Let’s face it: As our lives evolve, so do our financial goals. If you’re locked into a 30-year mortgage, chances are your financial landscape has significantly shifted since you first took out your loan. This situation often prompts homeowners to re-evaluate their existing home loans to secure a better deal or take advantage of new loan features. Exploring a variety of home loans can reveal more attractive deals, making refinancing definitely worth considering. We can help you:
Ausfirst Lending, a team of expert mortgage brokers in Brisbane, can make these goals a reality by discovering the best refinancing solutions tailored to your unique situation.
When you refinance your home loan, you take out a new mortgage to substitute your existing one, either with a different lender or by renegotiating terms with your current lender. Once your new loan’s lender settles your old mortgage, you begin repaying the new loan under the updated terms. Refinancing can be a strategic move, whether your goal is to:
Refinancing can offer several advantages depending on your unique financial circumstances:
A clear understanding of your borrowing capacity is essential when considering refinancing. It helps you estimate how much you can comfortably borrow and repay each month, ensuring your new loan aligns with your financial situation. Lenders typically consider the following factors:
To further assist you in making an informed refinancing decision, you can use our online Borrowing Power and Repayments calculators. These tools are designed to help you estimate how much you might be able to borrow and what your repayments could look like under different scenarios. However, for a personalised assessment that considers your specific circumstances, it’s always best to consult directly with a mortgage broker or lender.
At Ausfirst Lending Group, refinancing your home loan is an opportunity to refine and optimise your financial strategy. Instead of simply adjusting your interest rate, we help you reassess your overall financial landscape, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future. Whether you’re aiming to switch to a more suitable loan product, shorten your loan term, or tap into your home’s equity for other ventures, our team is dedicated to finding the right refinancing solution that aligns with your evolving financial goals. Our commitment to your financial well-being doesn’t end with the refinancing process. We provide ongoing support and advice, ensuring that your home loan continues to meet your needs as your circumstances change. Partner with Ausfirst Lending Group to refine your financial path and take control of your financial future with confidence.
At Ausfirst Lending Group, you are our top priority. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance from start to finish, not just because we are legally obligated to act in your favour, but because we genuinely want to ensure your success. We focus on your objectives and requirements, and combine deep industry knowledge with a strong commitment to finding loan options that truly align with your financial needs. We simplify the entire loan application process by assessing your borrowing capacity, organising documentation, and negotiating terms on your behalf, all while securing the most favourable outcomes for you.
While some financial services may come with hidden fees, working with us ensures you won’t pay out of pocket for expert advice. Our service is free for you because we receive compensation directly from the lenders, allowing you to focus on finding the best loan without worrying about additional costs. We maintain transparency throughout the process, so you always know where you stand.
One of the key benefits of working with Ausfirst Lending is our access to a diverse range of lenders. Instead of presenting just one option, we assess a broad array of options to secure a loan tailored to your financial needs. This extensive selection allows us to tailor solutions that match your specific goals and circumstances, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
Our knowledge of the property market in Brisbane is unparalleled, and we have been helping residents buy property for years. Our mortgage brokers in Brisbane aren’t just professionals; we’re local experts who understand the intricacies of the area’s property market. This local knowledge means we can provide insights and advice that are particularly relevant to your situation. Additionally, our connections in the industry may help you access special discounts or benefits, giving you an edge when securing a loan. Read Less
Securing the right loan should be a personal journey, not a transaction. That's why when you choose us, you deal directly with Richard, the founder, who brings over 30 years of hands-on experience managing diverse loan projects across Queensland.
Unlike larger brokerages where you become just another file number, Richard personally oversees every client's loan process—whether you're purchasing your first home, refinancing, expanding your investment portfolio, or acquiring commercial equipment. His extensive industry knowledge ensures you receive tailored advice, a smooth application experience, and solutions that align with your long-term financial goals.
