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Best Mortgage Broker in Melbourne: How to Choose the Right One

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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and having the right mortgage broker by your side can make the journey much smoother. With Melbourne’s property market moving quickly and lenders constantly adjusting their policies, finding the best mortgage broker in Melbourne isn’t just about convenience, it’s about saving time, money, and stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes a mortgage broker “the best,” why local expertise matters, and how you can confidently choose the right broker for your situation.

Why Choosing the Right Mortgage Broker Matters

A mortgage broker does more than just compare rates. The right broker acts as your financial partner helping you secure a loan that matches your goals, financial circumstances, and long-term plans. In Melbourne’s competitive housing market, a skilled broker can:

  • Access lenders and deals you might not find on your own.
  • Negotiate better interest rates and terms.
  • Save you hours of paperwork and back-and-forth with banks.
  • Provide personalised advice based on your unique needs.

Tip: A good broker should never push you toward one lender. Instead, they should explain multiple options and help you understand the pros and cons of each.

What Makes a Broker the “Best”?

Not all mortgage brokers are created equal. Here are some qualities that separate the best from the rest:

  1. Experience in the Melbourne Market
    Melbourne’s property market is unique, with suburbs ranging from high-growth inner-city apartments to family homes in the outer suburbs. A local broker understands lender preferences for different areas and can advise accordingly.
  2. Access to a Wide Lender Panel
    The best brokers work with multiple lenders, not just one or two banks. This ensures you get the most competitive options.
  3. Transparency on Fees
    Brokers are typically paid by the lender, but some may charge a fee for complex scenarios. The best brokers are upfront about any costs.
  4. Tailored Solutions
    Whether you’re a first-home buyer, an investor, or refinancing, the right broker will recommend solutions based on your goals, not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Broker vs Bank: Which Is Better for Melbourne Home Buyers?

Many home buyers wonder if they should just walk into their local bank instead of using a broker. While banks offer convenience, they can only give you products from their own range.

A mortgage broker, on the other hand:

  • Gives you access to dozens of lenders in one place.
  • Can secure specialised loans for unique situations (self-employed, medical professionals, low deposit).
  • Acts as your advocate, not the bank’s.

In short, banks work for themselves. Brokers work for you.

Top Things to Look for in a Broker

When comparing mortgage brokers in Melbourne, keep these things in mind:

  • Accreditation – Check they are licensed with ASIC and a member of MFAA or FBAA.
  • Communication – Do they explain things clearly, without jargon?
  • Reviews & Referrals – Look for brokers with consistent positive client feedback.
  • Specialisation – Some brokers specialise in first-home buyers, refinancing, or professional clients like doctors and nurses.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask a broker how many clients they’ve helped in your situation. For example, if you’re a first-home buyer, ask how many first-home clients they’ve worked with recently.

Why Local Knowledge Matters in Melbourne

Melbourne’s housing market is one of the most dynamic in Australia. Interest rates, local grants, and even lender appetite can shift from one suburb to another.

A broker with local knowledge can:

  • Advise on Victoria-specific grants (like the First Home Owner Grant).
  • Help you understand stamp duty concessions available in Melbourne.
  • Recommend lenders who are more comfortable with properties in certain suburbs.

This kind of guidance isn’t something an interstate or online-only broker can easily provide.

The SGS Mortgages Difference

At SGS Mortgages, we’re proud to be a trusted name in Melbourne mortgage broking. Our difference lies in:

  • Tailored solutions for first-home buyers, refinancers, and professionals.
  • Strong relationships with multiple lenders, giving clients more choice.
  • Local Melbourne expertise, we know the market and the opportunities available here.
  • Transparent, client-first approach, we guide you, step by step, with no hidden surprises.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, upgrade, or refinance, our goal is simple: to help you secure the best possible loan for your situation.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best mortgage broker in Melbourne doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on experience, transparency, local knowledge, and lender access, you’ll quickly identify brokers who genuinely put your needs first.

Remember: your mortgage is likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make. The right broker ensures it’s not just affordable today but sustainable for years to come.

Call to Action

Ready to start your home loan journey?
Contact SGS Mortgages today for a free consultation and discover why Melbourne home buyers trust us to secure the right loan.

