I’m saving for a house

Get your first home loan from the best bank for first home loans.

I'm saving for a house

Saving up for your first home can seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through effective saving strategies, understanding deposit requirements, and managing your finances so that you’re well-prepared and stay on track toward achieving your homeownership goals.

How much do I need to save?

Before you start looking for your dream house, you need to determine how much you’ll be able to borrow based on your financial situation. This will impact your savings, budgeting, and other home-buying decisions going forward.

Use our home loan borrowing power calculator to get an idea of what your home loan might look like.

Supporting this step in your journey

Buying your home and Better money management podcasts

Join host Alan Waugh and financial coach Betsy Westcott. In our Better Money Management podcast series, we'll cover essential topics including budgeting, saving, and being credit healthy. 

In this Savings episode, we talk about why saving is a key part of financial wellness, where we talk about the importance of saving goals/saving strategies and getting set for success with a savings plan.

 

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Savings accounts

Put your money into a savings account that offers competitive rates & expert financial support.

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Term deposits

Reach your savings goal faster thanks to the excellent returns on our term deposits.

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FAQs

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a type of insurance that protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on their home loan. It’s typically required when a borrower has a deposit of less than 20% of the property’s value.

While LMI doesn’t protect the borrower, it enables them to secure a home loan with a lower deposit, making it easier to enter the property market sooner. The cost of LMI is usually added to the loan amount or paid upfront.

Read more information about LMI.

What is the Home Guarantee Scheme? Am I eligible?

The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) is an Australian Government initiative that supports eligible homebuyers looking to purchase a home sooner, with a low deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Read more about the Home Guarantee Scheme.

You find out if you’re eligible on the Housing Australia website/

What is the Loan to Value ratio (LVR)?

The Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is a percentage that represents the amount of a loan compared to the value of the property being purchased. It’s calculated by dividing the loan amount by the property’s value and then multiplying by 100.

For example, if you’re borrowing $400,000 to buy a property worth $500,000, the LVR would be 80%.

Lenders use the LVR to assess the risk of a loan. Generally, a higher LVR means higher risk. This might lead to the lender taking out Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) or higher interest rates.

What are the benefits of getting pre-approval for a home loan?

Pre-approval for a home loan has several advantages, including helping you set a realistic budget, increasing your negotiating power with sellers, and potentially speeding up the final approval process once you find a property. It can also help reduce stress by providing clarity on your borrowing capacity.

However, pre-approval is typically valid for a limited time and is not a guarantee of final loan approval, because factors like property valuation and changes in your financial situation can still affect the outcome. Additionally, the process involves a credit check, which may slightly impact your credit score, and knowing your maximum borrowing limit might lead to stretching your budget beyond comfortable levels.

What do I need to do before I apply for a home loan?

Before applying for a home loan, it's essential to prepare thoroughly to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Start by gathering key documents such as proof of identity, income, savings, and liabilities. Understanding your credit score and financial situation will also help you make informed decisions.

For personalised guidance tailored to your specific needs, it's best to speak with a lending specialist. They can provide expert advice, help you understand the application process in detail, and ensure that you meet all requirements. To get started, read our home loan application checklist or speak directly with a lending specialist.

Get in touch today.

Take the next step in your home loan journey.

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Home Loan Resources

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