The Refinancing Process: Step by Step
Understanding the refinancing journey helps remove uncertainty and stress. Here’s what to expect when you work with Unconditional Finance.
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
We begin by understanding your situation, goals, and priorities. This consultation is completely free with no obligation to proceed. We’ll discuss your current loan details, financial goals, and any challenges you’re facing.
2. Preparing Your Documentation
To compare lenders and submit applications, you’ll need documentation including recent payslips, bank statements, tax returns (if self-employed), details of your current home loan, and identification documents. We’ll provide a simple checklist to streamline this process.
3. Comparing Lenders and Loan Options
This is where working with a mortgage broker provides real value. We compare offers from our panel of 40+ lenders simultaneously, presenting you with options that match your criteria. We handle all negotiations with lenders on your behalf, advocating for the best possible terms.
4. Application and Approval
Once you’ve selected your preferred option, we prepare and submit your application. Most lenders will order a property valuation to confirm your home’s current market value. We remain in regular contact with the lender throughout the assessment process, keeping you updated on progress.
5. Settlement and Beyond
At settlement, your new lender pays out your existing loan, and your new mortgage begins. Settlement typically occurs 4-6 weeks after application. Our relationship doesn’t end here; we regularly review our clients’ loans to ensure they remain competitive.
How Much Can You Save by Refinancing?
The potential savings from refinancing depend on several factors. Let’s look at some real-world examples.
Rate Reduction Example
Scenario: $500,000 loan with 25 years remaining at 6.00% p.a., refinancing to 5.25% p.a.
- Current monthly repayment: $3,221
- New monthly repayment: $2,994
- Monthly saving: $227
- Total interest saving over remaining term: Approximately $68,000
Debt Consolidation Example
Scenario: $450,000 mortgage at 5.5% p.a. + $30,000 in personal loans and credit cards at average 15% p.a.
- Current total monthly repayments: $3,980
- Refinanced repayments: $3,160 (all debt consolidated)
- Monthly saving: $820
- Annual saving: $9,840
Use our online refinancing calculator to discover your potential savings based on your specific situation.
Unconditional Finance vs Going Direct to a Lender
| Feature | Refinancing with Unconditional Finance | Going Direct to a Lender |
|---|
| Lender Access | Compare 40+ lenders simultaneously | Limited to one lender’s products |
| Rate Negotiation | We negotiate on your behalf | Limited negotiating power |
| Cost to You | Completely free (lenders pay us) | Same interest rates as using a broker |
| Ongoing Support | Regular loan reviews | You must monitor rates yourself |
| Application Support | We prepare all paperwork | You complete applications yourself |
| Approval Success | Higher rates through expert presentation | Standard approval process |
| Flexibility | Available evenings and weekends | Banking hours only |
| Unbiased Advice | Lender-agnostic recommendations | Promotes their own products only |
Refinancing After Using the 5% Deposit Scheme
If you originally purchased your property under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (formerly known as the Home Guarantee Scheme), refinancing may still be available, although certain conditions could apply. In some cases, refinancing with another participating lender may allow you to retain the government guarantee. If you move to a non-participating lender and have less than 20% equity, standard lending criteria — including potential Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — might apply. As eligibility rules and lender participation can change, it’s important to review your current position before proceeding.