Your questions answered
Our FAQs are designed to provide general guidance on common questions around business, commercial, residential, and personal lending. While the answers give a useful overview, every client’s circumstances are unique and may affect how these apply to you.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific needs in more detail or answer any questions not covered here. Please reach out via our Contact page or use the details at the bottom of this FAQ page to get in touch with our team.
Business and Commercial
What types of business loans are available to me?
There are many types of facilities available depending on your needs. These include:
- Working Capital Facilities – overdrafts, trade finance, and invoice/debtor finance to smooth cash flow.
- Term Loans – for acquisitions, business expansion, or major investments.
- Asset & Equipment Finance – tailored solutions for vehicles, plant, and machinery.
- Property & Development Finance – funding for commercial property, construction, or development projects.
- Agribusiness & Rural Lending – seasonal funding, equipment finance, and property loans.
- Refinancing & Debt Restructuring – to optimise your existing debt structure.
We’ll help you choose the right facility, or combination of facilities, that aligns with your business objectives.
How much can my business borrow?
Your borrowing capacity depends on your financial performance, cash flow, debt levels, business plan, and the security available. We’ll analyse your situation to provide a realistic borrowing range, then structure facilities to maximise capacity while keeping repayments manageable. A wellprepared financial package can significantly increase the amount lenders are willing to offer.
What information do I need to apply for a business loan?
Lenders typically require:
- Recent financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet, tax returns)
- Cash flow forecasts and budgets
- Details of existing debts and liabilities
- A business plan (particularly for start-ups or major expansions)
- Information on security or collateral
We’ll guide you step by step, and where needed, collaborate with your accountant or advisors to prepare lender-ready documentation.
Do I need a business plan to get finance?
While not always mandatory, a business plan is strongly recommended. It demonstrates your strategy, repayment ability, and vision for growth. For new businesses or larger transactions, it’s often essential. If you don’t have a plan, we can help through our Business Advisory services, ensuring you present your business in the best possible light to lenders.
Will I need to provide security for a business loan?
Most commercial loans require some form of security. This may include business assets, commercial or residential property, or director guarantees. The type and amount of security will depend on the facility and your risk profile. We’ll help you assess your options and structure the loan in a way that balances risk, flexibility, and borrowing power.
How long does it take to get a business loan approved?
Approval times vary depending on the complexity of the loan and the lender. Simple facilities may be approved within a week, while more complex transactions can take several weeks. The timeframe also depends heavily on the availability and quality of your data. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the process and may result in less favourable terms, such as higher rates, reduced borrowing capacity, or fewer lender options. We work closely with you and your advisors to ensure your information is accurate, complete, and lender-ready, helping to streamline the process and maximise outcomes.
How do I know which lender is right for me?
Different lenders have different appetites, pricing models, and approval criteria. We compare options across a whole of market panel, including major banks and specialist financiers. By understanding your goals and circumstances, we can match you with the right lender and negotiate competitive terms on your behalf.
Can I refinance or restructure my existing loans?
Yes. Refinancing or restructuring can help reduce costs, improve cash flow, extend repayment terms, or release equity for growth. We regularly review facilities for clients and identify opportunities to optimise debt structures ensuring your finance works for you, not against you.
What industries do you specialise in?
We work with businesses across a broad range of industries including hospitality, retail, construction, manufacturing, engineering, property development, and agribusiness. Our wide experience means we understand sector specific challenges and can tailor funding solutions accordingly.
Why should I use a broker instead of going directly to a bank?
Banks represent their own interests; we represent yours. As brokers, we:
- Access a wide panel of lenders instead of just one bank.
- Present your application in the strongest way possible.
- Negotiate on your behalf to secure competitive terms.
- Save you time by managing the process end to end.
- Our expertise not only increases the likelihood of approval but also improves the quality of the outcome.
Can I get a loan if my business is new or doesn’t have a long trading history?
Yes, but it can be more challenging. Lenders may place greater emphasis on your personal credit history, security, and the strength of your business plan. We can help structure applications for start-ups and early stage businesses to give you the best chance of approval.
What interest rates can I expect on a business loan?
Rates vary depending on the facility type, loan amount, security offered, and your risk profile. We compare rates across lenders and negotiate on your behalf to secure the most competitive deal.
Do you only deal with large businesses?
No. We work with businesses of all sizes, from small family run enterprises to large corporates. Many of our clients are SMEs who value hands on guidance and tailored support.
What happens if my loan application isn’t straightforward?
Not every business fits neatly into a lender’s box, and that’s where our expertise makes the difference. Each lender has its own credit policies, risk appetite, and product set what may be outside the scope for one lender could be well within range for another.
At makFIN Capital, we put in the work upfront to assess your situation and guide you around the likelihood of success before any application is submitted. By understanding your business in detail and aligning it with the right lenders, we can identify the most suitable options and provide a realistic view of the terms you are likely to achieve. This avoids wasted applications, protects your reputation with lenders, and ensures every submission has the strongest chance of approval.
We’ll walk you through the options, explain the pros and cons, and where needed, suggest strategies to strengthen your financial position before applying. Our goal is always to position your business in the best possible light and secure funding that supports both your immediate needs and long-term success.
Do you charge for your services?
In most cases, we are paid by the lender once your loan settles, meaning no direct cost to you. Where advisory services are required (such as preparing a business plan or restructuring financials), we are upfront and transparent about any fees.
Personal and Residential
What types of home loans are available?
