Increase your chances of a fast first home loan approval in Australia

Congratulations on taking the first step towards buying your first home in Australia! Applying for a home loan can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a fast approval:

1. Clean up your credit

Before you apply for a loan, make sure your credit report is in good standing. This means paying your bills on time and avoiding any late payments or defaults. You can check your credit report for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus in Australia: Equifax, Experian, and Illion.

If you have any negative items on your credit report, such as late payments or defaults, try to contact the creditors and make arrangements to repay the debt. You can also try to dispute any inaccurate information on your credit report.

Learn more about home loans.

2. Check your financial position

Make sure you can afford the monthly payments on your loan. This means calculating your income and expenses and making sure you have enough money left over to make the payments. You should also factor in the cost of home insurance, property taxes, and maintenance.

A good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly mortgage repayments to no more than 30% of your gross income. This will help you avoid becoming overleveraged and will make it easier to manage your finances.

3. Be deposit-ready

Having a 20% deposit will make you a more attractive borrower to lenders. This is because it shows that you have some money saved up and are less likely to default on your loan.

If you don't have a 20% deposit, you may still be able to get a loan, but you will likely need to pay lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). LMI is a one-off fee that protects the lender in case you default on your loan.

4. Do your research

There are many different types of home loans available in Australia, so it's important to do your research and find one that's right for you. Compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms before you make a decision.

Some factors to consider when choosing a home loan include:

Interest rate: The interest rate is the amount of interest you will pay on your loan over the life of the loan. A lower interest rate will save you money in the long run.
Fees: Home loans can come with a variety of fees, such as application fees, establishment fees, and ongoing fees. Make sure to compare the fees associated with different loans before you choose one.
Repayment terms: Repayment terms can vary from one loan to the next. Some loans have fixed repayment terms, while others have variable repayment terms. Fixed repayment terms offer peace of mind knowing that your monthly repayments will stay the same, while variable repayment terms can fluctuate with the interest rate.

5. Gather your documents

When you apply for a loan, you'll need to provide the lender with some documentation. This may include your pay stubs, bank statements, credit report, and tax returns.

It's a good idea to gather your documents ahead of time so that you can submit your application quickly and easily.

6. Consider using a mortgage broker

A mortgage broker can help you find the right home loan for your needs and can walk you through the application process. Mortgage brokers typically have access to a wide range of loans from different lenders, so they can help you compare different options and find the best loan for your situation.

Additional tips for getting a fast first home loan approval in Australia

Apply for pre-approval. Home loan pre-approval is a conditional approval for a home loan. It shows sellers that you are a serious buyer and that you have the financial capacity to borrow the money you need to purchase a property.
Choose a lender with a good reputation. Do some research to find a lender that is known for fast loan approvals. You can read online reviews and compare loan approval times from different lenders.
Be honest and upfront in your application. Don't try to hide any information from your lender. This will only delay the approval process.
Respond to requests promptly. If your lender requests additional information, be sure to respond promptly. This will help to keep the approval process moving forward.