The bigger the deposit you have, the better. Not just for lenders considering your loan application, but also for you, as the less you have to borrow, the lower your repayments will be!

Do your research to fully understand the FHOG entitlements in your state or territory. It’s a great initiative, but if you’re not a genuine contender for the grant you could be asked to repay it, plus penalties.

The true cost of buying a home goes well beyond the purchase price. Things to consider include stamp duty, conveyancing, pest and building inspections, strata reports, loan fees, insurance and utilities.

Not only are there hundreds of loans to choose from, some are marketed using names and descriptions that don’t really say much about the loan and how it works.

There’s a lot riding on your home loan application, and the more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll receive the thumbs up from a lender.

Get auction-ready with a conditional loan approval. Our home loan specialists will help you work out what loan is right for you – and can even start filling out your application.

Auctions can offer big advantages – like the chance to secure your dream home at a price that truly reflects its market value. But successful buying at auction calls for some additional work behind the scenes, and knowing what you’re up against is crucial in mastering the auction game.

When you make the winning bid at an auction you immediately enter into a binding contract. There is no cooling off period (so it pays to have your home loan pre–approved). During this time it is expected that you pay a deposit – usually 10% of the sale price.

The average settlement period is between 4–6 weeks, so if you’re relocating to a new home it can be a busy period with plenty to plan for like moving furniture, organising a new school for the kids and maybe even a new job.