First Home Buyers

Borrowing above 80% usually involves Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which protects the lender but can help you enter the market sooner.

- Some lenders accept deposits as low as 5%
- Common for first home buyers and certain professionals
- Government schemes or LMI waivers may be available

At Plavin Finance, we help you compare the true cost of buying now versus waiting, so you can make an informed decision.

In most cases, you won’t pay a fee to use a mortgage broker.

Mortgage brokers are typically paid by the lender after your loan settles, which means there is usually no upfront cost to you.

Loan options are generally offered at the same rates as going direct to a bank
Broker commissions are regulated by law
You’ll receive full disclosure of how we’re paid before proceeding
Any fees (if applicable) are clearly explained upfront

At Plavin Finance, we make sure you understand exactly how we’re paid before any application is submitted, so you can proceed with confidence.

Yes, self-employed borrowers can access home loans.

The main difference is that lenders assess your income differently, which is where we guide you through the process.

Typically requires tax returns and financials
Some lenders offer low-doc (or alternative verification - what do you think the best wording is here?) options using BAS or bank statements
Lenders focus on income stability and consistency
Certain lenders are more flexible for self-employed applicants

At Plavin Finance, we help identify suitable lenders, present your income clearly, and work with your accountant to gather the right documents and strengthen your application.

A mortgage broker gives you access to multiple lenders, not just one. Going directly to a bank limits you to their products, while a broker compares options across the market.
A mortgage broker can:

-Compare more than just interest rates and fees
-Assess loan features, lending policies, and eligibility
-Access lenders suited to different borrower situations
-Improve approval outcomes by matching you with the right lender
-Save time by managing the process from application to settlement

At Plavin Finance, we focus on educating you throughout the process, so you understand your options and can make confident, informed decisions. We act in your best interests and simplify the process from start to finish.

Home loans can often be adjusted as your circumstances change.

Life events like starting a family, changing jobs, or planning renovations can all impact your needs, and there are usually options available.

Common examples include:

-Refinance to access equity or improve your loan
-Restructure your loan or adjust repayments
-Plan ahead to create more flexibility
-Access hardship support if you experience temporary financial difficulty

At Plavin Finance, we provide ongoing support well beyond settlement. We recommend reviewing your loan regularly to ensure it still suits your goals, and we’re here to help you manage your mortgage as your circumstances evolve.

Fixed Rate
A fixed rate home loan locks in your interest rate for a set period, typically between one and five years, which means your repayments remain the same regardless of market changes during that time. This provides certainty and helps with budgeting, as you'll know exactly what your mortgage repayments will be.

Variable Rate
A variable rate home loan has an interest rate that can move up or down in response to market conditions, which means your repayments can change over time. Variable loans often come with more flexibility, such as the ability to make extra repayments or access redraw facilities.

At Plavin Finance, we can help you understand which option suits your financial situation and goals. Some borrowers choose a split loan, which combines both fixed and variable portions, allowing you to benefit from the security of fixed rates while maintaining some flexibility. Your choice depends on your risk tolerance and financial circumstances.

When applying for a home loan, you’ll need documents that verify your identity, income, expenses, and overall financial position.

This typically includes:

- Identification, such as a driver’s licence and passport
- Income documents, including payslips or tax returns if self‑employed
- Bank statements showing savings, spending, and existing debts
- Contract of sale if you’re purchasing a property

At Plavin Finance, we provide a tailored checklist based on your situation and lender requirements, and guide you through gathering everything early to help keep your application moving smoothly.

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders when you're looking to purchase a home or refinance an existing loan.

At Plavin Finance, we work on your behalf to assess your financial situation, understand your goals, and then search through our panel of lenders to find suitable home loan options that align with your needs. We handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders, and guide you through each step of the application process.

This saves you considerable time and effort compared to approaching multiple banks individually. Our role is to make the borrowing process more straightforward by using our industry knowledge and lender relationships to help you secure a home loan that suits your circumstances.

Pre‑approval (also known as conditional approval or approval in principle) is when a lender assesses your finances and agrees in principle to lend you a certain amount before you buy a property. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended as it:

Helps you understand your borrowing capacity and set a clear budget
Shows agents and sellers you’re a serious buyer
Allows you to bid with confidence at auction, where purchases are unconditional

At Plavin Finance, we help you obtain pre‑approval so you can house hunt with confidence. Pre‑approval is conditional, subject to final assessment once a property is selected, and typically valid for around 90 days.

The timeline for a home loan application can vary depending on several factors, but typically the process takes between two to six weeks from application to settlement. Initial pre-approval can often be obtained within a few days, which is valuable when you're ready to make an offer on a property. The full approval process involves the lender assessing your application, verifying your documents, and conducting a property valuation. At Plavin Finance, we work to keep things moving efficiently by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission, which can help avoid delays. Complex situations or busy periods may extend the timeline, while straightforward applications with all documentation ready can sometimes be processed more quickly. We'll keep you informed throughout and provide realistic timeframes based on your specific circumstances.