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Pre-approval in 1–5 business days

Know exactly what you can borrow, before you start looking

A pre-approval gives you a confirmed borrowing limit so you can make offers with confidence. We manage the entire process across 60+ lenders at no cost to you.

Start My Pre-ApprovalCall 07 4599 4601
No cost to you
60+ lenders
No credit impact until you decide
1–5
business days
Typical pre-approval time
60+
lenders
Compared for your deal
FBAA
accredited
Qualified broker
Zero
cost to you
Broker paid by lender

How it works

From your first call to pre-approval letter in hand.

1

Book a free 15-min call

15 minutes

Tell us your situation: income, savings, property goals. We'll give you a quick indicative figure on the spot.

2

We assess your borrowing power

Same day

We compare your profile across 60+ lenders and identify the right products for your situation before touching your credit file.

3

You provide documents

1–2 days

Payslips, tax returns, bank statements. We give you a clear checklist. No guessing about what's needed.

4

Pre-approval issued

1–5 business days

We submit to the lender and manage the process. Pre-approval letter in your inbox within 1–5 business days.

Documents you'll need

We'll send you a personalised checklist. here's the standard list.

PAYG / Employed

  • Last 2 payslips (within 30 days)
  • Last 2 years of group certificates or payment summaries
  • 3 months bank statements (savings account)
  • 3 months bank statements (existing loans/credit cards)
  • Photo ID (passport or driver's licence)

Self-Employed / Business Owners

  • Last 2 years personal tax returns + ATO notices of assessment
  • Last 2 years business tax returns and financial statements
  • Last 4 quarters of BAS (if GST registered)
  • 6 months business bank statements
  • ABN showing 2+ years of trading
  • Photo ID (passport or driver's licence)

Self-employed? We have access to specialist lenders. Learn more →

Start your pre-approval

Fill in the form and we'll be in touch within 1 business day, usually same day, Let us know you're looking for pre-approval in the message and we'll prioritise your assessment.

We'll call at a time that suits you
No obligation. assess your options first
We won't touch your credit file until you decide to proceed
No cost to you: we're paid by the lender when you settle

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Common pre-approval questions

How do I get pre-approval for a home loan?

Four steps: a 15-minute call about your income, savings and goals; a borrowing power assessment across 60+ lenders before anything touches your credit file; a document checklist (payslips, bank statements, ID); then we submit to the best-fit lender and manage it through. Most pre-approvals are issued within 1 to 5 business days of documents being complete.

Why do home loan pre-approvals get delayed in Australia?

The common causes are incomplete documents (usually missing bank statements or an out-of-date payslip), lender assessment queues that blow out during rate-cut periods, credit file surprises, and self-employed income needing extra verification. A broker prevents most delays by pre-checking the file against the lender's exact requirements before submission and chasing the lender's credit team directly when queues slip.

What's the difference between pre-approval and unconditional approval?

Pre-approval (also called conditional approval) confirms the lender will lend to you in principle, subject to finding a suitable property. Unconditional approval is granted once a specific property has been valued and all conditions are met. You need pre-approval before you can get unconditional approval.

Does getting pre-approval affect my credit score?

A credit enquiry is required and does appear on your credit file. However, we assess your situation thoroughly before selecting a lender, which minimises the risk of rejection and limits unnecessary enquiries. Multiple applications to different lenders can negatively impact your score. That's why going through a broker is smarter.

How long is pre-approval valid for?

Most pre-approvals are valid for 90 days. If your situation hasn't changed, they can usually be renewed quickly. We'll let you know when your pre-approval is approaching expiry and manage any renewal.

Can I make an offer on a property without pre-approval?

Technically yes, but it's risky. Without pre-approval, you don't have confirmed funding and could lose your deposit if your loan isn't approved. At auction, if you're the winning bidder you're legally bound to complete. so pre-approval is essential for auctions.

Is there a cost to get pre-approved through Kookaburra Finance?

No. There's no cost to you. We're paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles, which means you get expert mortgage advice at no out-of-pocket cost.

More questions? See our full Mortgage FAQ