FAQ

We’re all unique when it comes to our finances and borrowing needs. Get an estimate on how much you may be able to borrow (subject to satisfying legal and lender requirements) with our selection of calculators. Or contact us today, we can help with calculations based on your circumstances.

Our guides to loan types and features will help you learn about the main options available. There are hundreds of different home loans available, so talk to us today.

Usually between 5% – 10% of the value of a property, which you pay when signing a Contract of Sale. Speak with us to discuss your options for a deposit. You may be able to borrow against the equity in your existing home or an investment property.

Because there so many different loan products, some with lower introductory rates, talk to us today about the deals currently available, we’ll work with you to find a loan set-up that’s right for you.

Most lenders offer flexible repayment options to suit your pay cycle. Aim for weekly or fortnightly repayments, instead of monthly, as you will make more payments in a year, which will shave dollars and time off your loan.

There are a number of fees and costs involved when buying a property. To help avoid any surprises, the list below sets out many of the usual costs:

• Stamp duty — This is the big one. All other costs are relatively small by comparison. Stamp duty rates vary between state and territory governments and also depend on the value of the property you buy. You may also have to pay stamp duty on the mortgage itself. To estimate your possible stamp duty charge, visit our Stamp Duty Calculator.
• Legal/conveyancing fees — Generally around $1,000 – $1500, these fees cover all the legal requirements around your property purchase, including title searches.
• Building inspection — This should be carried out by a qualified expert, such as a structural engineer, before you purchase the property. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the building inspection, so if there are any structural problems you have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. A building inspection and report can cost up to $1,000, depending on the size of the property. Your conveyancer will usually arrange this inspection, and you will usually pay for it as part of their total invoice at settlement (in addition to the conveyancing fees).
• Pest inspection — Also to be carried out before purchase to ensure the property is free of problems, such as white ants. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the pest inspection, so if any unwanted crawlies are found you may have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. Allow up to $500 depending on the size of the property. Your real estate agent or conveyancer may arrange this inspection, and you will usually pay for it as part of their total invoice at settlement (in addition to the conveyancing fees).
• Lender costs — Most lenders charge establishment fees to help cover the costs of their own valuation as well as administration fees. We will let you know what your lender charges but allow about $600 to $800.
• Moving costs — Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a removalist if you plan on using one.
• Mortgage Insurance costs — If you borrow more than 80% of the purchase price of the property, you’ll also need to pay Lender Mortgage Insurance. You may also consider whether to take out Mortgage Protection Insurance. If you buy a strata title, regular strata fees are payable.
• Ongoing costs — You will need to include council and water rates along with regular loan repayments. It is important to also consider building insurance and contents insurance. Your lender will probably require a minimum sum insured for the building to cover the loan. loan.

We’re all unique when it comes to our finances and borrowing needs. Contact us today, we can help with calculations based on your circumstances.

Our guides to loan types and features will help you learn about the main options available. There are hundreds of different home loans available, so talk to us today.

Usually between 5% – 10% of the value of a property, which you pay when signing a Contract of Sale. Speak with us to discuss your options for a deposit. You may be able to borrow against the equity in your existing home or an investment property.

Because there so many different loan products, some with lower introductory rates, talk to us today about the deals currently available, we’ll work with you to find a loan set-up that’s right for you.

Most lenders offer flexible repayment options to suit your pay cycle. Aim for weekly or fortnightly repayments, instead of monthly, as you will make more payments in a year, which will shave dollars and time off your loan.

This is a grant available to Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to buy or build their first home, which will be their principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement. Contact us to find out more about eligibility requirements in your state and how much grant money you could receive.

There are a number of fees and costs involved when buying a property. To help avoid any surprises, the list below sets out many of the usual costs:

• Stamp duty — This is the big one. All other costs are relatively small by comparison. Stamp duty rates vary between state and territory governments and also depend on the value of the property you buy. You may also have to pay stamp duty on the mortgage itself. To estimate your possible stamp duty charge, visit our Stamp Duty Calculator.
• Legal/conveyancing fees — Generally around $1,000 – $1500, these fees cover all the legal requirements around your property purchase, including title searches.
• Building inspection — This should be carried out by a qualified expert, such as a structural engineer, before you purchase the property. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the building inspection, so if there are any structural problems you have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. A building inspection and report can cost up to $1,000, depending on the size of the property. Your conveyancer will usually arrange this inspection, and you will usually pay for it as part of their total invoice at settlement (in addition to the conveyancing fees).
• Pest inspection — Also to be carried out before purchase to ensure the property is free of problems, such as white ants. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the pest inspection, so if any unwanted crawlies are found you may have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. Allow up to $500 depending on the size of the property. Your real estate agent or conveyancer may arrange this inspection, and you will usually pay for it as part of their total invoice at settlement (in addition to the conveyancing fees).
• Lender costs — Most lenders charge establishment fees to help cover the costs of their own valuation as well as administration fees. We will let you know what your lender charges but allow about $600 to $800.
• Moving costs — Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a removalist if you plan on using one.
• Mortgage Insurance costs — If you borrow more than 80% of the purchase price of the property, you’ll also need to pay Lender Mortgage Insurance. You may also consider whether to take out Mortgage Protection Insurance. If you buy a strata title, regular strata fees are payable.
• Ongoing costs — You will need to include council and water rates along with regular loan repayments. It is important to also consider building insurance and contents insurance. Your lender will probably require a minimum sum insured for the building to cover the loan.

