Ask us anything — these got asked first

A mortgage broker compares loan options from a panel of lenders on your behalf, recommends options suited to your situation, prepares and lodges your application, and manages the process through to settlement. Brokers must comply with a best interests duty when providing credit assistance to consumers, which means acting in your best interests when recommending a loan.

For most residential home loans, our broking service is provided at no direct cost to you — we are paid a commission by the lender you choose once your loan settles. Any commissions and how we are paid are disclosed in our Credit Guide and before you apply. Some complex or commercial scenarios may involve a fee, which we always agree with you in writing first.

Your bank can only offer its own products. A broker compares options from many lenders, which matters because lenders assess income, deposits and property types differently — the lender that suits your neighbour may decline your application, and vice versa. We also handle the paperwork and follow-ups so you deal with one point of contact.

We are based in Melbourne and most of our clients are in Victoria, but we work with clients across Australia through phone and video appointments. Loan applications are handled electronically end to end.

Influx Financial provides mortgage broking and lending services. OneHQ Accounting, led by the same directors, provides accounting and tax services. Having both under one roof means your loan strategy and tax position can be considered together — particularly useful for self-employed borrowers and property investors.

Pre-approval (also called conditional approval) is a lender's indication of how much they are prepared to lend you, based on an assessment of your income, debts and deposit. It is not a guarantee, but it lets you house hunt with a realistic budget and act quickly when you find a property. Most pre-approvals last around 90 days and can usually be renewed.

It varies by lender and how complete your paperwork is. Some lenders assess straightforward applications within a few business days; others take longer, particularly for complex income or construction loans. We track lender turnaround times and factor them into our recommendation when timing matters.

Typically photo ID, recent payslips or business financials, bank statements, and statements for any existing loans or credit cards. The exact list depends on the lender and your situation — we give you a personalised checklist up front so nothing holds up your application.

Most lenders run a credit check as part of pre-approval, which leaves an enquiry on your credit file. One or two enquiries are normal; many enquiries in a short period can affect how lenders view your file. This is one reason to compare options with a broker first rather than applying to multiple lenders directly.

LMI is insurance that protects the lender (not you) if you default on your loan. Lenders generally require it when you borrow more than 80% of a property's value. It can be a significant cost, though some buyers are eligible for LMI waivers or government schemes that reduce or avoid it — we assess this as part of your options.

Many lenders prefer a 20% deposit, but buying with less is common — typically with lenders mortgage insurance, a guarantor, or through a government low-deposit scheme if you are eligible. The right path depends on your savings, income and the property. We map out what is realistic for your numbers before you start inspecting.

Support can include first home owner grants, stamp duty concessions and low-deposit guarantee schemes. Eligibility rules, price caps and places change regularly and differ by state. We check what you may be eligible for at the time you apply, using current government criteria.

Yes, in most cases. Pre-approval tells you your realistic budget, shows agents you are a serious buyer, and means you can sign a contract or bid at auction with more confidence. Buying at auction is unconditional in Victoria, so knowing your finance position beforehand is especially important.

From first appointment to settlement, most first home buyers take a few months — allowing time for pre-approval, house hunting, formal approval and a typical 30–60 day settlement. The house-hunting stage is usually the longest and the most variable.

Common triggers are a rate noticeably above what new customers are offered, the end of a fixed term, a change in your circumstances, or wanting to access equity for renovations or investment. Whether it is worth it depends on the savings after switching costs — we run that comparison for you with real numbers before you commit.

Typical costs include a discharge fee from your current lender, government registration fees, and sometimes application or valuation fees with the new lender. Breaking a fixed-rate loan early can incur break costs, which vary with market rates. Some lenders offer rebates that offset part of these costs. We set out the full picture before you decide.

A quick review every couple of years — or whenever your fixed term is ending or your circumstances change — is a good habit. Lenders often reserve their sharpest pricing for new customers, so a periodic check keeps your loan honest. We offer this as an ongoing service to our clients.

It can be harder, because your loan-to-value ratio may be higher than when you bought. Options depend on your equity, income and lender policy. Even if refinancing elsewhere is not viable right now, we can often negotiate with your existing lender or plan the timing.