We’re not just mortgage brokers; we’re your trusted lending partners. With a commitment to transparency, accessibility, and genuine care.
In other words, you are not passed between departments—you are looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Speak to Richard Today →Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring loan options through a trust or SMSF, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. As your trusted Mortgage Broker on the Sunshine Coast, we offer personalised advice tailored to your needs.
Location: Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
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We provide a wide range of lending options designed to suit different property goals, financial situations, and investment strategies. Whatever your needs, our team is here to guide you to the right loan solution.
For buyers and homeowners managing their own property needs.
Get started on your homeownership journey with our first home loan options, crafted to help you secure your dream home.
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Finance your next property with ease using our second home loan options.
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Leverage the equity in your home to unlock funds for renovation, investment, or other financial needs.
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Adapt your mortgage to suit your changing life circumstances with ease.
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Utilise your self-managed super fund to invest in property with our specialised SMSF loan options.
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Secure funding for your trust's investment needs with our trust loan solutions, tailored for optimal outcomes.
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Unlock exclusive lending opportunities tailored for sophisticated investors ready to scale.
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Live where you love and invest where it counts with our rentvesting strategies.
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Own your dream holiday retreat with our tailored holiday home loan solutions.
Buy a Holiday Home
Transform your property with renovation loans tailored for projects of any size.
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Finance eco-friendly homes or upgrades with our green loan products.
Go Green with Financing
Secure finance for your business property needs with our commercial loan options.
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Save thousands by avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance with our waived options and find out about our unique loan strategies.
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Tailored for self-employed professionals and business owners who may not have traditional income verification.
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Take advantage of a 100% Offset Home Loan to minimise the interest you pay by linking your savings directly to your mortgage.
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With a Family Guarantee Home Loan, your parents or close family members can help you enter the property market by using their home equity as security.
Leverage Family SupportWe provide tailored lending options for healthcare workers, educators, tradespeople, legal professionals, and business owners—designed to suit the way you earn and work.
At Ausfirst Lending Group, we understand that medical and healthcare professionals need more than just a loan—they need a lending partner who appreciates their unique journey. Whether you're a doctor, nurse, dentist, or allied health specialist, we provide tailored home loan solutions with personal guidance, LMI waivers, and flexible options that fit your career and lifestyle. With Richard’s 30+ years of hands-on broking experience, we ensure your loan process is managed with care, transparency, and expertise from start to finish
Designed to accommodate complex income structures like private practice, hospital rosters, and ABNs.
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Flexible loan terms aligned with shift work schedules and frontline service benefits.
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Mortgage options that recognise the cash flow patterns of clinic-based professionals.
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Lending solutions tailored for high-earning professionals with private practice considerations.
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Explore Optometrist Packages
Designed to support pharmacists navigating retail, hospital, or business ownership income structures.
Mortgage Options for Pharmacists
Tailored lending for physiotherapists in private clinics or mobile practices.
Loans Designed for Physio
Loan programs suited to private practice psychologists and those in multidisciplinary clinics.
See Psychologist Lending BenefitsEducators play a vital role in shaping future generations, and we’re here to ensure their home loan journey is just as rewarding. Whether you're a school teacher, early childhood educator, university lecturer, or support staff member, we offer home loan solutions designed to recognise your dedication to the community. From exclusive lending benefits to flexible loan structures, we simplify the process so you can focus on what you do best—teaching and supporting others.
Mortgage solutions that support educators with steady incomes and eligibility for LMI waivers.
Discover Teacher ProgramsFor those who serve and protect—whether in law enforcement, emergency services, legal professions, or defence—navigating the home loan process should be as straightforward as possible. We offer tailored mortgage solutions that acknowledge the unique demands of your profession, providing structured lending benefits, flexible options, and personalised support.
From police officers and firefighters to lawyers and defence personnel, we’re here to simplify your path to homeownership with solutions designed around your service.
Structured home loans for legal professionals with scalable borrowing capacity as careers progress.