Doctor Home Loans: The Unspoken Benefits That Could Save You Thousands

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When you’re working long hours caring for patients, the last thing you want is to spend your limited downtime decoding the fine print of a home loan. What many doctors don’t realise is that lenders see you differently from the average borrower. Because of your career stability and strong income potential, banks often extend special benefits that can save you serious money and help you get into the property market much sooner.

If you’re a medical professional, understanding these perks can make the difference between waiting years to buy and owning your dream home or investment property far earlier than expected. Let’s walk through some of the key advantages that doctors often overlook.

1. Skip Lenders Mortgage Insurance With a Smaller Deposit

For most Australians, buying a home with less than a 20% deposit means paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) a fee that can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars. But here’s the good news: many banks waive LMI entirely for doctors, even if your deposit is only 5–10%.

What does that mean in real terms? On a $1 million property, you could save $20,000–$40,000 just by avoiding LMI. Instead of waiting years to build a 20% deposit, you can get into the market much faster while still keeping more of your cash for renovations, investments, or simply breathing room.

2. All of Your Income Actually Counts

Most borrowers find that lenders discount large parts of their income. Overtime, allowances, or locum work often get cut back or ignored, reducing borrowing power. Doctors, however, are a special case. Many banks will recognise 100% of your earnings, including:

  • Overtime and shift loadings
  • On-call payments
  • Rural or regional allowances
  • Variable locum income

Some lenders even consider future income projections if you’re moving from training to fellowship or starting in private practice. This recognition of your full earning capacity can significantly boost how much you’re able to borrow.

3. Easier Documentation for Self-Employed Doctors

If you’ve taken the leap into private practice, you might expect lenders to demand two full years of tax returns or long ABN history. That’s not always the case. Specialist lenders often provide doctors with more flexibility. You may only need:

  • A signed contract or letter of appointment
  • A few recent invoices or BAS statements
  • Less than two years of ABN trading history

This relaxed approach means you don’t have to postpone your property goals just because your practice is still in its early stages.

4. Exclusive Rates and Policy Concessions

Doctors are generally seen as “low-risk borrowers” thanks to your stable profession and long-term earning potential. Lenders reward that with policy exceptions and sharper rates that aren’t always advertised. 

These can include:

  • Higher loan amounts relative to income
  • Longer interest-only terms to manage early-career cash flow
  • Special discounts on variable and fixed interest rates
  • Flexibility when structuring loans through companies or trusts

While these perks might sound small, over the life of a 30-year loan, they can add up to massive savings and greater flexibility.

5. Low Deposit Options for Both Homes and Investments

Here’s another benefit most doctors don’t realise: you don’t need to limit low-deposit lending to just your first home. Some banks will approve 5–10% deposit loans for doctors buying either an owner-occupied property or an investment property.

That opens doors for strategies like:

  • Buying your first home sooner without needing to save 20% upfront
  • Rentvesting – living where you want, while buying an investment property elsewhere
  • Building equity early, then leveraging it into your next purchase

With property prices in many parts of Australia still climbing, being able to enter the market with less savings can be a real head start.

Why Don’t More Doctors Know About These Perks?

Quite simply, most banks don’t advertise them. And unless you’re working with a broker who understands the unique policies lenders offer to medical professionals, you may never hear about them. That means countless doctors are paying unnecessary fees or waiting longer than they need to before entering the property market.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a doctor, dentist, surgeon, or medical specialist, you’re in a fortunate position when it comes to securing finance. With waived LMI, full income recognition, flexible documentation, and lower deposit requirements, you can save money, borrow more, and buy earlier than most Australians.

The key is having the right mortgage broker who knows which banks offer these benefits and how to negotiate the best outcome for your specific situation.

Ready to Unlock Your Doctor Home Loan Benefits?

At SGS Mortgages, we’ve helped countless medical professionals take advantage of these hidden perks, whether it’s buying a first home, refinancing to a better rate, or building an investment portfolio.

Call us today, and let’s explore how much faster you could achieve your property goals.

Home Loans for First Home Buyers: Your Guide to Getting Started

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Finding the right home loan for first home buyers is one of the most critical stages on your way to owning your very first property in Australia 2025’s rapidly changing market. Whether you’re weighing up the prospect of low deposits or looking for assistance through government schemes, this guide will cover the basics, provide examples, and answer your questions. 

