Home loan guides. Plain explanations of how home loans actually work, so you know exactly what you're choosing between. One question per guide, answered properly.
Straight answers
4 guides
How do you finance a renovation?
You'll use one of three. Increase the loan you already have, draw down a staged facility as the work gets done, or spend what's sitting in redraw. Which one depends mostly on whether walls are moving. The term you put the money over is worth about $97,000.
3Ways to Fund ItSep 2026Last Reviewed Read the guideWhat income do you need for a $1.5 million mortgage?
About $310,000 for a single buyer, or $290,000 between a couple. Why the couple needs less despite two sets of living costs, what two children add, and the $463,000 of cash a $1.875 million purchase takes on the day.
$310KSingle ApplicantSep 2026Last Reviewed Read the guideCan you avoid paying LMI?
Often, yes. Doctors, nurses, accountants and lawyers can borrow up to 95% without paying a cent of mortgage insurance, and a fourth route waives it on financial strength alone. Who qualifies, and what it saves on an Eastern Suburbs purchase.
4Ways to QualifyAug 2026Last Reviewed Read the guideIs the money in redraw actually yours?
No. Extra repayments go onto your debt, not into an account. Redraw is the bank offering to lend it back, and it can say no. The three times that happens, and why it matters most if you own an investment property.
3Ways Access ChangesAug 2026Last Reviewed Read the guideStart with your own situation
Every guide answers one question properly, with the assumptions stated on the page and reviewed dates you can check. Shane arranges home loans, first home buyer loans, refinancing, investment loans, pre-approval, renovation loans, construction loans, self-employed home loans, debt consolidation and specialist lending.
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The guides on this page are general in nature and do not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. Worked examples use the assumptions stated on each page, and lender policies and rates change.
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