Frequently Asked Questions

 First Home Purchase

  • Traditionally lenders prefer at least a 20% deposit, but now there are options to buy with less with opportunities like the 5% Deposit Scheme, Professional LMI Waivers, or Guarantor Loans. I can help you understand how much you’ll need based on your situation and which lenders or schemes you may qualify for.

  • The 5% Deposit Scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit plus purchase costs — without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government acts as a partial guarantor on your loan, which can help you buy sooner. I can check your eligibility and help you apply for a place under the scheme.

  • Yes — having some debt doesn’t automatically stop you from getting a home loan. Lenders will look at your income, repayment history, and overall financial position. I can help you understand how your debts might affect your borrowing power and what steps to take to strengthen your application.

  • You’ll need to allow for stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, and possibly lenders mortgage insurance if you’re not using a scheme. I’ll help you calculate a realistic budget upfront so there are no surprises later.

  • Timeframes can vary depending on the lender and depending on how quickly you want to progress, but generally it takes 2–4 weeks from appointment to pre-approval, depending on your lender and situation. Once you do find a property, final approval can also vary depending on the lender, but is generally quicker than pre-approval. I’ll guide you through every step, keep you updated, and handle communication with the lender so it’s as smooth as possible.

  • As a broker, I work for you, not the bank. I compare loans from multiple lenders to find one that fits your goals and explain your options clearly — so you can make informed decisions. And the best part? My service is complimentary; I’m paid by the lender once your loan settles.

  • That’s completely fine — many first home buyers start by getting clarity around their finances. I can help you understand what’s achievable now and create a plan to get you “purchase-ready” in the near future.

 Investment Purchase

  • Most lenders require a 10–20% deposit, depending on your financial position and the type of property. You may also be able to use equity from your existing home instead of cash savings — I’ll help you calculate how much equity you can access safely.

  • Investment loans are specifically designed for properties that you rent out, and they often have slightly higher rates or different repayment options. I’ll explain how each loan type works and help you choose the structure that best suits your goals.

  • It depends on your strategy. Interest-only loans can improve cash flow and may offer tax benefits, while principal-and-interest loans help you build equity faster. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each, so your loan aligns with your long-term goals.

  • Yes — that’s a common way to grow your property portfolio. I can help you access equity from your existing property without overextending yourself, and structure the loans so you maintain flexibility for future investments.

  • Aside from your deposit, you’ll need to factor in stamp duty, legal fees, property management fees, insurance, and maintenance costs.

  • Yes, it’s possible — but it depends on your goals and personal circumstances. Purchasing under a company or trust can have tax and lending implications, so it’s important to get advice from your accountant and broker before making that decision. I can coordinate with your accountant to ensure your loan structure supports your strategy.

  • Because every investor’s situation is different. I can access a wide range of lenders and products, and structure your loans in a way that supports future purchases and tax efficiency. My goal is to help you build your portfolio with confidence and clarity.

Next Home Purchase

  • You have a few options. Some clients use a bridging loan, which provides short-term finance to buy the new property before selling the current one. Others use a subject-to-sale clause in the contract. I’ll help you understand what’s possible and recommend the best approach for your situation, so you can move with confidence and minimal stress.

  • A bridging loan is a temporary loan that “bridges the gap” between buying your new home and selling your existing one. It allows you to hold both properties for a short period, giving you time to sell without rushing or compromising on price. Once your old home sells, the proceeds are used to pay down the bridging portion. I’ll run the numbers with you to make sure this option fits comfortably within your budget.

  • Yes! Equity is one of the most powerful tools for upgrading. If your current property has increased in value, you can often use that equity as part or all of your deposit for your next home. I’ll calculate how much usable equity you have and structure your new loan so it supports your long-term goals.

  • There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your finances, market conditions, and comfort level. Selling first can make budgeting simpler and reduce risk, while buying first can help you secure your dream home before it’s gone. I’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each approach and explore financing options that suit your timeline.

  • When buying your next home, it’s important to factor in stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees, moving costs, potential Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) if your equity is under 20%, and agent fees for selling your current home. I’ll help you plan ahead so there are no surprises and you know exactly what to expect.

  • Not necessarily — if you have at least 20% equity in your property, you can usually avoid LMI. If you have less, we can look at ways to minimise it or structure your loans strategically to reduce costs.

  • Absolutely. Many people choose to convert their current home into an investment property while purchasing a new owner-occupied property. I’ll help you understand how the rental income, equity, and loan structure work together — and make sure your new loan is set up tax-effectively in coordination with your accountant.

  • That’s where proper planning comes in. I’ll assess your full financial position, run through multiple scenarios (including holding two loans temporarily), and ensure your repayments stay comfortable. My goal is to make your next move feel exciting, not stressful.

  • Your current bank may not always offer the best deal or structure for your next purchase. As a mortgage broker, I compare a wide range of lenders to find options that work best for your goals, equity position, and timeline — saving you time, stress, and potentially thousands in interest.

  • Ideally, as early as possible — even before you start house-hunting. The sooner we chat, the sooner we can assess your equity, borrowing capacity, and the best strategy for your move. That way, you’ll be ready to act quickly when the right home comes along.

 Refinance

  • If your rate hasn’t been reviewed in over two years, or your circumstances have changed, it’s worth checking. Even a small rate difference can potentially lead to thousands in savings over time.

  • Some lenders charge discharge or setup fees, but in many cases, these are outweighed by the long-term savings. I’ll go through all potential costs upfront so there are no surprises.

  • Usually around 2–4 weeks from application to settlement, depending on the lender and complexity of your current loan.

  • Yes, as long as it makes financial sense. Sometimes waiting a little longer can be beneficial if there are break fees involved, but I’ll help you assess the timing.

  • Absolutely. If your property has grown in value, you can often tap into that equity for renovations, investing, or other goals — without selling your home.

  • Yes — refinancing can be a great way to simplify your finances by rolling multiple debts (like personal loans, car loans, or credit cards) into your home loan. This means you’ll have just one repayment, often at a much lower interest rate. It’s important to consider the long-term impact though — extending short-term debts over your home loan term can increase total interest paid. I’ll help you compare the numbers and decide if debt consolidation makes financial sense for you.

  • Yes, you can — but it’s important to understand how it works. When you refinance, you’ll no longer have the government guarantee that helped you purchase with a smaller deposit. This means you’ll need at least 20% equity in your property to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). If you’re unsure how much equity you have or whether refinancing makes sense right now, I can help you review your current position and explore your options.

 General

  • Thallo Finance’s services are complimentary - we are paid by the lenders after settlement.

  • As a broker, I work for you, not the bank. I compare loans from multiple lenders to find one that fits your goals and explain your options clearly — so you can make informed decisions. And the best part? My service is complimentary; I’m paid by the lender once your loan settles.

  • Application processing time is lender-dependant. It can vary from a few hours to a few weeks. We will advise the expected lender time-frames when discussing lender options.

  • While based in Brisbane, QLD, we offer our services Australia wide for purchases and refinances.