Every question you had before picking up the phone.

What exactly does a mortgage broker do? +

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and lenders. Instead of walking into one bank and accepting whatever they offer, a broker compares options across a panel of lenders - in our case, 50+ - to find the loan that best fits your situation. We handle the research, paperwork, and lender communication so you don't have to.

How much does it cost to use Mont Clair Capital? +

Nothing. Our service is completely free to you from the first consultation through to settlement. We are paid an upfront commission and a small ongoing trail commission by the lender whose product you choose. This is standard across the Australian mortgage broking industry and is fully disclosed to you before you proceed.

Are you legally required to act in my best interest? +

Yes - by law. As an Australian mortgage broker, we operate under Best Interest Duty, which requires us to recommend the product that best serves your interests rather than the one that pays us the most commission. We also disclose our commission from each lender in writing before you proceed. There are no exceptions to this obligation.

Can I get a better deal going directly to a bank? +

Rarely, and even when a bank's rate is competitive, you're only seeing one product. We compare 50+ lenders simultaneously - including non-banks and specialist lenders that many people don't know exist. In many cases, we can also access better pricing with the same bank than you'd receive walking in off the street, because of our volume relationship with them.

Will using a broker affect my credit score? +

We conduct an initial assessment using a soft enquiry that does not affect your credit score. A formal credit check only occurs when we lodge your application - and we discuss this with you first. We never lodge without your explicit approval, and we identify the right lender before lodging to avoid unnecessary multiple enquiries.

What if I'm not happy with the recommendation? +

You are never obligated to proceed. We present our recommendation with full reasoning and you decide. If you disagree, we discuss it. If you're still not satisfied, you have the right to raise a complaint with us directly, and if unresolved, escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) at no cost.

What's the difference between fixed and variable rate loans? +

A fixed rate locks your interest rate for a set period (usually 1-5 years), giving you certainty on repayments regardless of RBA movements. A variable rate moves with market rates - you benefit when rates fall but are exposed when they rise. A split loan divides your borrowing between both, giving you partial certainty and partial flexibility. Which structure suits you depends on your cashflow, risk tolerance, and goals.

What is an offset account and why does it matter? +

An offset account is a savings account linked to your home loan. The balance in the offset account reduces the amount of your loan that interest is calculated on. For example, a $600,000 loan with $80,000 in an offset account means you only pay interest on $520,000. The money stays fully accessible - it's not locked in - but your interest drops from day one. Over a 30-year loan, a well-used offset account can save tens of thousands.

What is LMI and how do I avoid it? +

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a premium charged when you borrow more than 80% of a property's value (i.e. your deposit is less than 20%). It protects the lender - not you - against default. On a $700,000 purchase with a 10% deposit, LMI can cost $15,000 to $28,000. You can avoid it by: saving a 20% deposit, using a government guarantee scheme (5% deposit, no LMI), or being an eligible professional who qualifies for an LMI waiver.

How long does a home loan approval take? +

Conditional approval (pre-approval) typically takes 3-7 business days once your documents are submitted. Formal approval after your offer is accepted usually takes a further 5-10 business days, depending on the lender and valuation timeline. The full process from first consultation to settlement typically runs 4-6 weeks for a standard purchase - though we work at your pace and can move faster when needed.

What documents do I need to apply for a home loan? +

For a standard PAYG application: your two most recent payslips, last 3 months of bank statements, photo ID (passport or licence), and existing loan statements if applicable. For self-employed applicants, we typically require two years of tax returns and financial statements, or BAS statements for alt-doc applications. We'll give you a precise list based on your situation before we start.

What government schemes are available to first home buyers in 2026? +

The main federal schemes are: the First Home Guarantee (buy with 5% deposit, no LMI), the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (same 5% entry for regional purchases), and the Family Home Guarantee (single parents can buy with 2% deposit). The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) also lets you save up to $50,000 inside super at a lower tax rate. State governments add further grants and stamp duty exemptions on top of these. We identify every scheme you qualify for at no extra cost.

Can I buy with less than a 20% deposit? +

Yes - and most first home buyers do. With the First Home Guarantee, you can purchase with as little as 5% deposit with no LMI. Without a scheme, you can still borrow with a 10% or even 5% deposit, but LMI will apply. We calculate the genuine cost of LMI vs continuing to save and help you make an informed decision about when to buy.

What is stamp duty and do first home buyers have to pay it? +

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax on property purchases. For first home buyers, most states offer full or partial exemptions up to certain price thresholds. In NSW, first home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties under $800,000 (as of 2026). Victoria exempts properties under $600,000. Queensland offers concessions up to $700,000. We calculate your exact liability and identify every exemption available in your state.

Should I get pre-approval before I start looking? +

Yes - and we strongly recommend it. Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow so you search within the right range. It also puts you in a stronger position when you find a property and make an offer. Sellers and agents take pre-approved buyers more seriously. The pre-approval process takes a few days and costs nothing. We handle the whole thing.

What other upfront costs should I budget for beyond the deposit? +

Beyond the deposit and stamp duty, budget for: legal / conveyancing fees ($1,500-$3,000), building and pest inspection ($400-$800), lender application and valuation fees (varies - sometimes waived), moving costs, and utility connection fees. As a rough guide, allow 3-5% of the purchase price for all upfront costs combined, on top of your deposit.

Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed? +

Absolutely - self-employed lending is one of our specialties. The challenge isn't your ability to repay; it's that your income is documented differently. We know which lenders on our panel assess self-employed income most favourably and exactly how to present your financials to maximise your borrowing capacity.