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Reliable mortgage options designed for law enforcement with steady service incomes and allowances.
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Flexible lending for self-employed tradies with fluctuating incomes and contractor work history.
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Flexible lending tailored to business owners and freelancers with variable documented income.
Apply as Self-Employed
Structured loan solutions designed for accountants with layered income sources and business deductions.
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Lending options structured for engineers with contract-based or salaried employment structures..
Loan Packages for EngineersWe begin by understanding your unique goals and needs through an initial consultation (via phone, Zoom, or in person).
We gather key information to validate your financial situation and lay the foundation for the right loan strategy.
We carefully review your options and craft a lending strategy tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
We prepare and submit your application to the lender, ensuring everything is in order.
We manage the settlement process, keeping you informed every step of the way and making sure everything proceeds seamlessly.
We provide continuous support and review, offering updated loan options as your needs evolve over time.
You can determine if refinancing is the right decision for you by evaluating your current financial situation and consulting with a mortgage expert. At Ausfirst Lending, our goal is to serve your best interests. Whether we believe refinancing is advantageous for you or staying with your current loan is better, we will advise you accordingly.
The refinancing process in Australia typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks. If you choose to refinance with your existing lender, the process may be quicker as they already have your financial information on file. However, switching to a new lender could take longer since they need to thoroughly review your financial situation and property valuation before approving the loan. Delays can also occur if additional documentation or further assessments are required.
Refinancing can have a minor impact on your credit score, primarily due to the "hard enquiry" that occurs when a lender reviews your credit report as part of the application process. This may slightly lower your score, particularly if multiple credit checks are done in a short time. However, the effect is usually temporary, and if you maintain timely payments on your new loan, your credit score may improve over time.
While you may not need to pay your broker a fee, there are other costs associated with refinancing. These can include break fees if you exit a fixed-rate loan before the term ends, discharge fees from your current lender, and application or establishment fees with the new lender. Additionally, you might incur costs for property valuation, legal fees, and settlement fees, which are necessary to finalise the new loan. It's crucial to weigh these potential costs against the benefits of refinancing to ensure it's a financially sound decision. Consulting with your broker or lender beforehand can help you understand and plan for these expenses.
Funds obtained through refinancing can generally be used for a wide range of purposes, such as consolidating debt, funding home improvements, or covering other personal expenses. However, certain loan terms may impose restrictions, especially regarding how you can use the money, such as limiting its use to specific purposes like renovations. It's important to carefully review your loan agreement and discuss any restrictions with your lender to ensure the refinancing aligns with your financial goals.
Choosing the best interest rate when refinancing depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. A fixed interest rate offers stability, as your repayments remain unchanged during the fixed term, making it easier to budget. On the other hand, a variable rate can change with market conditions, potentially offering lower repayments when rates drop, but it also carries the risk of increased costs if rates rise. A split loan combines both, allowing you to fix part of the loan while leaving the remainder variable, offering a balance of predictability and flexibility. It's advisable to discuss these options with your broker to determine which suits your situation best.
The comparison rate gives a more accurate picture of a loan's true cost by including both the interest rate and certain upfront and ongoing fees. It helps you assess the total financial impact of the loan, making it a key tool for comparing different loan offers. When evaluating refinancing options, consider the comparison rate alongside the interest rate to ensure you're making an informed decision.
When refinancing, you can choose from various features such as offset accounts, which help reduce interest by offsetting your loan balance against savings, and redraw facilities, which let you access extra repayments made on your loan. Other features may include split loans, where you can divide your loan into fixed and variable components, and portability options, enabling you to transfer your loan to a new property without refinancing. Make sure to discuss your specific needs with your broker to ensure they recommend a loan with the features that best match your financial goals.
Refinancing through a mortgage broker can offer you expert guidance, access to better rates, and time savings. They can assist in clarifying complex terms, securing favourable conditions for you, and handling the paperwork, ensuring a smoother and more efficient process.
