules, and eligibility criteria apply.

Often, lenders may require a 10–20% deposit for temporary residents, compared to 5–10% for citizens or permanent residents. Some lenders may allow a 5% deposit depending on the state and their own criteria.

Generally, FHOG and other schemes are only available to Australian citizens or permanent residents. Some partner visa holders may qualify if buying jointly with an eligible applicant. Government eligibility criteria apply.

In most cases, non-residents and temporary residents must obtain FIRB approval to buy property in Australia. Fees apply and approval must be obtained before purchase. Government rules and conditions apply.

It may be possible in some cases, but conditions are usually stricter. FIRB generally only allows temporary residents to buy new properties or land for construction. Lending criteria and government approval rules apply.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Visa details and passport
• Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, or employment contract)
• Bank statements
• Evidence of savings
  Requirements vary by lender, and lending criteria apply

Some lenders may allow guarantor loans for visa holders, but only in specific circumstances. Lender criteria and eligibility rules apply depending on visa type.

Yes, in most Australian states and territories, an additional foreign buyer surcharge is charged on top of normal stamp duty for non-residents and some visa holders. The surcharge amount varies by state. Government eligibility and conditions apply.

Lenders usually want to see a valid visa with sufficient time remaining. If your visa is close to expiry, you may have fewer loan options. Lending criteria apply.

The deposit is the upfront payment you make when signing the contract, often 5–10% of the purchase price. The balance is paid at settlement. Conditions may apply depending on the contract.

A cooling-off period is the time after signing the contract during which you may withdraw from the purchase. The length and rules vary by state or territory, and cooling-off usually does not apply at auctions.

“Subject to finance” is a condition in the contract that makes the purchase dependent on you obtaining loan approval. If finance is not approved within the agreed time, you may withdraw without penalty. Lending criteria apply for loan approval.

An unconditional contract means all conditions, such as finance or inspections, have been met. At this stage, you are fully committed to the purchase, and pulling out may result in penalties.

Special conditions are additional clauses added to the contract, such as repairs, inclusions, or settlement extensions. They are legally binding once agreed to by both parties.

The settlement date is the agreed day when the buyer pays the balance of the purchase price and takes legal ownership of the property. Timelines vary depending on the contract and lender processing.

A sunset clause is a condition in some contracts (especially off-the-plan purchases) that sets a deadline for the property to be completed. If construction isn’t finished by that date, either party may cancel the contract. Conditions apply depending on the contract terms.

Due diligence is the process of checking all details before committing to a property purchase. This may include reviewing the contract, arranging inspections, confirming zoning, and understanding council approvals. Conditions may apply depending on the property.

A buy-back clause is a condition sometimes included in land or development contracts. It allows the developer or seller to buy back the land if you do not start construction within a certain time frame (for example, 12 or 24 months). Conditions vary by contract, and it’s important to review this clause carefully.

Asset finance allows you to acquire vehicles, machinery, or equipment without paying upfront. Instead, repayments are spread over time. Conditions depend on the type of asset and your financial position.

Common options may include term loans, equipment loans, vehicle finance, and commercial property loans. Some lenders also provide lines of credit for ongoing cash flow. Availability depends on lender policies.

Some lenders may consider startups, though requirements are usually stricter. Lenders may request a business plan, financial projections, or security. Criteria vary depending on the industry and lender policy.

Typical requirements may include identification, business financial statements, tax returns, and details of assets or liabilities. Startups may also need to provide a business plan. Criteria apply depending on the lender and loan type.

Some lenders allow financing for new or second-hand assets, depending on the age, condition, and type of asset. Criteria vary by lender.

Approval times differ between lenders and loan types. Some asset finance applications may be approved within a few days, while larger or more complex commercial loans may take weeks.

It may be possible to refinance an existing loan to adjust repayments, change loan terms, or free up cash flow. Suitability depends on business performance and lender criteria.

This depends on the loan. Some loans may be secured against property, vehicles, or other assets, while others may be unsecured but come with higher interest rates. Lender criteria apply.

Some lenders may allow business loans to be used for commercial property purchases or development. Conditions vary depending on the purpose, loan structure, and lender policy.

• Security guarantor: provides equity from their property as additional security (the most common type).
• Servicing guarantor: provides income support to help meet repayments (less common; many lenders instead require them to be co-borrowers).

Most lenders generally accept immediate family members, such as parents. Some may consider siblings or grandparents. Each lender has its own rules, and eligibility criteria apply.

Guarantor loans are usually structured as limited guarantees, meaning the guarantor is only responsible for a portion of the loan (commonly around 20% plus costs). The exact guarantee amount depends on the lender’s policy.

If the borrower cannot meet repayments, the lender may require the guarantor to cover the guaranteed portion. For security guarantees, this may place the guarantor’s property at risk. Independent legal and financial advice is strongly recommended, and in most cases, required.

A guarantor may be released once the borrower’s loan balance falls below 80% of the property value (LVR) or the property value has risen sufficiently. A new valuation and lender approval are normally required. Conditions apply.

Some lenders may allow guarantor loans for investment purposes, though most commonly they are used for owner-occupied homes. Lending criteria vary by lender and purpose.

If a guarantor sells or refinances their property, the lender usually requires the guarantee to be released or replaced with another form of acceptable security. Conditions apply.

Guarantors are usuallyestarted to provide identification, proof of property ownership, and evidence of their financial position. Lenders also require guarantors to obtain independent legal advice before finalising their role.

Yes. Most lenders require guarantors to obtain independent legal advice — and in some cases financial advice — before entering a guarantor loan. This ensures the guarantor fully understands their rights, obligations, and potential risks.