Property Purchase Loans
Which Lenders Offer Property Loans?
5 min read- Finance Guide
- Updated 2026
Quick answer
Property loans can come from
5+ lender types
Each with different policy, pricing and flexibility
- Mainstream option Major and regional banks
- Alternative option Non bank lenders
- Community model Customer owned banks
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1300 421 044
Detailed explained
Property lenders do not all operate the same way. Some focus on very clean applications with strong servicing and lower risk properties. Others are built to handle self employed borrowers, unusual security, shorter timeframes or borrowers who fall outside standard bank policy. Understanding lender types helps you match the application to a lender that is both competitive and realistic.
Common lender categories
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Major banks usually offer broad product ranges and competitive pricing for borrowers who fit standard policy well
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Regional banks and smaller authorised deposit taking institutions can be very competitive and sometimes more pragmatic on niche scenarios
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Customer owned banks, including mutual banks, credit unions and building societies, may appeal to borrowers looking for member focused service
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Non bank and specialist lenders can be useful where income, credit, property or timing does not fit mainstream bank appetite
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LENDER LANDSCAPE
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Mainstream lenders
banks and mutuals
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Flexible lenders
non bank options
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Important point
The best lender type depends on policy fit, not just headline rate
How lender selection usually works
Borrower profile
01
Start by looking at your income type, deposit, credit profile and property scenario
Lender match
02
Identify which lender category is most likely to suit the application
Policy check
03
Compare servicing rules, acceptable property types, fees and turnaround times
Application
04
Proceed with the lender whose policy and product structure best fit the deal
What lenders look at
Income type and stability
PAYG income may suit mainstream banks, while complex self employed income may need a more flexible lender
Deposit and equity position
Higher deposits or stronger equity usually expand the lender pool and improve pricing options
Credit profile
Clean repayment history usually opens the widest range of lender options
Property type and postcode
Apartments, regional properties, unusual titles or specialised assets can limit lender choice
Turnaround time
Some lenders are much faster than others, which can matter for short contract deadlines
Loan purpose and structure
Owner occupier, investor, interest only or split loan structures may suit different lenders differently
Regulatory setting
APRA limits high debt to income lending for ADIs, so some mainstream banks may be tighter on highly leveraged deals than non bank lenders
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How different lender types compare
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01. Major banks often suit straightforward borrowers seeking broad product choice and sharp pricing
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02. Regional and customer owned banks can be highly competitive and may provide a more personalised experience
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03. Non bank lenders may be stronger on flexibility, unusual scenarios or borrowers outside standard bank policy
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03. Specialist or private lenders may help where timing is urgent or the scenario is too complex for mainstream lenders, though pricing is often higher
Common problems
Choosing a lender type can be simple when the application is clean and standard. It becomes harder when the borrower is self employed, the property is unusual, the credit file is impaired, or the timeline is tight.
Wrong lender fit
A borrower may keep applying to lenders whose policy does not suit the scenario, even though another lender type may be a much better fit.
Possible solutions include:
Review lender policy before applying- Match the application to the right lender category
- Consider whether a stronger deposit improves options
- Avoid unnecessary credit enquiries
Complex income or credit history
Mainstream lenders may be conservative where income is irregular, documents are messy, or the credit file shows past issues.
Possible solutions include:
- Prepare clear income evidence
- Explain one off credit events properly
- Consider a lender with more flexible policy
- Restructure the loan amount if needed
Property or time pressure
Some lenders are slower than others, and some properties are harder to place because of postcode, title, size, condition or policy restrictions.
Possible solutions include:
- Check property policy early
- Choose lenders with realistic turnaround times
- Order valuations promptly where appropriate
- Keep backup lender options available
Steps to get Finance
Step
01
Work out whether your scenario is standard, near standard, or specialist.
Step
02
Compare banks, customer owned banks and non bank lenders on policy fit.
Step
03
Shortlist lenders based on serviceability, property rules and turnaround time.
Step
04
Prepare clean documents before lodging the application.
Step
05
Choose the product structure and lender that best align with the purchase.
Step
06
Proceed with approval, documents and settlement through the chosen lender.
Speak with a Property Finance Specialist
Property loan options can vary significantly depending on your deposit, income, credit profile, property type and timing.
A specialist can review the scenario and help identify which lender types may be worth considering.
Speak with a finance specialist about your property purchase options
Submit the short form below and a finance specialist will review the scenario and discuss possible lender options.
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