Smart Property Finance, Made Simple.
Finance isn’t just about buying property — it’s about creating options.
Whether you’re buying your first home, growing an investment portfolio, refinancing for a better deal, or simply freeing up cash flow, we tailor finance solutions to fit where you’re at. With clear advice and competitive loan options, we help you secure the right funding so you can move forward with confidence.
When do you need a Home Loan?
A home loan, or property loan, is typically sought when you are looking to purchase, refinance, or invest in property. However, Australians also use property loans for a range of other financial objectives. Below are some common scenarios:
Buy or Build a Property
Upgrade or Renovate Your Home
Improve Cash Flow
Build an Investment Portfolio
Mortgage Calculators
Calculate your monthly repayments effortlessly with our mortgage calculator. Get real-time estimates based on your loan amount, interest rate, and loan term—so you can budget with confidence and clarity.
Types of Home Loans
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
A government-backed program that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit — without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). It’s designed to help first-time buyers get into the market sooner.
Refinancing to Save Money
Refinancing lets you switch your current loan to a better option — whether that’s a lower interest rate, improved features, or reduced monthly repayments. A popular choice for homeowners and investors looking to cut costs or improve cash flow.
Refinancing to Access Equity
If your property has increased in value, refinancing can allow you to access that equity. This can be used for renovations, investments, or business purposes, often through a cash-out refinance.
Investment Property Loans
Designed for purchasing property with the aim of earning rental income or long-term capital growth. These loans can include interest-only options, which may suit investors looking to manage cash flow and tax efficiency.
Buying Property Through a Trust or Company
Some investors choose to purchase property through a family trust, SMSF, or company structure. These loans can offer tax and asset-protection benefits, though they usually come with more complex lending requirements.
Construction Loans
Ideal for building a new home or undertaking major renovations. Funds are released in stages as construction progresses, helping you manage payments throughout the build.
Low-Doc / Alt-Doc Loans
Ideal for self-employed borrowers who can’t provide the full documentation traditional banks require. You can use alternatives like 6 months of bank statements, BAS statements, or an accountant’s letter to prove your income. These loans make it easier and faster for self-employed clients to access finance and achieve their property goals.
Simplify Your Home Loan Process in 6 Steps
01
Discovery
We begin with a detailed conversation to understand your financial goals, current circumstances, and any potential challenge. This helps us identify the most suitable direction for your home loan journey.
02
Assessment
We collect your documents and assess your financial situation. We assess your financial goals—short, mid, or long-term—and work collaboratively to identify lenders and loan products that best align with your objectives.
03
Application
Our team provides a tailored lending recommendation aligned with your financial objectives. Following your review, we prepare the loan application, conduct comprehensive final checks, and submit it to the lender for assessment.
04
Approval
05
Settlement
06
Ongoing Reviews
Why are we the trusted choice for clients?
Finding the right financing solution isn’t just about getting a loan—it’s about securing the best deal with expert guidance, transparency, and a seamless process. At SLNG, we take the stress out of financing, offering personalised solutions that align with your unique business financial goals. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for our clients:
Smarter Finance, Greater Savings
We focus on cost-effective solutions that align with your bottom line. Our team compares a wide range of lenders to secure competitive rates and loan structures — with no hidden fees. You’ll always know exactly what you're signing up for, with a clear path to repayment and growth.
Fast, Easy & Expert Solutions
We understand time is money. With over 12 years of experience in business lending, our process is built for speed and simplicity — from initial consultation to settlement. We handle the paperwork and lender negotiations so you can stay focused on running your business.
Tailored Support with a Long-Term View
We’re more than brokers — we’re your financing partners. SLNG takes the time to understand your business, industry, and future goals. Whether you're funding expansion, improving cash flow, or seizing a new opportunity, our personalised approach ensures the solution fits your strategy.
40+ Trusted Lenders, One Simple Solution






Delivering Exceptional Outcomes: 5-Star Reviews Speak for Themselves
Have Questions? We've Got the Answers in Our FAQs
What is refinancing?
Refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one — either with your existing lender or a different bank — to better suit your current needs and goals.
Why do people refinance?
