A home you love.
A next step you understand.

Does this home fit the life you’re planning?

It is easy to picture moving day. Think about an ordinary Tuesday, too.

• List your must-haves and the things you can compromise on.
• Consider work, school, childcare, transport and time with family.
• Look at the space you need now and the changes you are planning.
• Note anything you want to revisit, inspect or ask the agent about.

Know your starting position.

A broad picture is enough to begin a conversation. FRF will explain what supporting information is needed for an assessment.

• Your income and employment circumstances.
• Your savings and the deposit you expect to contribute.
• Existing loans, credit cards and other commitments.
• If you are selling, the current mortgage and questions about sale timing.
• Savings you want to keep available after the move.

What repayments would feel comfortable?

The amount a lender might approve and the amount that suits your household can be different. Bring both questions to the conversation.

• Look at actual household spending, including expenses that arrive less often.
• Allow for family commitments and foreseeable changes to income or costs.
• Consider the savings buffer you would like to retain.
• Explore different repayment assumptions rather than relying on one figure.

The repayment calculator is a planning tool. It does not assess borrowing capacity or approve a loan.

Look beyond the purchase price.

Build a list of costs to check with the relevant professionals. Which costs apply will depend on the property and your circumstances.

• Duty and any eligibility for concessions or first-home assistance.
• Conveyancing, legal advice and property inspections.
• Lender fees and any applicable mortgage insurance.
• Moving, insurance, utilities and immediate repairs.
• Ongoing rates, maintenance and any owners corporation costs.
• If selling too, sale expenses and any gap between settlements.

Explore first-home assistance and official eligibility sources →

Know what still needs checking.

Your finance adviser, conveyancer and property professionals each have a different role. Bring their advice together before deciding how to proceed.

• Ask FRF what stage your finance is at and what remains outstanding.
• Understand any conditions or limitations of a pre-approval.
• Have your conveyancer explain the contract, dates and obligations.
• Discuss appropriate property inspections and unresolved concerns.
• Confirm how the deposit, purchase funds and settlement timing will work.

Understand home-loan pre-approval →