There are many different types of home loans, each designed to suit different needs. Options include variable or fixed rate loans, split loans, interest-only loans, and packages with offset accounts or redraw facilities. Some products are more flexible, while others prioritise certainty.
At makFIN Capital, we assess your situation and goals, then compare products across our whole-of-market lender panel to find the right fit. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option in plain language so you can make an informed choice.
How much can I borrow for a home loan?
Your borrowing capacity depends on several factors: income, expenses, deposit size, existing commitments, and credit history. Lenders also consider their own risk appetite, which can vary significantly.
We calculate a realistic borrowing range upfront so you know what to expect, then structure your application to maximise your borrowing power without overcommitting you.
How much deposit do I need?
Most lenders require a deposit of 5 to 20% of the property value. A higher deposit usually means lower repayments and fewer costs, while deposits under 20% typically require Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Some lenders also have restrictions based on property type and location which could result in the need for a higher deposit.
We’ll help you explore all options, including guarantor loans or government schemes, and determine the most cost effective way to structure your deposit and loan.
What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?
LMI is an insurance premium that protects the lender if you default on your loan. It doesn’t protect you directly but can allow you to buy sooner with a smaller deposit.
At makFIN Capital, we’ll calculate whether paying LMI makes sense for you or if it’s better to wait or structure the loan differently. Our goal is always to minimise unnecessary costs.
Can I get a loan if I’m self employed?
Yes, however lenders often require additional documentation such as tax returns, BAS statements, or business financials. Some lenders specialise in “low-doc” loans that use alternative ways to verify income.
We have extensive experience helping self employed clients. We’ll work with you and your accountant to compile accurate, lender-ready information and present your case in the best possible light.
How long does it take to get approved?
Timeframes depend on the lender, the complexity of your application, and the quality of your documentation. Pre-approvals can sometimes be issued within a few days, while full approvals may take 1 to 3 weeks.
The availability and accuracy of your financial data plays a critical role. Incomplete or inconsistent information can delay the process and even result in higher rates or reduced borrowing capacity. We guide you through the paperwork and ensure everything is correct upfront to avoid delays and improve your outcome.
What’s the difference between pre-approval and full approval?
- Pre-approval is conditional approval based on a review of your financials. It gives you an indication of what you can borrow but isn’t a guarantee.
- Full approval occurs once the lender has fully assessed your application and the property you’re purchasing. Only then is finance formally confirmed.
We manage both stages, ensuring you’re confident when making an offer and fully supported through to settlement.
What documents will I need for a mortgage application?
There is no set list of documents a lender will require as it will depend on your personal circumstances. However as a guide most lenders require:
- Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, or business financials if self-employed)
- Bank statements
- ID documents
- Details of assets and liabilities
- A contract of sale (for full approval)
We’ll give you a tailored checklist, liaise with your accountant where needed, and ensure everything is lender-ready, avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth.
Can I use government grants or schemes?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for schemes such as the First Home Owner Grant, First Home Guarantee, or stamp duty concessions. These can reduce upfront costs and make property ownership more achievable.
We’ll assess your eligibility, explain how each scheme works, and guide you through the application process so you don’t miss out on available support.
Can I refinance my existing home loan?
Absolutely. Refinancing can help you reduce your interest rate, access better features, or release equity for renovations, investments, or personal needs.
At makFIN Capital, we don’t just look at the headline rate, we compare the full package across multiple lenders and ensure the refinance delivers genuine long-term savings and benefits.
What is an offset account, and how does it work?
An offset account is a savings account linked to your home loan. The balance offsets against your loan, reducing the interest charged. For example, if you owe $400,000 and have $50,000 in your offset, you’ll only pay interest on $350,000.
We’ll explain whether an offset account is right for you and compare products to ensure you’re not paying extra for features you don’t need.
What personal loans do you offer?
We arrange both secured and unsecured personal loans for a variety of needs, including vehicles, education, home improvements, lifestyle expenses, or debt consolidation. The right option depends on your financial circumstances and whether you’re offering security.
At makFIN Capital, we simplify the process by comparing options across our whole-of-market lender panel to find the most competitive solution for you. We’ll assess your circumstances, explain the pros and cons of each option, and handle the legwork from application through to settlement. Our focus is not just on securing approval, but on ensuring the loan is structured in a way that supports your broader financial goals, now and into the future.
Will applying for a loan affect my credit score?
Yes, each application leaves a mark on your credit file. Multiple direct applications to different banks can harm your score.
We protect your credit history by assessing your situation first, then targeting the most suitable lenders. This increases your chances of approval while avoiding unnecessary credit enquiries.
What if I have a poor credit history?
Having a poor credit history doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get a loan. Some lenders specialise in working with clients who have had past credit issues, though terms may differ.
We’ll review your credit report, identify the most suitable lenders, and help present your application in the best possible way. Where necessary, we can also advise on strategies to improve your credit profile before applying.
Why should I use a broker instead of going straight to the bank?
Banks only offer their own products, which may not always suit your needs. A broker represents you, not the bank, and gives you access to a broad panel of lenders with different policies, rates, and features.
Working with a broker also saves you time and stress. We handle the paperwork, compare options, and negotiate terms on your behalf.
At makFIN Capital, we simplify the process by comparing options across our whole-of-market lender panel to find the most competitive solution for you. We’ll assess your circumstances, explain the pros and cons of each option, and handle the legwork from application through to settlement. Our focus is not just on securing approval, but on ensuring the loan is structured in a way that supports your broader financial goals, now and into the future.