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Home loans guides
Plain-English guides on home loans, written and reviewed by the team at Finance Lab.
Guides in this topic
11 guidesWhat Is Home Loan Portability? How Porting a Loan Works
Home loan portability lets you keep your loan when you move home. How porting a home loan works, what it may cost, and how it compares with refinancing.
Read the guide Home loansWhat is home loan pre-approval?
Home loan pre-approval shows you may be eligible to apply for a loan up to a set amount. Learn what pre-approval is, how it works, and how long it lasts.
Read the guide Home loansWhat Is an Equity Loan? Borrowing Against Your Home Equity
An equity loan lets you borrow against your home equity. Learn what an equity loan is, how borrowing against home equity works, and the risks to weigh up.
Read the guide Home loansWhat Fees Come With a Home Loan? Home Loan Fees Explained
Home loan fees explained: application, ongoing, LMI, stamp duty and exit costs in Australia, plus how the comparison rate helps you compare loans fairly.
Read the guide Home loansHow Long Does Pre-Approval Take? Home Loan Pre-Approval Timeframes
How long does pre-approval take? Home loan pre-approval timing depends on your lender and your paperwork, and pre-approval generally lasts 3 to 6 months.
Read the guide Home loansHow long does pre-approval last?
Home loan pre-approval usually lasts 3 to 6 months in Australia. Learn how long pre-approval lasts, why it expires, and how to renew it before it lapses.
Read the guide Home loansHome loan pre-approval explained
Home loan pre-approval explained: what pre-approval means, how the process works, conditional versus full approval, and what it means while you buy a home.
Read the guide Home loansThe home loan application process, step by step
The home loan application process in Australia, step by step: how to apply, what lenders assess, pre-approval, deposit and lenders mortgage insurance explained.
Read the guide Home loansGranny flat loan options: how to finance a granny flat in Australia
A plain-English guide to granny flat loan options in Australia: using equity, construction loans and personal loans, plus what lenders and the ATO look at.
Read the guide Home loansDocuments Needed for a Home Loan: The Full Checklist
The documents needed for a home loan, in one clear checklist: proof of identity, income, expenses and deposit, plus what lenders look for at pre-approval.
Read the guide Home loansBuy Before You Sell: Should You Buy or Sell First?
Buy before you sell or sell first? Compare the costs, risks and ways to fund buying a new home before selling your existing one, plus how to lower the risk.
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This information is general only and does not constitute personal financial or credit advice. Finance Lab, Australian Credit Licence 389328.