There are many reasons homeowners/investors choose to refinance, including to:
- Reduce interest costs
- Improve cash flow
- Access better loan features
- Use equity for renovations
- Consolidate personal debts at a lower interest rate
- Access equity to invest in another property
The right refinance strategy depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
Are there any downsides to refinancing?
Refinancing can be beneficial, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture. In some cases, refinancing may extend your loan term, which can mean paying more interest over time — even if the interest rate is lower.
That’s why refinancing often makes the most sense when it’s used to:
- Access equity for renovations
- Improve cash flow for a short-term period
- Consolidate higher-interest personal debts
- Access equity to start investing and build a property portfolio
A clear strategy helps ensure refinancing works for you, not against you.
What steps are involved in refinancing?
Refinancing is usually straightforward and involves:
- Setting clear financial goals for why you want to refinance
- Revaluing your property (ideally keeping your loan-to-value ratio below 80% to avoid LMI)
- Confirming your borrowing capacity with lenders
- Speaking with your mortgage broker to compare options and choose the right loan before applying
How long does refinancing take?
Most refinances take around 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly the outgoing lender is ready to settle.
Some Australian lenders offer Fast Refinance (Fast Refi) options, which can speed up the process by reducing reliance on the outgoing lender. Eligibility varies by lender.
Is it difficult to refinance?
Generally, no. Refinancing is often easier than applying for your first home loan because you already have property as security.
If you’ve been making repayments on time and your property has increased in value, you may have built up equity — which can help you qualify for a better interest rate with a new lender.
Will refinancing affect my credit score?
In most cases, refinancing has little to no impact on your credit score.
Lenders will run a credit check when you apply. As a general rule, if you have fewer than three credit enquiries per year and a good repayment history, refinancing shouldn’t significantly affect your credit profile.
How much can I borrow when refinancing?
As a rule of thumb, many borrowers aim to keep their loan-to-value ratio (LVR) below 80% to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Example:
If your property is valued at $1,000,000 and your current loan balance is $650,000, borrowing up to 80% LVR would allow a total loan of $800,000.
This means you could potentially access up to $150,000 in equity, which may be used for renovations, debt consolidation, or building an investment portfolio.
Can I refinance my mortgage, when is it a good idea to do so?
How much equity do you need to refinance?
Can you refinance a fixed rate mortgage?
Should you fix your loan or leave it when you refinance?
The answer is subject to your future plan in the next few years.
If you’re looking for a simple solution, low rate, low fee and will keep paying it off, fixed rate could be a good option for you.
If you’re looking for more flexibility, ability to make any additional extra repayments, ability to access the extra payment amount that you made, then keeping the loan variable is more beneficial for you as it won’t incur any break costs.
Some lenders in Australia allow full offset account OR partial offset account to fixed rate products. Speak to your broker to find out whether this option is suitable to your current situation.
What is a Pre-Approval?
Why do you need a Pre-Approval?
- Budget Planning: A pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow, helping you focus on properties within your price range.
- Confidence in Negotiations: Having pre-approval shows sellers and agents that you are a serious buyer with the financial capacity to make offers. It can also give you more confidence when bidding at auctions.
- Conditional Nature: It is important to note that pre-approval is subject to certain conditions, like further verification of your financial situation and the property’s value. Knowing these conditions upfront will give you more time to prepare for and convert the loan to formal approval at ease once you find a property to purchase.
When should you apply for a Pre-Approval?
How long is Pre-Approval valid for?
Can you get denied after pre-approval?
How do you apply for a Pre-Approval? What is the process?
- Contact your broker to discuss current financial situation and what you are looking to achieve.
- Provide supporting documentation to your broker (IDs, payslips, tax returns, bank statements, etc.).
- Your broker will compare loan options and make recommendation.
- Submit Application to the Lender for assessment.
- Pre-Approved: this gives you an estimated borrowing limit, usually valid for 3-6 months.
Processing Time:
- Typically takes 1-14 business days.
- Pre-approval is conditional, meaning the property still needs to be approved.
Pre-approval helps you know your budget but isn’t a guarantee of final loan approval.