Why Home Loans are Important for First Home Buyers 

Starting your property journey will usually mean navigating home loans that are aimed at first home buyers. These loans have specific benefits such as; government grants, low deposit loans and flexible repayment types. (There are a lot of government incentives over the past couple of years, thus, making homeownership more possible)

Key Concepts Explained

1. Types of Home Loans Available

  • Basic Home Loans: No-frills options ideal for budget-conscious buyers; these usually come with lower fees but fewer features.
  • Package Loans: Include benefits like offset accounts or bundled insurance.
  • Principal and Interest Loans: The majority option, with repayments covering both the amount borrowed and interest.
  • Interest-Only Loans: You pay just the interest temporarily — less common for first home buyers.

2. Deposit Requirements

Traditionally, lenders have required a 10-20% deposit. However, with schemes like the Australian Government’s First Home Guarantee, eligible buyers can secure a property with just a 5% deposit — without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). This drastically lowers the barrier to entering the market.

Eligibility Criteria

To secure home loans for first home buyers, applicants generally need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have not owned property before, either alone or jointly, in the last 10 years.
  • Be buying to live in the home (owner-occupiers only).
  • Show stable income and responsible savings habits.
  • Meet lender’s income limits and serviceability tests.

Income caps currently sit at $125,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples, but these limits are being lifted for some schemes, with higher property price caps coming into effect from October 2025.

Government Support & Grants

First Home Guarantee

A flagship initiative allowing first home buyers to purchase with a small deposit (5%), and no LMI, thanks to a government-backed guarantee. This scheme is expanding, with unlimited guarantees and higher property price caps for many regions across Australia.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Most states offer grants for buyers purchasing new homes, giving a substantial financial boost towards buying or building your first property.

Shared Equity Schemes

In 2025, the Help to Buy program is helping buyers purchase homes with government equity of up to 40%, lowering both deposit and mortgage costs.

How Much Can You Borrow?

Banks assess your borrowing power by looking at regular income, savings history, and existing debts. Lenders run “serviceability” tests to ensure repayments remain manageable and government schemes can help stretch your deposit further.

Actionable Tips for First Home Buyers

  • Start early: Build a regular savings habit and check eligibility for government schemes.
  • Compare loan products: Examine interest rates, fees, and features like offset/redraw facilities.
  • Apply for pre-approval: Knowing your borrowing power streamlines house hunting.
  • Check grant deadlines: Some government grant offers have strict timeframes.

Summary

Home loans for first home buyers in Australia create endless possibilities due to strong support from the government, lower deposit options and targeted state grants. By knowing your eligibility, preparing yourself financially and taking advantage of the most up-to-date schemes, buying your first home is now more accessible. Access government policy resources and seek advice from experts in the field to ensure you take that first step confidently.

Take the first step towards owning your dream home. Book a free consultation with a SGS mortgage expert today and get personalised guidance on home loans for first home buyers no obligations, just clear advice.

FAQs

Do I need perfect credit?

A good credit score helps but is not absolutely required. Lenders may be flexible if you show consistent savings and a stable income.

Can I buy with a smaller deposit than 5%?

Some buyers can access home loans with less than 5% if a guarantor supports them (like a parent), but most government schemes have a 5% minimum.

Is it only for new homes?

Most grants apply to new or recently built homes, but the First Home Guarantee and shared equity programs can also apply for established properties (check local eligibility).

Home Loans for Self Employed: How Aussie Business Owners Can Get Approved

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Introduction

Being your own boss is great – you set your hours, choose your projects, and run your own show. But when it comes to buying a house, things can get tricky. Lenders like to see regular pay, which doesn’t always happen if you’re self-employed.

That’s where home loans for self employed come in. At SGS Mortgages, we help Aussies like you get a loan without all the stress. We look at your whole financial picture, not just your pay slips, so you can finally get the keys to your own home.

How It Works for Self-Employed Aussies

Getting a loan as a business owner isn’t that different – it just takes a few extra steps. Here’s how it usually goes:

  1. Chat with a broker about what you need.
  2. Show a couple of years of tax returns and bank statements.
  3. We match you with lenders who get self-employed borrowers.
  4. Paperwork is handled by us.
  5. You get approved and can start house-hunting.

Check out our services page to see more.

Why It’s Worth It

  • Flexible Income Assessment: Lenders look at your business records, not just monthly pay.
  • Good Interest Rates: Being self-employed doesn’t automatically mean higher rates.
  • Tailored Loans: Options that suit your business and lifestyle.

