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Owner-Occupied Home Loans in Australia
Buying or refinancing your own home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The right loan structure can save you tens of thousands of dollars over time.
At Palisade Brokers, we help Australians secure owner-occupied home loans that are structured properly from day one. Whether you’re a first home buyer, upgrading to a family home, downsizing, or refinancing an existing mortgage, we act as your advocate by comparing lenders, negotiating rates, and tailoring a solution that suits your real-world goals.
Because we’re primarily broker-led, we’re not tied to one bank. That means clearer advice, sharper options, and a strategy that works now and into the future.
What Is an Owner-Occupied Home Loan?
An owner-occupied home loan is a mortgage used to purchase or refinance a property you live in as your principal place of residence.
These loans typically attract:
- Lower interest rates than investment loans
- More flexible features
- Access to government incentives (where applicable)
Lenders view owner-occupied properties as lower risk, which is why choosing the right structure upfront is critical.
What These Loans Are Commonly Used For
- Buying your first home
- Purchasing a family home
- Upgrading or downsizing
- Refinancing an existing owner-occupied loan
- Releasing equity for renovations or personal use
How Owner-Occupied Home Loans Work
Owner-occupied loans can be structured in several ways depending on your income, lifestyle, and future plans.
Common options include:
- Variable, fixed, or split interest rates
- Offset accounts to reduce interest
- Flexible repayment options
- Redraw facilities
The “cheapest” loan is rarely the best long-term loan, structure matters more than rate alone.
Who These Loans Are Best Suited For
Owner-occupied home loans are ideal for:
- PAYG employees
- First home buyers
- Families upgrading or renovating
- Self-employed borrowers with stable income
- Homeowners looking to refinance or restructure debt
If your income or situation is complex, we can explore low-doc or specialist options without defaulting to expensive products.
Some borrowers may also explore structured options through Low-Doc Loans if income documentation is limited.
Key Benefits of an Owner-Occupied Home Loan
- Generally lower interest rates
- Access to first home buyer incentives (where eligible)
- Flexible repayment structures
- Ability to build equity faster
- More lender choice when brokered correctly
Common Challenges (And How We Solve Them)
Borrowing capacity concerns → We assess multiple lenders, not just one calculator.
Deposit limitations → We explore lender policies, guarantor options, and alternatives.
Unclear loan structures → We design loans that work now and still make sense in 5–10 years.
Rate shock or refinancing confusion → We proactively review and restructure when needed.
Our Process at Palisade Brokers
- Initial Strategy Call
Understand your goals, income, and timeline. - Borrowing Capacity & Structure Assessment
We assess multiple lenders and loan types. - Lender Selection & Application
We negotiate terms and manage the process end-to-end. - Approval, Settlement & Ongoing Support
We don’t disappear after settlement – reviews matter.
Related Loan Options You May Want to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most lenders require at least 5-20%, depending on your circumstances.
Speak with a Home Loan Specialist
