Adelaide Finance Specialists

Home Loans Adelaide

Compare home loans from over 60 lenders with help from your local Adelaide mortgage broker — whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing.

Home Loan Options for Adelaide Borrowers

Whether you're buying your first home in Campbelltown, upgrading in Burnside, investing in Norwood or building in the Adelaide Hills — Adelaide Finance Specialists helps you compare over 60 lenders to find the right home loan. We also help with first home buyer loans, refinancing, construction loans, and SMSF lending.

As a South Australian family-owned business, we've helped hundreds of Adelaide families purchase their homes over the past 17 years. Our mortgage brokers compare over 60 lenders — including the big four banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders — to find a loan that fits your situation, not the bank's bottom line.

Home Loans for First Home Buyers

Buying your first home in Adelaide is exciting — and we're here to make it simple. From government grants to low-deposit options, we'll guide you through every step.

Why Owner-Occupied Loans are Favorable

Lower Interest Rates

Lenders offer lower rates for owner-occupied loans because individuals are significantly less likely to default on a mortgage for the home they live in. The personal and emotional connection to a primary residence means maintaining mortgage repayments is typically the highest financial priority.

Higher Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)

Lenders often permit a higher LVR for owner-occupied properties, meaning you may be able to secure a loan with a smaller deposit.

Example:

A lender might offer a 90% LVR for an owner-occupier but cap the LVR at 85% for an investor buying a similar property.

Perfect For:

First Home Buyers Upgrading Families Relocating for Work Downsizers

Investment Property Loans

An investment property loan is used to purchase a property you intend to rent out or hold for long-term growth. Here's what to know if you're considering an investment purchase in Adelaide.

How Investment Loans Differ From Owner-Occupied Loans

Lenders generally view investment loans as carrying more risk than owner-occupied loans, and this is reflected in their lending criteria and pricing.

Typical Differences:

  • Higher interest rates than owner-occupied loans
  • Stricter lending criteria
  • Lower maximum LVR (often requiring a larger deposit)

Lenders Typically Assess:

  • Your personal income & credit history
  • Expected rental income from the property
  • Local vacancy rates & rental market conditions

Common Features of Investment Loans

Interest-Only Repayments

Many investment loans offer an interest-only period — typically 1 to 5 years — where you only pay the interest and not the principal. After this period, the loan reverts to principal and interest repayments. Whether this suits your situation depends on your individual circumstances.

Tax Considerations

Interest and certain expenses on an investment loan may be tax-deductible. Tax rules can change and vary by individual circumstances. We recommend speaking with a qualified accountant or tax professional to understand what applies to you.

Important: This information is general in nature. Tax implications depend on your personal circumstances. You should seek independent tax and financial advice before making investment property decisions.

Building an Investment Property?

If you're considering buying land and building as an investment, a construction loan may be a better fit. We can talk through your options.

Learn About Construction Loans

Changing How You Use a Property

Circumstances change. You might move into a property you previously rented out, or you may move out of your home and decide to rent it to tenants.

Important:

You must inform your lender of any change in the property's use. This may affect your interest rate and loan structure. There may also be tax implications. We recommend speaking with both your broker and accountant before making changes.

Fixed, Variable or Split Home Loans

Choosing the right loan type is just as important as finding the right rate. Here's how the main options compare — and how your Adelaide mortgage broker can help you decide.

Fixed Rate

Your interest rate stays the same for a set period — typically 1 to 5 years. Great for budgeting certainty.

  • Predictable repayments
  • Protected from rate rises
  • Limited extra repayments

Variable Rate

Your rate can go up or down with market changes. Often comes with more flexibility and features.

  • Unlimited extra repayments
  • Offset account options
  • Redraw facility available

Split Rate

Combine the best of both worlds — part fixed, part variable. A popular choice for flexibility.

  • Partial rate protection
  • Flexibility on variable portion
  • Hedge against rate changes

Not sure which option suits you? Let's talk it through.

Book Your Free Consultation

Finding the Right Home Loan

Not sure which loan type suits you? Here's a quick comparison.

Home Loan Type Best Suited For
Owner-Occupied Living in the property as your primary residence
Investment Purchasing a property to rent out or hold for growth
Fixed Rate Repayment certainty — your rate stays the same for 1–5 years
Variable Rate Flexibility with offset accounts and extra repayments
Split Loan A balance of certainty and flexibility — part fixed, part variable

Our Home Loan Process

From your first enquiry to settlement day, here's how our Adelaide mortgage brokers guide you through the home loan process — step by step.

1

Strategy & Budgeting

The process begins with a thorough financial assessment to determine borrowing capacity and a realistic budget. This involves planning for a deposit and associated purchasing costs.

2

Securing Pre-Approval

Obtaining pre-approval from a lender is a critical step. It provides a firm budget for the property search and demonstrates to sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious contender.

Pre-approvals are generally valid for 3-6 months
3

Property Hunting & Due Diligence

With a budget in place, the property search begins. Once a suitable property is found, it is vital to conduct due diligence before signing a contract.

Engage solicitor/conveyancer
Building & pest inspections
4

Making an Offer & Signing Contracts

An offer can be made through a private sale negotiation or by bidding at an auction. If the offer is accepted, contracts are signed and a deposit is paid to secure the property.

Deposit typically 10% of purchase price
5

Formal Loan Application & Valuation

The pre-approval is converted into a formal loan application. This triggers the lender to order a valuation of the property to ensure its value is sufficient to secure the loan amount.

6

Unconditional Approval & Settlement

Once the valuation is confirmed and all lending criteria are met, the loan becomes unconditional. On the agreed settlement day, the new lender provides the funds to the seller's lender, the old mortgage is discharged, and the property title is officially transferred to you.

Your Broker's Critical Role

Throughout this complex timeline, a delay from any party—the solicitor, the valuer, or the lenders—can create a domino effect, potentially jeopardising the settlement and putting your deposit at risk.

The mortgage broker's role extends beyond simply arranging finance:

Central Communication Hub

Coordinating All Parties

Ensuring Deadlines Are Met

Why Choose Adelaide Finance Specialists

As a South Australian family-owned mortgage broker, we've helped hundreds of Adelaide families find the right home loan over the past 17 years. Here's what sets us apart from the big chains.

Adelaide-Based Team

We live and work in Adelaide. We know the local market, suburbs, and what SA borrowers need.

60+ Lenders Compared

We search the whole market — big banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders — to find competitive rates.

No-Cost Service

Our broking service is at no cost to you for most standard applications — we're paid by the lender at settlement.

188+ Google Reviews

Rated 5 stars by hundreds of Adelaide homeowners — read what our clients say about working with us.

Home Loan FAQs

Answers to the most common questions we hear from Adelaide home buyers.

How much can I borrow?

How much deposit do I need?

Can I buy with a 5% deposit?

What is genuine savings?

Can I use a guarantor?

What documents do I need to apply?

How long does home loan approval take?

Should I fix my home loan or go variable?

Can I refinance later?

Do mortgage brokers charge a fee?

Adelaide Finance Specialists
Adelaide Finance Specialists

Speak With an Adelaide Home Loan Broker

Ready to find the right home loan? Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing — our local brokers compare 60+ lenders to get you a great deal. Free, no-obligation consultation.

Pre-approval in days
60+ lender comparison
17+ years experience