By situation
Where your income comes from decides more than which loan you pick
Two people can want the same loan, borrow the same amount against the same kind of property, and be assessed on completely different evidence. That difference — not the interest rate — is usually what determines whether an application moves.
Salaried employee
Permanent full-time or part-time PAYG income, with payslips that match the bank statements.
Usually reads: First home, Refinance ›Self-employed or ABN holder
Sole trader, company director or trust beneficiary drawing income from your own business.
Usually reads: Self-employed, Commercial ›Contractor or casual worker
Rolling contracts, labour hire, casual shifts or a mix of PAYG and invoice work.
Usually reads: Self-employed, First home ›Business owner with entities
You borrow through, or alongside, a company or trust and there are guarantees in the picture.
Usually reads: Commercial, Self-employed ›New to Australia
Temporary visa, recently granted permanent residency, or income partly earned overseas.
Usually reads: First home, Investment ›Downsizer or near retirement
Approaching or in retirement, often selling a larger home and buying a smaller one.
Usually reads: Bridging, Refinance ›Not sure which of these you are? Several can be true at once — a salaried employee with a side ABN, or a business owner buying a home personally. If two apply, read both; the stricter evidence standard is the one that will govern the file. Run the three questions if you want a starting point.