NOTE: Adelaide Bank is no longer offering new home loan products. Please contact us to get a home loan that is right for you
If you’re a first homebuyer exploring your options for an Adelaide home loan, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed. With so many lenders promising low rates, flexible features, and great service, how do you know who to trust? Adelaide Bank might already be on your shortlist—but how do their home loans really perform in 2025?
In this detailed Adelaide Bank Home Loan review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: where Adelaide Bank shines, where there’s room for improvement, how their products compare with other lenders, and what real customers are saying.
We will show how working with an experienced mortgage broker in Brisbane can make the process even smoother. A broker can help you navigate your options, negotiate better deals, and take the stress out of applying, so you can focus on finding the perfect place to call home.
Let’s break it all down and help you feel confident on your path to homeownership.
The Top 5 Things Adelaide Bank Home Loans Are Good At
When you’re buying your first home, choosing the right lender can shape your entire experience. From interest rates to approval times, the fine details matter more than most people realise. Adelaide Bank might not have the same brand recognition as the Big Four, but it holds its own—and then some. Here’s a breakdown of the top five things Adelaide Bank home loans are doing right in 2025.
#1 - Competitive Interest Rates That Save You Money
One of the biggest draw cards for first homebuyers is interest rates, and Adelaide Bank delivers. Whether you’re looking for a fixed or variable rate, their pricing often sits below the average. In particular, borrowers with a strong credit history and a loan-to-value ratio (LVR) under 80% can benefit from even sharper rates.
Adelaide Bank regularly adjusts its rates in line with the RBA, but it tends to remain competitive compared to the big players. For a first-time buyer, this could mean thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your loan. It’s a small difference upfront that really adds up long-term.
#2 - Offset Accounts on Both Fixed and Variable Loans
Offset accounts are one of the smartest ways to reduce your interest without changing your lifestyle—and most lenders only offer them with variable loans. Adelaide Bank, however, allows you to link a 100% offset account to both fixed and variable rate home loans. That’s a game-changer.
It means that every dollar sitting in your offset account works to reduce your loan’s interest daily, even during a fixed-rate period. For first homebuyers looking to make the most of every cent, this kind of flexibility is a huge advantage.
#3 - Flexible Loan Features to Fit Your Life
Life changes—your home loan should adapt with it. Adelaide Bank home loans offer flexible repayment options that suit how you get paid. You can choose from weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments.
You can also make extra repayments without penalty on most products, which is a win for anyone hoping to get ahead. Redraw facilities are also available, letting you access those extra repayments if you ever need to. These features are especially helpful for first homebuyers who want to stay on top of their finances from day one.
#4 - Backed by the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group
Adelaide Bank operates as a division of the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Group—one of Australia’s most trusted banking groups. While Adelaide Bank runs independently, it benefits from the broader group’s financial strength, digital infrastructure, and customer service standards.
That means you get the boutique lender feel, with the confidence and backing of a major institution. As a first homebuyer, this balance of personal service and security offers real peace of mind.
#5 - Fast Turnaround Times That Give You an Edge
In hot property markets, timing matters. Delays in loan approval can cost you your dream home. That’s why Adelaide Bank’s fast approval times are worth noting. Most brokers report conditional approvals within 2–4 business days, which is faster than many larger lenders.
For first-time buyers, that speed can mean the difference between securing a property or missing out. It also helps reduce the stress and uncertainty during the buying process.
All in all, an Adelaide Bank home loan offers a strong mix of value, flexibility, and speed—key ingredients for first homebuyers looking to get ahead.
Top 5 Things Adelaide Bank Home Loans Aren't So Good At
While Adelaide Bank has some solid strengths, such as competitive rates and fast turnaround times, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Like any lender, there are a few drawbacks that first homebuyers should be aware of before diving in. Here are the top five areas where Adelaide Bank home loans could improve in 2025.
#1 - No Branch Access
Adelaide Bank operates primarily as a wholesale lender. That means you won’t find any branded branches you can walk into for help. Instead, all communication is handled online, by phone, or through your mortgage broker.
