Pre-approval explained
Pre-approval is a soft credit assessment, not a loan offer. It tells you a price, gives you negotiating confidence, and lasts 90 days at most lenders.
What pre-approval actually does
Sets your maximum price ceiling. Lets you make conditional offers without “subject to finance” clauses being a deal-breaker. Costs a credit enquiry on your file (one is fine; six in three months is not).
- NewsA buyer's market nobody is buying in: spring 2026 for first home buyers
- NewsThe August pre-approval window: get assessed before spring, not during it
- BlogRentvesting in 2026: Renting Where You Want, Buying Where the Numbers Work
- BlogHow Much Can I Borrow in 2026? Serviceability, HEM, HECS and the Real Numbers
WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Comparison rates are calculated on a secured loan of $150,000 over 25 years for home loans and a loan of $30,000 over 5 years for car and personal loans, unless the lender states another basis. Business loans and equipment finance for a business purpose have no mandatory comparison rate.