Free · No Obligation · No Jargon

Your clear path to a home loan in Australia

ClearPath Home Loans doesn't just connect you with a broker. We help you understand exactly where you stand, what you need, and what to expect — before you speak to anyone.

100% Free to use
No fees Ever, for you
Real people Not just forms
Live rates
RBA Cash Rate 4.10% ▼ cut 3x in 2025
Avg Variable Rate 5.75% p.a.
Best Fixed (2yr) 5.24% p.a.
Avg Refinance Saving $3,000/yr ↑ per Finder 2025

Where are you right now?

Every home loan journey is different. Start with your situation and we'll walk you through exactly what applies to you — step by step.

Understand Before You Commit

What most people don't know before applying

Most Australians walk into a home loan conversation unprepared. Here's what actually matters — explained plainly.

01
Your borrowing capacity

Lenders look at your income, expenses, and existing debts. A general rule: you can borrow roughly 5–6x your annual income, but your real number depends on your full financial picture.

02
The deposit question

20% avoids Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), but you can buy with as little as 5% under the First Home Guarantee. LMI isn't a penalty — it's just a cost to weigh up.

03
Fixed vs variable rate

Fixed gives you certainty. Variable gives you flexibility and often lower rates. Many borrowers split their loan 50/50 to get the best of both — this is worth understanding before you choose.

04
The comparison rate

The advertised interest rate is never the full picture. The comparison rate includes fees and gives you a true cost. Always compare loans on comparison rates, not headline rates.

05
Offset accounts

An offset account sits alongside your loan. Money in it reduces the interest you pay — dollar for dollar. $50,000 in offset on a $500,000 loan means you only pay interest on $450,000.

06
When to refinance

If your rate is more than 0.5% above what's available elsewhere, refinancing is usually worth exploring. The average Australian who refinances saves around $3,000 a year.

Your home loan readiness checklist

Tick off what you have. This is what lenders look at — and what a broker will ask you about.

Stable income for at least 3 months

PAYG employees need 3 months payslips. Self-employed need 2 years of tax returns.

A deposit saved (or equity available)

Minimum 5% for First Home Guarantee. 20% to avoid LMI. More gives you more lender options.

Genuine savings history

Most lenders want to see 3–6 months of regular savings deposits, not a lump sum received as a gift.

Clean credit history

No defaults, no missed repayments in the last 12 months. Check your credit score free at creditsavvy.com.au.

Low or manageable existing debt

Credit cards, car loans, BNPL, personal loans — all reduce what you can borrow. Pay down what you can first.

Australian citizenship or permanent residency

Temporary visa holders have fewer lender options, but some lenders will still consider you.

Valid ID and tax file number

Passport or driver's licence plus your TFN. You'll need these for any loan application.

Tick off the boxes above to see your readiness
Not sure if you tick all the boxes?

That's exactly what ClearPath is here for. A quick conversation costs nothing — we'll tell you honestly where you stand and what to work on before you apply anywhere.

Talk to someone →

No credit check. No commitment.

Good to know

Most first home buyers are surprised to find they're closer to ready than they thought. Don't rule yourself out before talking to someone who actually knows.

ClearPath Human Help

Ready to get clear on your home loan?

Tell us a little about your situation and we'll summarise exactly what you need — then connect you with the right broker. Free. No obligation. No pressure. That's the ClearPath promise.

Click here to speak to someone →

Free · No credit check · No obligation · No cost to you, ever

How It Works

What happens when you reach out

We don't just hand you off to a broker. Here's exactly what you can expect.

Step 01

You tell us your situation

A short message or call telling us where you're at — first home buyer, refinancing, not sure. No forms. No pressure. Just a conversation.

Step 02

We summarise what you need

We review your situation and pull together a clear picture — what documents you'll need, which loan types suit you, and what you're likely to qualify for. In plain English.

Step 03

We connect you with the right broker

Only when you're comfortable and informed do we introduce you to a trusted broker. They do the work from there — and their service costs you nothing.

Step 04

The broker gets paid by the lender

Brokers receive a referral fee from the lender when your loan settles. You never pay. There's no catch — this is how the Australian mortgage broking industry works.

Common Questions

Things people ask us all the time

Answers to the questions that matter most — especially if this is your first time.

How much deposit do I really need?
A minimum of 5% is possible under the First Home Guarantee scheme. But 10–20% gives you more lender choice, and 20% means no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Your ideal deposit depends on your situation.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
A formal loan application does leave a mark. But talking to us and a broker first — before any application — won't affect your credit score at all. We always advise you before anything is submitted.
What's the difference between a broker and going direct to a bank?
A broker has access to dozens of lenders and finds the best fit for your situation. A bank can only offer their own products. Brokers are paid by lenders, not by you — so their incentive is to find you the right loan.
Should I fix my rate or go variable?
With the RBA cutting rates through 2025, variable rates are popular right now. Fixed offers certainty. Many borrowers split — part fixed, part variable. A broker can model both options for your specific loan size and goals.
How long does a home loan approval take?
Conditional approval can come in 24–72 hours with the right preparation. Full approval typically takes 5–10 business days. Having your documents ready makes a huge difference.
Is refinancing worth it right now?
If you're on a rate that's more than 0.5% above current market rates, the savings often outweigh the switching costs. With 3 RBA cuts in 2025, many existing borrowers are overpaying without realising it.