Does your credit report get hit when you apply for multiple Pre-Approvals?
Yes, applying for multiple pre-approvals can impact your credit report. Every time you apply for a pre-approval, the lender conducts a credit inquiry, which is recorded on your credit file. Multiple inquiries within a short period can lower your credit score and may signal to lenders that you’re a higher-risk borrower.
To avoid negatively affecting your credit score:
- Limit pre-approval applications to serious lenders you’re considering.
- Consult a mortgage broker, who can help you apply strategically without making unnecessary multiple credit inquiries.
What happens after I’m pre-approved?
Once you’re pre-approved, the process usually looks like this:
- Start property hunting
You’ll know your budget and can confidently search within your borrowing range. - Make an offer
When you find the right property, you can make an offer. We strongly recommend having a solicitor review the contract before signing.
Where possible, offers should be subject to finance and building & pest inspections. - Property valuation
After your offer is accepted, the lender will arrange a valuation to confirm the property value supports the loan. - Formal (unconditional) approval
If the valuation and all conditions are satisfied, your pre-approval converts to formal approval, and the lender issues the final loan offer. - Settlement
Funds are released and ownership transfers to you.
During this period, avoid major financial changes (new debts, job changes, large purchases), as these can affect final approval.
Is pre-approval free?
Yes — pre-approval is generally free.
- No upfront application fees in most cases
- No obligation to proceed with the loan
- Costs such as valuation or legal fees usually only apply once you move to a formal loan application
We’ll always confirm any potential costs with the lender upfront.
Can self-employed borrowers get pre-approval?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers may qualify for either full-doc or low-doc pre-approval, depending on their situation.
Low-doc loans usually require alternative income evidence such as:
- BAS statements
- Business bank statements
- An accountant’s letter
Maximum LVR:
Most low-doc loans allow 60%–80% LVR, depending on the lender and financial strength.
Low-doc loans may have higher interest rates or fees, so choosing the right lender is key.
What conditions come with pre-approval?
Pre-approval is conditional and commonly requires:
- Proof of identity
- Income verification
- Acceptable credit history
- Employment or business details
- Evidence of deposit
- Disclosure of existing debts
- A suitable property (once found)
Meeting these conditions is required before formal approval is granted.
Does pre-approval guarantee the bank will lend?
Pre-approval is a strong indication — but not a guarantee.
Final approval depends on:
- The property valuation
- No major changes to your financial situation
- All pre-approval conditions being met
Once these are confirmed, the lender issues formal (unconditional) approval.
Is pre-approval assessed by a system or a person?
Both methods are used in Australia.
Automated (system-based) pre-approval
- Faster turnaround
- Stricter criteria
- Less flexible for complex situations
Manual assessment
- Reviewed by a credit assessor
- More flexible
- Better suited to self-employed or complex applications
We guide you toward the right option based on your circumstances.
What’s the difference between owner-occupied and investment loans?
Owner-occupied loans are for homes you live in and usually offer:
- Lower interest rates
- Smaller deposit requirements
- More flexible features
Investment loans are for rental or growth purposes and often:
- Have slightly higher rates
- Require larger deposits
- Allow interest-only options
Is property a good investment?
Property can be a strong long-term investment due to:
- Capital growth
- Rental income
- Tax benefits
- Asset diversification
- Being a tangible, physical asset
Like all investments, the right strategy matters.
How do I know if I can afford another property?
Affordability depends on:
- Income stability
- Existing debts
- Borrowing capacity
- Available savings or equity
- Ongoing and future costs
- Ability to handle interest rate increases
A pre-approval and cash-flow assessment will give you clarity before you commit.
When is the right time to buy?
There’s no perfect market — the best time to buy is when:
- You’re financially ready
- You can comfortably service the loan
- The purchase aligns with your long-term goals
Timing the market is less important than having the right structure.
How do I choose the right mortgage broker?
Look for a broker who:
- Is ASIC-licensed and accredited
- Has experience with your loan type
- Works with a wide range of lenders
- Is transparent about fees and commissions
- Explains things clearly
- Offers support beyond settlement
A good broker doesn’t just find a loan — they help you make better decisions.