For tech-savvy borrowers, this might not be a dealbreaker. But if you prefer face-to-face conversations—especially when making a major financial decision—this setup might feel impersonal. Many first homebuyers value the reassurance of in-person support, so it’s important to know this option isn’t available here.
#2 - Limited Options for Niche Borrowers
Adelaide Bank has fairly standard lending criteria. That works well for straightforward applications—think full-time employees with strong credit. But if you’re self-employed, have had past credit issues, or rely on a non-traditional income structure, it can get tricky.
In these cases, specialist lenders might offer more flexibility or assess your income differently. Adelaide Bank tends to be more conservative, which may make it harder for niche borrowers to get approved or borrow as much as they need.
#3 - Few Promotional Offers
Unlike some of the bigger banks, Adelaide Bank rarely runs promotional campaigns for first homebuyers. You won’t often see flashy cashbacks, discounted lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), or incentives for building green homes.
These offers can add up to thousands of dollars in savings for first-time buyers, especially those who are stretching their budget to get into the market. While Adelaide Bank keeps rates competitive, the lack of promos can make their loans feel less enticing at first glance.
#4 - Conservative Property Valuations
One thing to watch out for: Adelaide Bank can be quite cautious when it comes to property valuations. Some borrowers have reported that their property was valued lower than expected, reducing how much they could borrow.
This can be frustrating if you’re relying on a specific purchase price or borrowing at a high LVR. It’s always a good idea to have a buffer in your budget and to work closely with your broker to manage this risk.
#5 - Outdated Digital Experience
Adelaide Bank’s digital tools lag behind some of the newer players in the market. Their online banking platform and home loan application portal can feel clunky and less intuitive than what you’d expect in 2025.
While you can still get the job done, it’s not always the smoothest or most modern experience, especially compared to neo-banks or even other traditional lenders that have invested heavily in tech. For first homebuyers used to seamless apps and quick digital service, this might be a slight letdown.
In short, while an Adelaide Bank home loan comes with strong fundamentals, it’s worth weighing these potential drawbacks, especially if you’re looking for more hands-on support, flexible lending criteria, or modern digital features. As always, working with a broker can help you compare your options and find the right fit.
What Are the Different Home Loan Products Adelaide Bank Offers?
Adelaide Bank keeps things simple with a streamlined suite of home loan products tailored for a variety of borrowers—whether you’re buying your first home, investing, refinancing, or building. Each product is designed with a specific borrower in mind, offering a mix of features to suit different goals and stages of the property journey.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common Adelaide Bank home loan products.
SmartFit Home Loan (Variable Rate)
The SmartFit is Adelaide Bank’s flagship variable rate loan. It’s packed with features that help you stay in control of your mortgage while paying it down faster. This option is great if you want a full-featured loan that offers flexibility and tools to help you save on interest over time.
Key Features:
- 100% offset account with debit card
- Unlimited additional repayments
- Free redraw facility
- No ongoing fees
LVR: Up to 95% (inclusive of LMI)
SmartFix Home Loan (Fixed Rate)
If you want the predictability of fixed repayments, the SmartFix loan could suit you. You can lock in your rate for 1, 2, 3, or 5 years, giving you stability in a rising rate environment.
Key Features:
- Fixed interest rate for set periods
- 100% offset account with Visa debit card
- Redraw facility available for free online
Heads-up: Break costs may apply if you repay or refinance early during the fixed term, so it’s important to plan ahead.
SmartSaver Basic Home Loan
The SmartSaver is a no-frills option designed to keep costs down. While it doesn’t come with extras like an offset account, it compensates with a lower advertised rate and zero ongoing fees. This product is ideal for buyers who want to get into the market with minimal fuss and aren’t concerned about extra features.
Key Features:
- Choose between variable and fixed rate
- Simple, low-cost structure
- No offset account
- No ongoing fees
- Competitive rates
Each product in Adelaide Bank’s line-up has a clear purpose. Whether you’re after simplicity, flexibility, rate certainty, or construction finance, there’s likely a solution that fits your needs. To find the right match, speak to a mortgage broker who can compare these options against other lenders and guide you through the application process.