What is an Alt Doc loan and do I qualify? +

An Alt Doc (Alternative Documentation) loan - also called Low Doc - is designed for self-employed applicants who can't provide standard tax returns. Instead of tax returns, you use BAS statements, business bank statements, or an Accountant's Declaration to verify income. These products typically require a larger deposit (20%+) but give business owners with strong cashflow access to competitive lending without waiting to lodge returns.

What are "add-backs" and how do they help my application? +

Add-backs are non-cash business expenses that reduce your taxable income on paper but don't represent actual cash leaving your business - things like depreciation, large one-off equipment purchases, or additional super contributions. We add these back to your net profit to show lenders your true income, which can significantly increase your assessed borrowing capacity without changing your tax position.

How long do I need to have been self-employed to get a loan? +

The standard is two years, but in 2026 many specialist lenders have shortened this. If you've been operating for 12 months with a strong track record in the same industry, there are competitive options available. If you recently left a long career in an industry to start your own business in the same field, some lenders will count your prior employment experience toward your stability assessment.

How do I know if it's worth refinancing? +

The key calculation is: monthly saving vs upfront switching cost. If refinancing costs $2,000 in discharge and application fees, and saves you $300/month, you break even in under 7 months and save $3,600 in the first year alone. We run this calculation for you instantly using your actual numbers - and we'll tell you honestly if the numbers don't stack up in your favour.

What are the costs involved in refinancing? +

Typical costs include a discharge fee from your existing lender ($150-$400), an application or establishment fee with the new lender (sometimes waived), legal or settlement fees ($200-$600), and potentially a valuation fee. If you're on a fixed rate and breaking early, a break cost can apply and can be significant - we calculate this before recommending a switch. Total costs are typically $1,500-$3,000 for a standard refinance.

Can I access my equity when I refinance? +

Yes - a cash-out refinance allows you to borrow against the equity you've built in your property. Common uses include funding a renovation, consolidating high-interest debt, or using the equity as a deposit on an investment property. Lenders typically allow you to borrow up to 80% of your property's current value (sometimes 90% with LMI). We assess whether equity release is appropriate for your situation and what structure makes most sense.

How often should I review my home loan? +

We recommend a review every 12-18 months, or whenever: the RBA moves rates significantly, your fixed rate period ends, your property value increases substantially, or your income or circumstances change. The mortgage market moves quickly. A loan that was competitive 2 years ago may now have 15 lenders offering better rates. We conduct annual reviews for all our clients as part of our ongoing service.

What personal loans do you offer? +

We source secured and unsecured personal loans from across our lender panel - including major banks and specialist personal lenders who often offer more competitive rates than the big four. Loan amounts typically range from $5,000 to $75,000+ with terms of 1-7 years. We compare rates, fees, and repayment flexibility across lenders to find the right product for your purpose and credit profile.

Is it better to finance a car through a dealer or a broker? +

Almost always through a broker. Dealer finance is convenient, but dealers typically access a limited panel and receive referral commissions that can inflate the rate. We access the same lenders as dealers - and more - without the markup. We also help you structure the loan correctly for your tax position (consumer loan vs. chattel mortgage for business vehicles), which dealers rarely do.

Can you help me consolidate my debts? +

Yes - but we assess it carefully first. Debt consolidation only makes sense if the combined rate on your new facility is genuinely lower than what you're currently paying across all debts, and if the term doesn't stretch your repayments over so long that you pay more in total interest. We model both scenarios and only recommend consolidation when the numbers genuinely work in your favour.

Can my SMSF borrow money to buy property? +

Yes - through a structure called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). This allows your SMSF to purchase a single acquirable asset (such as a residential or commercial property) using borrowed funds. The "limited recourse" aspect means that if your fund defaults, the lender can only claim the asset held in the arrangement - not your other fund assets. It's a powerful structure but requires specialist setup and compliance.

What are the tax advantages of an SMSF property investment? +

Rental income inside an SMSF is taxed at a maximum of 15% (compared to up to 45% personally). Capital gains on assets held more than 12 months are taxed at an effective rate of 10%. Once your fund moves into pension phase, both rental income and capital gains become entirely tax-free. This makes the SMSF structure one of the most tax-effective ways to hold investment property in Australia.

How much do I need in my super to buy a property through an SMSF? +

As a general guide, most lenders require your SMSF to have at least $200,000-$250,000 in assets before they'll consider an LRBA application. This ensures your fund can service the loan, meet ongoing compliance costs, and withstand a period of vacancy without financial stress. The right minimum depends on the specific property and lender requirements - we assess your fund's position as part of the initial consultation.

Can my SMSF buy a property from me or a related party? +

Generally no - the in-house asset rules and related party transaction rules under the SIS Act prohibit SMSFs from purchasing assets from members or related parties in most circumstances. Commercial property leased to a related business (at market rent) is a notable exception. This is a complex compliance area and we work alongside your accountant and financial adviser to ensure any structure meets ATO requirements.

What business lending services do you currently offer? +

We currently offer asset and equipment finance (chattel mortgage, finance lease, and operating lease structures for vehicles, plant, and equipment) and SME business loans (secured and unsecured working capital and growth finance). We are actively building capability in commercial property finance, development finance, and invoice/debtor finance - register your interest to be first in line.

What is a chattel mortgage and is it right for my business? +

A chattel mortgage is a business vehicle or equipment finance structure where the lender takes security over the asset (the "chattel") while you own it from day one. The key advantages are: GST on the purchase price can be claimed upfront on your next BAS, interest and depreciation are generally tax-deductible, and the asset appears on your balance sheet. It's typically the most tax-effective structure for business vehicles used primarily for business purposes.

Do you work with referral partners like accountants and financial planners? +

Yes - and we actively welcome referral relationships with accountants, financial planners, commercial lawyers, and business advisers. If you work with SME owners, investors, or business operators who need lending support, we'd like to speak with you. Contact us directly to discuss a referral arrangement.