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How to Afford a Home Loan in Australia in 7 Steps


House viewing - affording home loan

Buying a home in Australia is a major financial undertaking, but it doesn't have to be impossible. By following these seven steps, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a home loan and affordably owning your dream home.


Step 1: Determine your borrowing capacity.

The first step to buying a home is to determine how much you can borrow. This is known as your borrowing capacity and it is calculated based on your income, expenses, and debt. You can use a borrowing capacity calculator to get an estimate of how much you can borrow.



Step 2: Save for a deposit.

The larger your deposit, the lower your monthly repayments will be. Lenders typically require a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price of the home. However, some lenders may offer first home buyer loans with a deposit as low as 5%.


Step 3: Get pre-approved for a loan.

Once you have a good understanding of your borrowing capacity and deposit requirements, you should get pre-approved for a home loan. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and what your monthly repayments will be. It will also make you more competitive in the property market.


Step 4: Shop around for the best interest rate.

Interest rates can vary significantly between lenders, so it's important to shop around and compare rates before you choose a loan. You can use a mortgage comparison website to compare rates from different lenders.


Step 5: Consider your repayment options.

There are a variety of repayment options available for home loans, so it's important to choose one that fits your budget and financial goals. Some of the most common repayment options include:

  • Principal and interest: This is the most common repayment option and it involves making regular repayments of both principal and interest.

  • Interest only: This repayment option allows you to only repay the interest on the loan for a set period of time, typically five years. This can reduce your monthly repayments in the short term, but it will mean that you pay more interest over the life of the loan.

  • Line of credit: A line of credit allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit, based on the equity in your home. You can draw on the line of credit as needed and repay the money over time.


Step 6: Be prepared for unexpected expenses.

Home ownership comes with unexpected expenses, such as repairs and maintenance. It's important to have a financial buffer in place to cover these costs.


Step 7: Get professional advice.

A financial advisor can help you create a plan to afford a home loan and make the most of your investment. They can also help you choose the right loan product and repayment options for your needs.


Additional tips for affording a home loan in Australia:

  • Consider buying with a partner or friend. This can help you increase your borrowing capacity and reduce your monthly repayments.

  • Look for government grants and incentives. There are a number of government grants and incentives available to help first home buyers and other eligible borrowers.

  • Consider buying in a less expensive area. The cost of housing varies significantly from state to state and city to city. If you're flexible with your location, you may be able to find a more affordable home.

Buying a home is a big decision, but it's one that can be made more affordable by planning ahead and getting professional advice. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a home loan and affordably owning your dream home.




Need help getting pre-approved for a home loan? Contact us today for a free consultation!




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