When working with a mortgage broker, it's essential to understand their compensation structure. Mortgage brokers typically earn commissions from lenders, not from you as the borrower. These commissions can be split into two types: an upfront commission, which is a percentage of the loan amount paid when the loan is settled, and a trailing commission, which is a smaller, ongoing payment based on the remaining loan balance over time. While brokers are required by law to act in your best interest, it's important to ask them to disclose the exact commission they receive from lenders and any potential conflicts of interest to ensure transparency.
The range of lenders a mortgage broker collaborates with significantly influences the variety of loan products available to you. Brokers who work with a large and diverse panel of lenders can offer a broader selection of home loan options, which can increase your chances of securing a loan that best meets your needs. A wider lender network also enhances your broker's ability to negotiate competitive terms and rates on your behalf. Make it a point to ask your broker about their network of lenders, including whether they have connections with major banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders, to ensure you're presented with the best possible choices.
To ensure the loan recommended by your broker is the best fit for your needs, it's important to consider multiple loan options. Although brokers are mandated to work in your best interest, you should ask them to explain why they believe a particular loan is the most suitable for you. Additionally, compare the recommended loan with other available options, focusing on interest rates, fees, features, and overall cost. Tools like Moneysmart's mortgage calculators can help you evaluate different loans objectively, ensuring you make an informed decision.
To verify if your mortgage broker is properly licensed to provide credit advice, you can check their credentials through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Connect's Professional Registers. Additionally, reputable brokers are often members of professional bodies such as the Finance Brokers Association of Australia Limited (FBAA) or the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA). These organisations have strict membership criteria and codes of conduct, which further ensure that the broker adheres to industry standards. Always ask your broker to provide their licence details or check these resources directly.
When you apply for refinancing, the lender will require several key documents to assess your financial situation. These generally include proof of income, such as recent payslips or tax returns, your credit report, and details of your current loan. Additionally, you'll need to provide evidence of your assets and liabilities, like bank statements and any outstanding debts, as well as identification documents. The exact requirements may vary between lenders, but these core documents help them evaluate your ability to repay the loan and ensure you meet their lending criteria.
Once you submit your refinancing application, the lender will begin a thorough review of your financial details. This process includes verifying your income, assets, and liabilities, as well as conducting a credit check. The lender will assess your eligibility based on these factors and their lending criteria. If additional information is needed, they may request further documentation. Approval is subject to various factors, including your creditworthiness and the lender's assessment of your repayment capacity. If the lender approves your application, they will issue a loan contract for you to review and accept, and the refinancing process will then advance to settlement.
In July 2023, Australians refinanced a record amount of $20.2 billion, which was driven by increasing interest rates and a desire to secure better loan terms. This amount represented an all-time high, reflecting a significant rise compared to previous years. The surge in refinancing indicates the broader economic environment, where borrowers are looking to reduce their mortgage costs or access equity from their homes to manage financial needs or opportunities.
Ausfirst Lending Group is proud to be recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards under the Professional Services category, showcasing our commitment to excellence and dedication to serving the community with integrity and expertise.
We don’t just find you a loan that fits; we aim to get one that exceeds your expectations in terms of rates, options, and service.
We work with over 40 lenders, including big banks and non-bank lenders, giving you unparalleled mortgage choice—you have plenty of options to choose the most suitable home loan for you.
Our team is dedicated to guiding you throughout your homeownership journey, whether it’s securing your first home or an additional investment property. We provide ongoing support, including a 6-month review process to keep your loan competitive.
Every mortgage broker on our team has over 10 years of industry experience, ensuring expert advice every step of the way.
We tailor home loan solutions that prioritise your best interests, not the bank’s.
Our entire process is transparent and easy to understand, making the entire journey hassle-free.
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Ausfirst Lending Group Australian Credit Licence Number: 387366 | ABN: 68 845 798 048
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