How much can you borrow?

A mortgage broker acts as the link between you and a wide range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders. Rather than going directly to a single lender and being limited to their products, a broker assesses your financial situation and searches across multiple options to find lending solutions that suit your needs and goals. At Olsen Finance Group, we handle the research, paperwork, and communication with lenders on your behalf. This saves you considerable time and effort, and means you have a knowledgeable professional in your corner throughout the entire process, from your initial enquiry right through to settlement.

We assist clients across a wide range of finance needs, including:

- Home loans for owner-occupiers and first home buyers
- Investment property loans
- Refinancing existing loans
- Commercial property finance
- Business lending
- Equipment finance
- Vehicle finance

We work with a wide panel of lenders, so we can explore a range of products to find the right fit for your situation.

A fixed rate home loan locks in your interest rate for a set period, which means your repayments stay the same during that time regardless of changes in the broader market. This can provide certainty around your budget and cash flow. A variable rate loan, on the other hand, has an interest rate that can move up or down in line with lender decisions and market conditions. Variable loans often come with more flexibility, such as the ability to make additional repayments or access a redraw facility. Some borrowers also choose a split loan, which combines both fixed and variable portions. At Olsen Finance Group, we help you understand the implications of each option so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your circumstances and goals.

When you go directly to a bank, you are only seeing what that one institution can offer. A mortgage broker like Olsen Finance Group has access to a panel of lenders, which means we can compare a much wider range of options on your behalf. This is particularly valuable if your situation is not straightforward, such as being self-employed, having variable income, or looking for a loan structure that suits a specific purpose. Beyond access to lenders, we also bring expertise, experience, and genuine support throughout the process. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options clearly, and advocate for you with lenders. Our focus is on building long-term relationships with our clients, not just completing a single transaction.

LMI stands for Lenders Mortgage Insurance. It is a one-off insurance premium that protects the lender, not the borrower, in the event that a loan cannot be repaid. LMI is typically charged when a borrower has a deposit of less than 20 per cent of the property's purchase price. The cost of LMI varies depending on the loan amount and the size of your deposit. In some cases it can be added to the loan balance rather than paid upfront. At Olsen Finance Group, we can help you understand whether LMI applies to your situation and explore options that may allow you to avoid or reduce it.

Yes, self-employed business owners can apply for home loans and other finance products in Australia. However, the application process can be more involved than it is for someone who receives a regular salary. Lenders typically want to see evidence of your income over time, which may include tax returns, business financial statements, and notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office. Some lenders also offer low-doc loan options for those who may not have the full suite of standard documentation. At Olsen Finance Group, we work with self-employed clients regularly and understand the unique challenges involved. We help you prepare your application in a way that presents your financial position clearly and accurately to lenders.

Yes. Lenders in Australia require a deposit as part of a home loan application. The size of the deposit required can vary depending on the lender, the type of property, and your overall financial profile. A deposit of at least 20 per cent of the property's purchase price is generally preferred by lenders as it avoids the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Some lenders do consider applications with a smaller deposit, and there are also specific schemes and packages that may change what is required. First home buyers may have access to low deposit government schemes that allow eligible applicants to purchase with as little as 5 per cent deposit. Medico and professional packages offered by certain lenders can also come with different deposit requirements, meaning eligible borrowers may be able to borrow with a reduced or waived LMI requirement. At Olsen Finance Group, we help you understand what is required for your situation and how to position your application accordingly.

Mortgage brokers in Australia are paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles. This means you do not pay us directly for our broking services. We are required by law to disclose all commissions and fees upfront, so you will always know exactly how we are compensated before you proceed. Our obligation is to act in your best interests, not the lender's. This is a legal requirement under the best interests duty that applies to all licensed mortgage brokers in Australia. We are transparent about how we are paid and are always happy to walk you through the details during your consultation.

Refinancing means replacing your existing loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance for a variety of reasons, including accessing equity in their property, consolidating debts, changing loan features, or simply reviewing whether their current loan still suits their circumstances. It is worth noting that refinancing is not always the right move for everyone, and there can be costs involved such as discharge fees, application fees, and other charges depending on your current loan and the new product. At Olsen Finance Group, we take the time to review your current situation thoroughly before making any recommendations. We want to make sure any change you make genuinely serves your financial goals.

The documents required will depend on your employment situation and the type of loan you are applying for. For PAYG employees, lenders typically require recent payslips, bank statements, identification documents, and details of any existing debts or liabilities. For self-employed applicants, you will generally need to provide personal and business tax returns, financial statements, and ATO notices of assessment, usually for the past two years. You may also need to provide details of any assets you own. At Olsen Finance Group, we provide you with a clear checklist of what is needed before you begin, so you can gather everything in an organised way and avoid unnecessary delays in your application.

The timeline for a home loan application can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of your financial situation, the lender you apply with, and how quickly documentation is provided. In general, once a full application is submitted with all required documents, lenders may take anywhere from a few business days to a few weeks to issue a formal approval. At Olsen Finance Group, we work to keep the process moving efficiently by helping you prepare a thorough and accurate application from the outset. We stay in regular contact with lenders on your behalf and keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand.