Are you ready to buy in 2026?

The property market tends to heat up after the holidays so if you’re planning to buy, now’s the time to prepare.

Here’s how to get pre-approval ready before the rush:

Know your numbers – Get a clear picture of your income, expenses, and credit score before speaking to a broker.

Build a buffer – Lenders like to see you can comfortably cover repayments, not just scrape by.

Check your deposit – Whether you’ve saved 5%, 10% or 20%, know how far it’ll stretch (and if you’ll need LMI).

Gather your documents – Income, tax, and ID documents – get your paperwork ready so your application doesn’t stall.

Get expert guidance – A mortgage broker can assess your position, explain your options, and help apply for pre-approval.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals in motion, especially if property is on your radar.