These FAQs explain how mortgage brokers work in Australia, how we’re paid, and what to expect when you first get started. If you’re early in your home loan journey or simply exploring your options, this is a helpful place to begin.
Kick Finance mortgage brokers can help you compare home loan options across a range of lenders, then guide you through the application process from calculating your borrowing power to settlement. That includes explaining home loan features and costs, preparing the application, and negotiating interest rates with the lender for you.
No, our service is free of charge. Mortgage brokers are generally paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles.
Going to a bank means you’ll only see that bank’s products. With a broker, you can compare options across multiple lenders and get support choosing a loan that fits your goals, not just your lender.
Book a quick chat and we’ll ask a few questions about your plans, income, deposit, and timeline. From there, we’ll outline your options and next steps.
Lenders look at your overall credit report (repayment history, defaults, limits, and current debts). If your credit history isn’t perfect, we can advise on options and practical next steps.
Yes. You’ll usually need extra documents (like tax returns and financials). We’ll tell you exactly what’s required and match you with lenders that suit self-employed applications.
Typically: ID, payslips or income evidence, bank statements, details of debts/credit cards, and evidence of savings (plus tax returns/financials if self-employed).
We can help borrowers Australia-wide (and meet by phone/video). If you prefer in-person, let us know your location and we’ll confirm what’s available.
It varies by lender, but many home loans take around 4–6 weeks from application to settlement. We’ll keep you updated at each stage.
Buying your first home in Australia can feel overwhelming. These FAQs cover deposits, government schemes, pre-approvals, and common first-home-buyer questions, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Many lenders accept deposits from 5–10%, though a 20% deposit can help you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The right deposit depends on your income, expenses, and the lender’s criteria.
LMI is an insurance premium that may apply when your deposit is under 20%. It protects the lender (not the borrower), and it can often be added to the loan amount.
Possibly, especially if you’re eligible for certain government schemes or lender policies. We can check eligibility and explain the pros, cons, and total costs so you can decide confidently.
This depends on your state and your situation, but may include the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), stamp duty concessions, and the First Home Guarantee. We can help you understand what you may qualify for and what documents you’ll need.
Pre-approval is an indication of what you may be able to borrow (subject to conditions). Full approval happens after the lender verifies everything, values the property, and issues the final approval before settlement.
From fixed and variable rates to offset accounts and loan features, these FAQs explain how Australian home loans work in plain English and what to consider when choosing the right loan structure.
Fixed rates: your rate stays the same for a set period, which can make budgeting easier.
Variable rates: your rate can change with the market, and you may get more flexibility and features.
A split loan is part fixed and part variable. It can give you a mix of repayment certainty and flexibility.
Borrowing capacity depends on income, living expenses, existing debts, credit history, and lender policy. We’ll calculate your borrowing power and show you realistic options.
Common costs can include an application/establishment fee, valuation fees, ongoing account fees, and government costs (like stamp duty). We’ll help you understand the full cost, not just the rate.
If you already have a home loan, these FAQs explain what refinancing means in Australia, when it may be worth considering, and how to weigh potential savings against costs.
Refinancing is switching your current home loan to a new loan (with the same or a different lender) to improve your rate, features, or overall cost.
It may be worth considering if rates have changed, your fixed period is ending, you want an offset account, you’re consolidating debt, or your property value has increased. We’ll compare savings against fees so you can make a clear call.
There can be discharge fees, new loan fees, and valuation costs. We’ll estimate these upfront and show you the break-even point.
These FAQs are designed for Australian property investors and cover topics such as using equity, investment loan structures, and the key differences between owner-occupied and investment loans.
If your property has increased in value (and your loan balance supports it), you may be able to use equity as part of your deposit. This depends on servicing and lender criteria.
Interest-only repayments: you pay interest for a period, which can keep repayments lower short-term.
Principal & interest repayments: you repay interest plus the loan amount, which reduces the balance over time.
They often can be, depending on the lender and market. We’ll compare options based on your strategy and cashflow needs.
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