However, the traditional banking system is rigid. Did you know that industry data suggests nearly 40% of home loan applications submitted directly to banks are rejected or stalled? That is a staggering number of dreams put on hold because of a “computer says no” mentality.
We are thrilled to announce that Adi Hebbani, Director and Lead Finance Broker at STRUD Finance, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Residential Mortgage Broker of the Year at the REB (Real Estate Business) Awards.
STRUD Finance
Vs
CBA, NAB, ANZ etc
Product Access
Interest Rates
Credit Score Impact
Legal Duty
Approval Speed
Cost to You
When you go Direct to a Bank, you are restricted to a single “menu” of products. If that bank’s policy doesn’t suit your specific needs, such as unique income types or a smaller deposit, you simply miss out.
In contrast, STRUD Finance provides unlimited access to a panel of over 60 lenders. This includes the major banks, second-tier lenders, and specialist providers, ensuring we find the specific loan features and policy “niches” that fit your life, not the other way around.
Banks typically offer “Retail Rates”, the standard pricing you see advertised in windows or on their websites. At STRUD Finance, we leverage our “Wholesale Influence.” Because of the high volume of loans we settle, we often have the leverage to negotiate pricing discounts significantly below the advertised rates. We don’t just accept the first offer; we fight to get you a rate that isn’t available to the general public walking in off the street.
Every time you apply directly to a bank, they perform a “Hard Inquiry” on your credit file. If you apply at three different banks to compare rates, your credit score can take three hits, making you look “credit-hungry” to future lenders.
STRUD Finance protects your score by performing a “soft” preliminary assessment across multiple lenders. We only submit a formal application once we are confident of an approval, ensuring your credit profile remains pristine
This is the most critical distinction. STRUD Finance is legally bound by the Best Interest Duty (BID), meaning we are mandated by law to act in your best interests and prioritise your needs over our own.
Direct Bank staff have no such duty; they are often driven by internal sales targets and are not required to tell you if a competitor across the road has a cheaper or more suitable product.
When you apply directly, you are often just another number in a generic processing queue alongside thousands of other applications. This can lead to slow turnaround times and “missing the boat” on a property.
At STRUD Finance, we have direct lines to Business Development Managers (BDMs) and senior assessors. We know exactly how to package your file to ensure it sails through the system for a fast, stress-free approval.
Perhaps the best part of our service is that it comes at no cost to you. STRUD Finance charges a $0 service fee because we are compensated by the lender you choose. Conversely, applying directly to a bank often involves being charged application fees, settlement fees, and valuation fees that we can frequently get waived or reduced through our industry partnerships.
It’s a common mistake to use these terms interchangeably, but they represent two very different numbers in your property strategy. Understanding the gap between them is vital for setting a realistic budget.
Your Borrowing Capacity is the maximum amount of money a lender is willing to loan you. It is calculated based on your “serviceability”, essentially your ability to make repayments. Lenders look at:
Income: Your salary, bonuses, and rental income.
Expenses: Your day-to-day living costs and “buffer” rates (the interest rate the bank tests you at, usually higher than the actual rate).
Liabilities: Existing debts like car loans, HECS/HELP, and credit card limits.
Your Purchasing Power is the actual price you can pay for a property. It is the sum of your Borrowing Capacity PLUS your Deposit/Equity, minus the Upfront Costs.
The Trap: If you have a borrowing capacity of $600,000 and a $100,000 deposit, your purchasing power isn’t $700,000. You must first subtract costs like Stamp Duty (unless you qualify for QLD concessions), solicitor or conveyancing fees, and building and pest inspections.
Ready to see where you stand? Use our specialised tools below to get an instant estimate. Whether you’re a first-home buyer looking at the $30,000 QLD grant or an investor doing your feasibility, these tools are your first step.
Use this to find out the maximum loan amount you can service based on your current income and expenses.
Use this to factor in your deposit and QLD-specific costs (like Stamp Duty) to find your total property budget.
Buying a home or refinancing involves a lot of math. But you don’t need a degree in finance to figure out where you stand. Use our free calculators to get a clear picture of your budget, repayments, and borrowing power in seconds.
The big question: How much can I get? Before you start scrolling through real estate listings, find out what the banks are likely to lend you. Get a realistic estimate of your borrowing power based on your income and expenses.
Plan your life, not just your loan. Can you handle the mortgage and still enjoy your weekend coffee? See exactly what your weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments will look like so you can budget with confidence.
Don’t get caught out by the hidden costs. Stamp duty is the biggest upfront cost outside of your deposit. Use this tool to calculate exactly how much government tax you’ll need to budget for based on your state and property value.
Is breaking up with your lender worth it? Thinking about switching to a better rate? Find out if the switch is actually worth the effort. This tool weighs up the costs of refinancing against your potential long-term savings.
Turn your deposit into a purchase price. You know how much you’ve saved, but what does that buy you in the current market? We factor in your deposit, potential loan, and likely fees to show you the maximum property price you should be targeting.
Our free, no-obligation Loan Health Check is designed to ensure you’re making the most of your current financial arrangements. We will review your existing loan, compare it against current market offerings, and identify opportunities for you to save money or secure better terms. Whether it’s a lower interest rate, more flexible repayment options, or additional features, we’re here to help you optimise your loan.
Discover potential savings by identifying lower interest rates or better loan terms.
Gain access to loans with more flexible repayment options or additional features that suit your needs.
Ensure you’re not overpaying or missing out on better deals in the market.
Receive tailored recommendations based on your unique financial situation and goals.
Keep up to date with the latest market trends and options available to you.
Optimise your financial strategy and improve your overall financial well-being.
Understanding your borrowing capacity is a crucial step in your financial journey. Our Borrowing Capacity Calculator provides a quick and easy way to estimate how much you can borrow for your next home.