Now is always a great time to shop around or check that you have the right loan for your needs. We’re a great starting point. It will depend what interest rate you’re currently paying, what type of home loan you have (e.g. fixed, variable, interest only, line of credit) and what features you want in your loan. We can quickly explain your options.

This is one of the reasons some people refinance. The advantage is that you pay a much lower interest rate on a mortgage than for most other forms of debt – e.g. credit cards, overdraft facilities, personal loans etc. Providing you have sufficient equity in your property, you may be able to consolidate all your debt on a home loan. If you take this option though it is important to make sure you maintain your repayments of the debt that you consolidate at their current level, or you could easily end up paying more over a longer period of time. Speak with us today to discuss your personal needs.

We’re all unique when it comes to our finances and borrowing needs. Get an estimate on how much you may be able to borrow (subject to satisfying legal and lender requirements) with our clever loan options tool. Chat to us when you’re ready, we can help with calculations based on your circumstances.

Our guides to loan types and features (links) will help you learn about the main options available. There are hundreds of different home loans available so talk to us today.

Most lenders offer flexible repayment options to suit your pay cycle. Aim for weekly or fortnightly repayments, instead of monthly, as you will make more payments in a year, which will shave dollars and time off your loan.

Depending on your loan, penalty fees could apply if you’re paying off your current mortgage early. But these may be offset by repayment savings when you switch home loans. We’ll walk you through any fees that could apply in your circumstances.

One of the biggest advantages of buying off the plan is time. Unlike traditional property purchases with relatively short windows to round up the total finance, you will have at least 12 months, if not longer, to settle. Savvy buyers will take advantage of this extra time to save their pennies and reduce their borrowings.

If you dream of a new home but have nightmares at the thought of building one, an off-the-plan purchase may be the perfect compromise. Although you will not get to design everything as you would with a custom-built home, most off-the-plan developments allow some customisation of finishes and fixtures. Make sure your contract outlines what you can tailor and that you are clear on any additional costs.

Various incentives are still being dangled in front of first-home-buyers, which may add to the appeal of buying off the plan.

Concessions vary across Australia and some have been curbed since January 1, so visit your State or Territory web site for the latest information on grants and exemptions. You can also research your eligibility for stamp duty concessions on new properties at www.stampdutycalculator.com.au

Off-the-plan apartments are often pitched heavily at investors due to the tax* benefits that come with depreciation on new properties and rental guarantees. Tax savings will depend on your individual circumstances, but generally the newer the property, the higher the depreciation allowance for the building and fixtures.

Investors may also be offered attractive rental guarantees for a limited period. Make sure you do your homework on rental returns on similar properties in the area before accepting the developer’s terms. Be wary of over-inflated rental guarantees. Builders will sometimes promise a high-rent yield to lure investors, build the cost into the property price and then subsidise any gap themselves for a short period. When the rental guarantee expires, you may find the actual market rent falls well short of what you originally pocketed. If investing, make sure you have the option to manage the property yourself or with your chosen property manager from the time you take possession.

Many buyers get swept up on a wave of rising property prices when they hand over their deposit in exchange for a floor plan. Historically, property is a consistent long-term performer, but property prices can plateau and even wane at the mercy of economic factors.

Buyers also need to be wary of over-supply, which may devalue their property. Queensland’s Gold and Sunshine Coasts are carrying a glut of apartments on the back of many years of off-the-plan sales, while the skylines of capitals such as Canberra have real estate commentators urging caution.

Make sure you consider the bigger picture if buying off the plan. Research how many other developments are planned in the area and whether any increase in apartment numbers is justified by new or improved infrastructure, such as transport corridors, business precincts, universities or hospitals.

Make sure you purchase from a reputable builder and take the time to research their previous projects. Do they use quality contractors? Do they deliver projects on time? Make a point of visiting some of their projects so you can assess the finished product first-hand.

• Investments like this are big decisions, so investing in the right professionals to have onside before you commit is money well spent. Ensure you get professional legal advice on any contract before you sign it and that you speak with your financial advisor or tax professional to make sure you’ve got the right advice from day one.
• Make sure your deposit will be refunded if the project doesn’t go ahead by a certain date.
• Make sure the contract contains as much detail as possible about the finished product.
• Be clear on what finishes and fixtures you can customise.
• Find out if you can on-sell during construction in case your circumstances change.
• Ask if you can inspect the site during construction.
• Check the area you are looking at and keep to the average value for the type of home for the area your are building in.
• Keep your circumstances as stable as possible leading up to the start of construction
• Talk to your mortgage broker about your plans