Real-Life Example

Jane runs a small business in Melbourne. Some months are great, others slower. She thought a home loan was impossible. After SGS Mortgages helped her gather her financial documents, she got approved within a month. Now she owns a home close to her shop.

Conclusion & CTA

Being self-employed doesn’t have to stop you from owning a home. SGS Mortgages makes it simple, personal, and realistic.

Want to get started? Contact SGS Mortgages for a free chat about your options today.

FAQs

Q1: Can self-employed people get home loans?
 Absolutely. With proper documents like tax returns and bank statements, lenders can approve your loan.

Q2: What do I need to show the lender?
 Usually 2 years of tax returns, bank statements, and proof of your income.

Q3: Will I pay more interest because I’m self-employed?
 Not necessarily. With solid documents and proof of steady income, rates can be similar to salaried workers.

Home Loans for Dentists in Melbourne: A Smarter Path to Property Ownership

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Introduction

Buying a home as a dentist in Melbourne comes with some advantages. Home loans for dentists often offer smaller deposits, no LMI, and faster approvals because banks see dentists as reliable earners. This guide will show how you can use these benefits to buy or home loan refinance rates with less stress and more confidence.

Why Dentists Have Special Home Loan Options

Lenders like dentists because the profession is stable and low-risk. You could get:

  • Deposit as low as 5-10%
  • LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) often waived
  • Faster loan approvals
  • Flexible assessment for self-employed dentists

Key Benefits

Lower Deposits & LMI Savings

Dentist loans let you borrow up to 90-95% of the property’s value without paying LMI, saving thousands.

Flexible Income Verification

Whether you are salaried or self-employed, lenders often make it easier to qualify.

Faster Processing & Exclusive Deals

Dentist-specific loans may have lower fees and faster approvals than standard loans.

How It Works

  1. Review your finances and set your goal.
  2. Compare loans online or with a mortgage broker.
  3. Collect pay slips, tax returns, and ID.
  4. Apply for your chosen loan.
  5. Settle once approved and start repayments.

Talk to a Melbourne mortgage broker for expert advice on how to refinance home loan or find the home loans for dentists.

Conclusion 

Dentists in Melbourne can secure low-deposit, LMI-free loans that make buying property easier and less stressful.

Contact our sgs mortgages today to find a home loan tailored to your needs. Save time, money, and stress.

FAQs

Q1: Can dentists get LMI-free loans?
 Yes. Many lenders waive LMI for dentists borrowing up to 90–95%.

Q2: Can self-employed dentists qualify?
 Yes, with the right paperwork and broker guidance.

Q3: How much deposit do I need?
 Often just 5-10%, thanks to waived LMI offers.

Refinance Your Home Loan in Melbourne: Is Now the Right Time?

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Introduction

If your mortgage doesn’t really feel right anymore, you’re definitely not alone. A bunch of people are thinking about how to refinance your home loan these days. Interest rates keep moving, and new loan deals pop up all the time. Maybe your fixed rate’s about to finish, or you’re paying too much each month, or you just want to see if there’s a better refinance option out there. If that sounds like you, then exploring ways to refinance your home loan might be worth checking out.

I am going to walk you through what refinancing means, why it is a big thing for now, how it works, and whether it might be the right move for you.

What’s Refinancing?

Refinancing just means swapping your current home loan for a new one. You can stay with your bank or pick another lender. Most people do this to get a better interest rate, get some cash out from their home, or find a loan that suits them better right now.

If you took out your loan years ago, your rate might not be so great anymore. Refinancing lets you reset your loan so it fits your life and budget today, giving you lower repayments, flexible options, and the chance to save more in the long run.

Why Are Melbourne Folks Refinancing?

Loads of fixed loans are finishing right now, so people are rethinking things. Here is why refinancing is popular:

  • Lower interest rates and smaller monthly payments
  • Switch between fixed and variable rates depending on what suits you
  • Access some of your home’s value for renovations or other big costs
  • Combine other debts into one easier-to-manage loan

Before making any decisions, it’s smart to check the best refinance home loan rates are offering right now.

What’s Good About Refinancing?

Save Money with Better Rates

Looking at the current Refinance Your Home Loan can help you find a loan with a better deal. That can save you heaps over the years.

Get Cash Out

You might be able to get some money out of your home to fix it up or cover other expenses.

Better Loan Features

Some loans come with handy stuff like redraw facilities or offset accounts to help you manage repayments.

How Do You Refinance?

