Mortgage Broker Paddington
Finance Craft is a mortgage broker in Paddington, run by Shane Howley, with 15 years arranging finance across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Paddington is one of Sydney's most loved inner-east suburbs: a dense, walkable neighbourhood of Victorian terraces, wrought iron lacework, Oxford Street galleries, and boutique cafes. Its heritage streetscapes, proximity to the CBD and the Sydney Eastern Suburbs beaches, and consistent demand from owner-occupiers and investors alike make it one of the most active property markets in Sydney. Whether you're buying a terrace, refinancing, or building an investment portfolio, I bring 30+ lenders, fast auction pre-approval, and deep local expertise, with a $0 brokerage fee.
Mortgage services for Paddington
Home Loans
Variable, fixed, and split loans across 30+ lenders. Paddington's terrace houses and apartments appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors. I compare the market to find the right rate and structure, and move quickly in a competitive market.
Learn more →Auction Pre-Approval
Paddington auctions are fast-moving and heavily contested. I arrange unconditional pre-approval before you inspect so you can bid with complete confidence and no finance conditions on auction day.
Learn more →Investment Loans
Paddington's consistent rental demand, proximity to the CBD, and heritage character make it a strong long-term investment choice. I structure lending to suit your portfolio goals, and can work alongside your financial planner or accountant to implement whatever structure they recommend.
Learn more →Refinancing
If you haven't reviewed your rate in the past two years, there's a strong chance I can find you a better deal. I compare 30+ lenders and manage the entire refinance from application through to settlement.
Learn more →Buying in Paddington? Get pre-approved before the campaign ends.
Talk to ShaneWhy use a mortgage broker in Paddington?
Paddington auctions move fast, especially for renovated terraces on desirable streets. Shane arranges pre-approval before auction day, so you can bid with confidence and without a finance condition.
Terrace & Heritage Property Expertise
Finance Craft is based in Coogee, a short drive from Paddington. Most lenders are comfortable with Paddington's Victorian terrace stock. If you're planning a renovation, heritage overlays can slow council approval times, so I help you plan your finance timeline around that from the start.
15+ Years as a Mortgage Broker in the Eastern Suburbs
I have been a mortgage broker for over 15 years and have extensive experience with high net worth clients in the Sydney Eastern Suburbs, with deep familiarity across Paddington's competitive auction market and its mix of buyers from first-timers to seasoned investors. Much of my lending here is above $2 million. Large loans are what I specialise in, and I know which lenders price and service them well.
30+ Lenders Compared
I search across banks, non-bank lenders, and specialists to find the most competitive rate and structure for your situation. One application, maximum choice, and no cost to you.
LMI Waivers for Professionals
Paddington attracts a high proportion of professionals working across the CBD and Sydney Eastern Suburbs. If you work in medicine, law, accounting, engineering, or a range of other eligible fields, you may qualify for an LMI waiver, allowing you to borrow above 80% LVR without Lenders Mortgage Insurance. See my LMI waivers guide for the full eligibility list.
What Clients Say
I had a great experience working with Shane. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had throughout the process. His communication was excellent, and he made everything straightforward and stress-free. I really appreciated his reliability and dedication, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy broker.
You won't find a better Broker in Sydney!! Shane got us the best deal and went well beyond the call of duty to ensure our deal went through without a hitch. Thank you for all your help Shane, we couldn't have done this without you!
Finding the right mortgage broker can be daunting, but save yourself the time and go to Shane from Finance Craft. He is experienced, responsive, and patient with all questions. Shane acted promptly to remove any blockers and challenges, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. He was always available for questions and calls, demonstrating his commitment and dedication, guiding us every step of the way and making the entire experience seamless. We will use his services for future property finance matters. Highly recommended, thanks Shane!
Shane has been absolutely amazing. His professionalism and availability at every step made this whole process so much easier. He answered all our 1,000 questions with such patience and expertise, which gave us the confidence to take this big step. We truly recommend him.
Shane is absolutely amazing. He makes the whole process so seamless and supports you every step of the way. He is honest and very approachable. Would definitely recommend.
Shane's knowledge, expertise, efficiency, communication & customer service is top tier. He was super helpful in explaining things I didn't understand & in a timely manner. Kept us informed at all times as to where our application was at etc. Would definitely recommend. 10/10. Thanks Shane!
Heritage character, inner-city convenience, consistent demand
Paddington is one of the few Eastern Suburbs markets where houses dominate: around 249 terrace and house sales a year against 87 units. The stock is heritage and finite, which keeps demand steady through most cycles.
Source: CoreLogic data via Your Investment Property, 2026. Figures are indicative and subject to change.
Whether you're buying, refinancing, or just exploring your options, I'm here to help.
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Paddington mortgage FAQs
Paddington auctions are competitive and move quickly, particularly for renovated terraces on desirable streets. I arrange pre-approval before auction day so you can bid without a finance condition. Once you win, the contract is immediately binding, so having finance in place before you bid is essential. I liaise with your conveyancer throughout settlement.
Most lenders are comfortable with Paddington's terrace stock, terraces are houses with land and rarely run into floor size restrictions. That rule is more relevant to Paddington's smaller apartments, where units under 50sqm internally can have a reduced lender panel. I check the property details and identify the best-matched lenders before you apply.
A 20% deposit on the median Paddington house is around $900,000 once you add stamp duty, so not everyone gets there with savings alone. Most lenders will go up to 90% or 95% LVR with LMI, and for eligible professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses and other health professionals, lawyers and accountants, an LMI waiver may allow borrowing above 80% without that cost. Upgraders often use equity in an existing property instead. I'll work out which option suits you.
Paddington has a long track record as an investment suburb, underpinned by consistently strong rental demand from professionals and proximity to major employment centres. Heritage terrace stock is relatively scarce and does not expand, which supports long-term price performance. I structure investment loans to suit your portfolio goals, and can work alongside your financial planner or accountant to implement whatever structure they recommend.
Yes, and it's your responsibility, not the lender's. Your solicitor or conveyancer will order a strata inspection report before exchange, which covers the body corporate's finances, meeting minutes, outstanding levies, and any known defects. Lenders assess the property type, floor size, and title, not the strata records themselves. Where the lender panel can narrow is for properties under 50sqm, company title, serviced apartments, or student accommodation.
Yes, on the unit side. Paddington units sell around a price range where stamp duty concessions can still apply, and older one bedroom apartments come in lower again. The caps change regularly, so checking what you're eligible for is the first thing I do. Start with my first home buyers page.
Yes. Depending on the scale, that might be a simple equity release, a loan top-up, or a construction loan with progressive drawdowns for larger structural work. Heritage overlays can slow council approvals, so build that into your timing. See construction loans for the bigger jobs.
If you're comparing mortgage brokers in Paddington, ask what happens on auction day. Shane arranges pre-approval before you bid, so finance isn't the reason you miss out. A bank can only offer you its own products. I compare more than 30 lenders and the service costs you nothing.
The service is completely free to you. Lenders pay me a commission when your loan settles. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and no obligation after an initial conversation.
Your local Sydney Eastern Suburbs broker
I specialise in helping clients across Coogee, Clovelly, Bronte, Bondi, and all surrounding Eastern suburbs.
Ready to buy, invest or refinance in Paddington?
Book a free call with Shane and let's get your finance sorted.
