Home loans
Your home loan should work as hard as you do
Buying the home you’ll actually live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. I look at how the loan fits your whole financial picture, not just how it looks on settlement day.
Prefer to talk first? Call Durand direct on 0450 275 656
Securing their Eltham dream home despite a visa roadblock
Situation: A Partner Visa limited which lenders would consider James.
Result: A $972,000 loan, three lenders competing, settled in 60 days.
James and Debra were at the peak of their earning potential and ready to buy their long-term family home in Eltham. James earned $177,000 a year in a transport role that had him travelling across Australia and New Zealand, and Debra earned $144,000 providing software to legal and accounting firms.
There was one complication. James held a Partner Visa, so not every lender would consider him. Rather than take the first willing lender, I approached several directly, compared how each treated his visa status, and negotiated between the three strongest.
They found their home for $1,215,000. With $240,000 in savings, and stamp duty and government fees covered by Debra’s parents, I secured a loan of $972,000 and settlement was completed just 60 days later.
Because James and Debra were in such a strong position, several lenders competed for their business, which gave me real leverage on both the rate and the product structure.
The result was a home in their ideal suburb, a loan structured around their long-term plans, and a foundation in place well before they’re ready to start the next chapter of their family life.
Sound like your situation? Tell me a bit about your plans and I’ll show you how I’d structure your loan.
Not just about the interest rate
An owner occupied loan is assessed differently to an investment loan, and lenders generally offer better terms because you’re living in the property. But the rate is only one part of the equation. Loan-to-value ratio, offset and redraw features, fixed versus variable, and how the loan sits alongside your other goals all shape what the loan actually does for you over time. Getting the structure right matters more than shaving a few points off the rate.
It suits you if you are
- Buying your next home to live in, not to rent out
- Upgrading to suit a growing family
- Relocating for work or lifestyle
- Wanting a loan structured for future flexibility, not just today
- Looking for a broker who explains things in plain English
Why clients choose me for owner occupied lending
I don’t just arrange the loan, I look for the detail in your numbers that makes the difference between a structure that merely gets approved, and one that actually suits the life you’re building.
How I can help
Getting a loan approved isn’t the goal. Structuring it so it actually suits your life is. Here’s where I focus for every owner-occupied loan.
Loan structure matched to your goals
Offset, redraw or split loans chosen for how you actually live, not a generic package.
Negotiating on your behalf
I compare and negotiate across a panel of 70+ lenders so you are not settling for the first yes.
Pre-approval that holds up
A pre-approval built on realistic numbers, so it still stands up when you find the right property.
Buffer and serviceability planning
Structured so a rate rise or income change does not put you under pressure.
How buying with me works
Buying a home is stressful enough. The process working with me shouldn’t be.
Why professionals work with me
You’ll deal with me from your first question to the day you get the keys, and every review after that.
23+
Years in financial services
70+
Lenders on panel
5★
Google rating
1:1
End-to-end service, no handoffs
Home loan FAQs
What is the difference between an owner occupied and an investment home loan?
An owner occupied loan is for a property you intend to live in, while an investment loan is for a property you rent out. Owner occupied loans generally attract lower interest rates because lenders consider them lower risk, but you need to notify your lender if the purpose of the property changes.
How much deposit do I need for an owner occupied home loan?
Most lenders prefer a deposit of at least 20 percent to avoid lenders mortgage insurance, though some will lend with as little as 5 to 10 percent deposit. The right amount depends on your borrowing capacity, the property price, and how comfortable you want your repayments to be.
What loan features should I actually use, offset, redraw, or both?
An offset account holds your savings against your loan balance to reduce interest, while redraw lets you access extra repayments you’ve already made. Which one, or whether you use both, depends on how you manage your cash flow day to day. I’ll walk you through which combination suits your situation.
Can I get pre-approved before I find a property?
Yes, and it’s a smart step in a competitive market. Pre-approval gives you a realistic borrowing figure so you can shop with confidence, though the final approval still depends on the specific property you choose.
Ready to talk about your next home loan?
Tell me a bit about what you’re looking to do and I’ll come back with clear, honest guidance on your options.
Related reading
Want to go deeper before you get in touch? Start here.
A guide to buying a house
The essentials to understand before you start house hunting in earnest.
11 strategies to help pay off your mortgage sooner
Practical ways to bring your home loan payoff date forward.
Explore more lending options
An owner occupied loan is often just the beginning. Here’s where else to look.
Equity release
Once you’ve built equity in your home, put it to work for your next goal.
Investment property loans
Thinking beyond your own home? Explore lending for building a property portfolio.
Refinancing solutions
Already have a home loan? See whether a better structure is available.