Here’s the usual drill:

  1. Check your current loan — what’s the rate, fees, and can you leave without big costs?
  2. Figure out what you want — pay less, get cash out, or better features?
  3. Look at options online or chat to a mortgage broker who knows Melbourne loans.
  4. Apply with the new lender — you’ll need ID, income proof, and a property valuation.
  5. Once approved, the new lender pays off your old loan, and you start paying the new one.

Final Thoughts

If you’re paying off a mortgage in Melbourne, it’s worth checking your loan now and then. Refinancing can save you money and give you more flexibility. Keep an eye on the best refinance home loan rates Australia offers and check out your mortgage refinance options. By comparing lenders, exploring different loan features, and reviewing your financial goals, you may unlock lower repayments, shorten your loan term, or even access equity for renovations, investments, or other personal needs.

Thinking about refinancing? Book your free consultancy today for easy advice and a smooth process.

FAQs

Can I refinance if I already have a home loan?
 Yep! You can do it anytime if it helps your situation.

How long does refinancing take?
 Usually 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your lender and if a property valuation’s needed.

Are there costs involved?
There can be discharge fees, break fees, application fees, and some government charges. Make sure your savings beat the costs.

Should You Use a Mortgage Broker for Refinancing? What You Really Need to Know

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Mortgage Broker for Refinancing | SGS Mortgage

Introduction

Refinancing your home loan sounds simple, but let’s be honest, it can quickly turn into a headache. Between juggling lender options, confusing jargon, and stacks of paperwork, it is easy to get lost.

If you have thought about getting a mortgage broker for refinancing, you probably wonder if it is really worth the hassle. Do they actually save you money? Or just add another middleman? Let’s clear the air.


What Does a Mortgage Broker Actually Do?

Think of a mortgage broker like your go-to mate who’s done all the homework for you. Instead of running from bank to bank or scrolling through websites all day, the broker checks out heaps of lenders on your behalf – big banks, smaller credit unions, and lenders you might not even know exist.

They figure out what your current loan looks like, what you want from refinancing, then hunt down the deals that fit you best. Oh, and they handle the mountain of paperwork so you don’t have to. Sounds good, right?


Why Using a Broker Makes Sense

More Deals, More Choice

Going straight to your bank? You are seeing just a tiny slice of the market. A broker? They will open up the whole buffet and help you pick what’s best.

Save Time, Skip the Stress

Trying to decode loan terms and comparing offers can eat up your weekends. A broker sorts all that out so you can get on with your life.

Tailored Advice, Not One-Size-Fits-All

Your finances are unique, so why settle for generic advice? A broker listens, then finds a plan that suits your specific goals.


What Will It Cost You?

Good news – most mortgage brokers don’t charge you directly. They get paid by the lender once your loan goes through.

But refinancing itself isn’t free: you will likely pay some fees like:

  • Paying off your old loan (discharge fees)
  • Application fees on the new loan
  • Valuation fees to check your property’s worth
  • Government charges 

A decent broker will break down these costs upfront so you can see if refinancing really stacks up.

How Much Can You Actually Save?

Even a small drop in your interest rate can make a big difference. Imagine shaving off half a percent on a $600,000 loan – you might save $100 or more each month. Over 20 years, that is serious cash back in your pocket.

Beyond just rates, a broker can help you:

  • Cut down your loan term without hiking repayments too much
  • Reduce those pesky fees that add up
  • Bundle other debts into your home loan for easier payments

How Long Does It Take?

Refinancing with a broker usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Here’s the rough timeline:

  • Week 1: Talk about what you want and review your current loan
  • Week 2: Compare loans, get pre-approval started
  • Weeks 3-4: Property valuation, lender approval, and settlement

Conclusion

Refinancing your home loan shouldn’t be complex. The right mortgage broker will help you to save money, reduce stress and locate the right loan for your lifestyle and future intentions. Interested in your options? Then contact SGS Mortgages today and begin your smarter financial journey.

Ready to see what’s possible? Reach out to SGS Mortgages today and let’s get started.

FAQs

Can I refinance if my property value drops?
Maybe! It depends on how much equity you have. A good broker knows which lenders are more flexible.

Will refinancing reset my loan length?
You can choose, start fresh with a new term or keep what’s left.

Do brokers really get better deals than banks?
Usually, yes. Brokers often have access to special rates and offers banks don’t advertise.