How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage as a First-Time Buyer

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but before you set foot in an open inspection, it’s crucial to know how much you can borrow. That’s where mortgage pre-approval comes in. This essential step gives you a clear budget range, boosting your confidence during property hunts and negotiations. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to get pre-approved for a mortgage in Australia and show you how Coposit can help you secure a property with a lower deposit requirement.

1. Understand the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval

Pre-qualification is typically an informal estimate of how much you might be able to borrow, based on the information you provide—like income, savings, and debts. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is more formal and detailed. The lender or broker reviews your financial documents, conducts a credit check, and gives you a conditional amount you’re likely eligible to borrow.

Why It Matters Credibility: Real estate agents and sellers take you more seriously if you have a pre-approval letter. Budget Accuracy: Knowing your borrowing limit helps narrow your property search to realistic price brackets.

De Burgh | ACT | Secure with $10K and $513 x 29 weeks

2. Check and Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a pivotal role in securing a favourable pre-approval. Lenders will look at your repayment history, debt levels, and credit inquiries to assess your creditworthiness.

Steps to Improve Your Score Pay Bills on Time: Even small late payments can dent your record. Reduce Existing Debt: Pay down credit cards or personal loans where possible. Limit New Credit Applications: Multiple credit checks in a short period can lower your score.

Rouse Hill, Bathla | NSW | Secure with $10K and $341 x 47 weeks

3. Gather Essential Documents

Before approaching a lender, organise documents that provide proof of income, savings, and identity. Having these on hand speeds up the pre-approval process and shows lenders you’re a prepared, low-risk applicant.

Commonly Required Documents Payslips (usually the last two or three) Tax Returns (for self-employed applicants, often two years’ worth) Bank Statements (showing regular deposits and savings history) ID Documents (passport or driver’s licence)

Auburn Square, North Village | NSW | Secure with $20K and $243 x 134 weeks

4. Determine Your Borrowing Capacity

Lenders use a serviceability assessment to decide how much they’re willing to lend you. They’ll weigh factors like your income, ongoing expenses (groceries, bills, childcare), and other debts. Tools like online mortgage calculators can give you a ballpark figure, but a broker or lender will provide a more accurate assessment.

Tip: Be realistic about your living costs. Underestimating expenses to qualify for a higher loan might cause stress when it’s time to make repayments.

East + Cowper, Granville | NSW | Secure with $10K $440 x 99 weeks

5. Choose a Lender or Broker

Australian home loans differ significantly in terms of interest rates, fees, and features. A mortgage broker can compare multiple lenders on your behalf, saving you the legwork of researching each option.

What to Look For Competitive Interest Rates: Even a small difference in rate can amount to big savings over time. Loan Features: Offset accounts, redraw facilities, and flexible repayment terms can be beneficial, depending on your financial strategy. Fees and Charges: Application fees, ongoing monthly fees, and exit costs can eat into your savings.

The Grande on London | ACT | Secure with $10k and $508 x 34 weeks

6. Submit Your Application

Once you’ve chosen a lender or broker, you’ll fill out a home loan application. Be as accurate as possible, and promptly supply any additional documents they request. This stage often involves a formal credit check, so ensure your financial history is in good shape before proceeding.

Tip: Keep an eye on your email or phone for any updates. Responding quickly to queries can expedite the pre-approval process.

Marsden Park, Bathla | NSW | Secure with $10k and $344 x 51 weeks

7. Review the Pre-Approval Conditions

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a conditional pre-approval stating your upper borrowing limit. It’s crucial to review the conditions attached to this document. Sometimes, final approval hinges on a satisfactory property valuation or updated financial checks closer to settlement.

Look Out For:

Pre-Approval Expiry Date: Typically valid for 3–6 months. Specific Property Criteria: Certain lenders might exclude rural or unique properties. Additional Requirements: LMI (Lender’s Mortgage Insurance) may apply if your deposit is below 20%.

The Edmondson Collection | NSW | Secure with $10k and $454 x 43 weeks

8. Explore Coposit for Lower Deposits

Even with mortgage pre-approval, saving a large deposit can be a challenge—especially if you’re trying to beat rising property prices. Coposit offers a flexible deposit model that reduces the need for a hefty lump sum upfront.

How Coposit Works Search & Connect Explore off-the-plan apartments, land sub-divisions, or house-and-land packages on Coposit’s online marketplace.

Get Coposit Qualified Assess your weekly payment capability and mortgage capacity, ensuring you pick a property within your budget.

Own While You Save Lock in your home with a minimum $10k deposit. Instead of paying the rest in one hit, you contribute weekly instalments—fee-free and interest-free—to a regulated trust account.

Collect Your Keys By the time construction finishes (or the property is ready), you’ve saved your full deposit. Finalise your mortgage, move in, and enjoy your new home.

With Coposit, you can secure a property sooner, take advantage of your pre-approval, and avoid getting priced out of the market while you try to save the rest of your deposit.

Dairy Farmers Towers | NSW | Secure with $10k and $952 x 52 weeks

9. Maintain Financial Discipline

Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you can max out your credit card or take on new loans without consequences. Lenders may re-check your finances before final settlement. Major changes—like quitting your job or accumulating new debt—could jeopardise final approval.

Best Practices:

Keep Documents Updated: Save new payslips and bank statements. Avoid Large Purchases: Hold off on big-ticket items (like a car or expensive holiday) until after you settle.

10. Convert Pre-Approval to Full Approval

Once you find the right property, the lender will conduct a valuation and confirm your financial details are still current. If all goes smoothly, your conditional pre-approval becomes unconditional (full) approval. You’re now ready to proceed to settlement—and soon, homeownership!