Step-by-Step: How to Get a Home Loan
Christian Stevens, Mortgage Broker
Published December 11, 2025, 1:19 P.M
Learn how to get a home loan in Australia with this step-by-step guide. Understand borrowing power, pre-approval, approval and settlement with Flint’s expert brokers.
Key Facts
- Securing a home loan in Australia involves several core stages: borrowing power assessment, pre-approval, property search, formal approval, and settlement.
- Lenders evaluate your income, savings history, living expenses, debts, and credit score to determine eligibility.
- Working with an experienced mortgage broker increases your chances of approval by comparing lenders, policies, and loan products.
- Understanding each phase reduces stress and helps you secure a competitive home loan.
- Flint’s expert mortgage brokers support you through every stage — from your first question to receiving the keys.
Understand Your Borrowing Power
Before you start house hunting, it’s essential to know how much you can borrow. Your borrowing capacity is determined by factors such as:
- Employment income and any additional income streams
- Household living expenses
- Current debts (HECS-HELP, credit cards, personal loans)
- Number of dependants
- Credit score, repayment behaviour, and financial history
A clear borrowing estimate helps you shop within your budget and strengthens your loan strategy.
Use Flint’s borrowing power guidance or speak directly with a Flint mortgage broker for a personalized assessment.
Get Pre-Approval
A home loan pre-approval is a conditional agreement from a lender indicating how much they’re willing to lend you. It gives you confidence when making offers and signals to real estate agents that you’re a serious buyer.
To get pre-approved, you’ll need:
- Payslips or income verification
- Bank statements (savings, expenses, liabilities)
- Photo ID and credit checks
- A documented savings history or proof of deposit
Find the Right Property
Once your price range is clear, you can confidently explore:
- Owner-occupied homes
- Investment properties
- Suburbs that match your budget and long-term plans
- Properties that meet Australian lender valuation and lending criteria
Some lenders restrict certain property types or postcodes.
Flint can highlight potential valuation risks and help you avoid properties that may not qualify for finance.
Submit Your Formal Application
When you’ve signed a contract of sale — ideally with a finance clause — your broker prepares your formal home loan application.
Your Flint broker will:
- Finalize your chosen lender and loan product
- Coordinate the lender’s formal property valuation
- Submit all supporting documents for full assessment
- Navigate lender policies to ensure smooth approval
This step is where having a knowledgeable mortgage broker can save significant time and stress.
Receive Unconditional Approval
This is the lender’s final confirmation that your home loan is approved.
Unconditional approval means:
- Your financial documents have been fully verified
- The property has passed valuation requirements
- Your loan structure, interest rate, and terms are locked in
Once approved, you can move ahead confidently with conveyancing and settlement arrangements.
Settlement and Move-In
During settlement, your conveyancer, the lender, and the seller’s representatives coordinate the transfer of funds and property ownership.
After settlement:
- You receive the keys to your new property
- Your loan repayments typically start one month later
- Flint continues supporting you through loan check-ins, refinancing options, and long-term lending strategies
Flint’s goal is not just to help you settle — but to support your financial wellbeing long after you move in.
📞 Want Expert Guidance Through Every Step?
At Flint, we simplify the entire home loan journey by:
- Guiding you from your first question to settlement day
- Comparing lenders to match you with the right loan
- Helping first home buyers, investors, and refinancers
- Making the home loan process smooth, strategic, and stress-free
Talk to Flint today and start your home ownership journey with Australia’s trusted mortgage brokers.
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