What Are Adelaide Bank Home Loan Rates?
Here are the current owner‑occupier home loan rates from Adelaide Bank.
Loan Type | Interest Rate (p.a.) | Comparison Rate (p.a.) |
SmartFit Variable (≤80% LVR, P&I) | 5.79% | 5.96% |
SmartFit Variable (≤90% LVR, P&I) | 6.09% | 6.26% |
SmartSaver Variable (≤80% LVR, P&I) | 5.79% | 5.80% |
SmartSaver Variable (≤90% LVR, P&I) | 6.09% | 6.10% |
SmartFix Fixed – 1 Year (100% Offset, P&I) | 5.64% | 5.94% |
SmartFix Fixed – 2 Year (100% Offset, P&I) | 5.39% | 5.88% |
SmartFix Fixed – 3 Year | 5.39% | 5.85% |
SmartFix Fixed – 4 Year | 5.59% | 5.89% |
SmartFix Fixed – 5 Year | 5.59% | 5.87% |
Note: For interest-only or investment loans, rates may be slightly higher.
Always double-check the Adelaide Bank home loan page or speak with your broker for the latest figures, as rates can shift with market updates.
What Documents Does Adelaide Bank Need for a Home Loan?
Adelaide Bank keeps its documentation list fairly standard, and your mortgage broker can help you pull it all together quickly and accurately. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the documents typically required when applying for an Adelaide Bank home loan in 2025.
1. Proof of Identity
Before anything else, you’ll need to verify who you are. Adelaide Bank usually requires at least one form of primary photo ID. This could be a valid Australian passport or driver’s licence.
If you don’t have these, secondary forms such as a Medicare card or birth certificate may be used, but a broker can guide you through that. Just make sure your identification is current and matches the details on your application.
2. Income Verification
Next, Adelaide Bank needs to confirm your income so they can assess your borrowing capacity. For PAYG (salaried) applicants, this usually includes:
- Your two most recent payslips
- Your most recent PAYG summary or group certificate
- Bank statements showing regular salary deposits
These help the bank confirm that your income is consistent and sufficient to service the loan. If you’re casual, part-time, or have varied income, additional documentation like a year-to-date payslip or employment letter might be needed.
For self-employed borrowers, the process is a bit more detailed. You’ll typically need to provide:
- Two years of personal and business tax returns
- Two years of ATO Notices of Assessment
- Recent business activity statements (BAS), if requested
It’s important to ensure these documents are accurate and up to date. Delays often happen when tax documents don’t align with what’s declared.
3. Expenses and Liabilities
Adelaide Bank also wants a clear view of your ongoing expenses and any existing debts. This includes:
- Statements for credit cards, car loans, or personal loans
- Details of any buy now, pay later accounts
- Information on existing rental commitments, if applicable
Even if you don’t owe much, lenders still need to understand your financial obligations to ensure you won’t be stretched too thin.
4. Savings and Deposit History
To meet the genuine savings requirement, you’ll need to show evidence of your deposit. This usually includes:
- Bank statements showing savings over the past three months
- Statements showing funds being transferred for the purchase
- Evidence of any gifted funds, along with a statutory declaration from the giver
Adelaide Bank wants to see that you can manage money consistently. This proves you’re capable of budgeting—an essential skill for any homeowner.
5. Property and Purchase Documents
Once you’ve found a property, you’ll also need to provide:
- A signed Contract of Sale
- A copy of the deposit receipt
- A completed First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) application, if eligible
- Copies of identification for all applicants, if applying jointly
These help the lender finalise the valuation and ensure all legal aspects of the purchase are in order.
Getting all your documents in order upfront can speed up your approval process dramatically. Working with a mortgage broker not only helps ensure you’ve ticked all the boxes but also avoids the back-and-forth that can delay things.
How Much Can I Borrow From An Adelaide Bank Home Loan?
Adelaide Bank, like all lenders, uses a detailed assessment process to calculate your borrowing power. They’ll look at several factors before giving you a number. Here’s what they consider:
Your Income – Adelaide Bank considers gross income from full-time, part-time, or casual work, as well as other sources such as rental income or Centrelink payments (if consistent and acceptable under policy).
