Borrowing & Approval
15 articles.
How Much Can I Borrow? How Lenders Calculate Borrowing Power
What lenders actually look at when working out your borrowing power: income, expenses, debts, credit limits and the 3% buffer, plus ways to increase it.
The 3% Serviceability Buffer Explained
Lenders test whether you could afford your loan at a rate 3% higher than you'll pay. How APRA's serviceability buffer works and how it affects you.
Debt-to-Income Ratio and APRA's DTI Limit Explained
Your debt-to-income ratio compares total debt with income. How to calculate it, what APRA's 6x DTI limit from February 2026 means, and who it affects.
How Living Expenses Affect Your Borrowing Power (and What HEM Is)
Lenders check your living expenses against the HEM benchmark and your bank statements. What they look for and how to present your spending accurately.
Credit Cards and Borrowing Power: Why Your Limit Matters
Lenders count your credit card limit, not your balance, when working out borrowing power. Here's how much a card can cost you and what to do before applying.
Buy Now Pay Later and Your Home Loan Application
Do Afterpay, Zip and other BNPL accounts affect your home loan? Here's how lenders assess BNPL, what new credit laws changed, and what to do before applying.
Documents You Need for a Home Loan Application in Australia
A complete home loan document checklist for PAYG employees, self-employed borrowers and refinancers, so your application isn't held up by missing paperwork.
Pre-Approval vs Unconditional Approval: What's the Difference?
Pre-approval, conditional and unconditional approval mean different things. What each stage involves and when it's safe to commit to a purchase.
Why Home Loans Get Declined (and How to Avoid It)
The most common reasons home loans are declined in Australia, from serviceability and credit issues to valuations, and what to do if it happens to you.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Home Loan in Australia?
There's no single minimum credit score for a home loan in Australia. What lenders actually look at, what counts as a good score, and how to improve yours.
How Long Does Home Loan Approval Take in Australia?
From pre-approval to settlement, here's how long each stage of a home loan typically takes in Australia, and the most common causes of delays.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Explained: Cost and How to Avoid It
What LMI is, who it protects, what affects the cost, and the five main ways to avoid it, including government schemes, LMI waivers and family guarantees.
Your Property Valuation Came in Low: What Now?
A low bank valuation can mean a bigger deposit, LMI or a declined loan. Here's why valuations come in low, and your options when it happens to you.
Mortgage Broker or Bank: Which Should You Use?
Should you go straight to your bank or use a mortgage broker? We compare choice, cost, legal duties and service, so you can decide what suits you.
Home Loans for Casuals, Contractors and People on Probation
Can you get a home loan as a casual worker, contractor or new employee on probation? Here's how lenders assess non-standard employment, and what helps.
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