Your Liabilities – Existing debts—like personal loans, car finance, credit cards, or even buy now, pay later accounts—can reduce how much you can borrow. Adelaide Bank considers your minimum monthly repayments, not just your balances, so even unused credit limits matter.
Living Expenses – Your monthly expenses—things like groceries, utilities, transportation, insurance, subscriptions, and entertainment—are compared against a benchmark called the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM). Adelaide Bank will use whichever is higher: your actual declared expenses or the benchmark figure.
Dependents – The number of children or dependents you support also plays a big role. More dependents mean higher assumed living costs, which reduces the income available to service a loan.
Your Credit Score – A healthy credit report makes a big difference. While Adelaide Bank doesn’t disclose a specific minimum credit score, they’ll assess your repayment history, existing credit facilities, and any past defaults.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) – Adelaide Bank allows borrowing up to 95% LVR (including LMI), but a lower LVR often improves your borrowing power and interest rate.
Sample Borrowing Scenario – Adelaide Bank Home Loan (2025)
Let’s say you’re a first homebuyer couple with:
- Combined income: $160,000
- No credit cards, loans, or dependents
- Monthly living expenses- $3,000
- Deposit: $90,000 (roughly 10–12% of the purchase price)
Estimated Borrowing Capacity: $699,000
This scenario assumes a clean credit history, stable full-time employment, and minimal monthly living expenses. Individual outcomes may vary, so use a broker or Adelaide Bank’s online borrowing calculator for a more accurate figure.
How Long Do Adelaide Bank Home Loans Take to Approve?
If you’re applying for an Adelaide Bank home loan, you’ll want to understand the steps involved and how long each stage takes. When everything is in order, the process can move along quite quickly. Here’s a typical timeline:
- Pre-approval: 1–2 business days. This is your green light to start house hunting. It confirms how much you can borrow.
- Full assessment: 2–5 business days. After you’ve found a property and submitted your application, the bank reviews your financials.
- Valuation: 2–4 business days. Adelaide Bank arranges a property valuation to confirm it meets lending criteria.
- Formal approval: 1–2 business days post-valuation. If everything checks out, you’ll receive official loan approval.
- Settlement: 5–10 business days. This is the final step where funds are transferred and the property is legally yours.
Keep in mind, delays can occur due to:
- Missing or incomplete documents
- Complex financial situations
- Valuation delays or property concerns
To keep things on track, submit all required paperwork upfront and stay in touch with your broker. With the right support, your Adelaide Bank home loan can be approved and settled smoothly, helping you move into your new home faster.
What Else Does Adelaide Bank Offer?
Adelaide offers much more than just home loans. Here’s a closer look:
- Personal Loans. Whether you’re looking to cover renovations, a car purchase, or a holiday, Adelaide Bank offers flexible personal lending options. You can choose unsecured loans or ones with security, depending on your needs and repayment goals.
- Savings & Transaction Accounts. While Adelaide’s MyEveryday and MySaver products closed to new customers on 30 June 2024, existing account holders can still rely on them. These accounts offered easy access and competitive interest rates, including a MySaver account with around 1.35% p.a.
- Term Deposits. Up to 30 June 2024, Adelaide Bank provided term deposits ranging from 30 days to 5 years, with rates up to 3.85% p.a. for longer terms. Existing customers can maintain these accounts and continue earning solid returns.
- Business Banking. Adelaide Bank supports small to medium businesses with tailored loan products, transactional accounts, merchant services, and more—all under the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank network. These services come with the same community‑focused ethos.
- Insurance Products. Through trusted partnerships, Adelaide Bank offers a range of insurance options. Think home insurance, landlord insurance, and life or income protection policies. These products help you secure your family’s future while handling your banking and lending.
All these services are available through the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank umbrella, which brings decades of regional banking experience. That means ethical standards, responsive support, and practical products built for everyday Australians.
What Are Some Adelaide Bank Home Loan Customer Reviews?
When it comes to choosing your first home loan, real customer feedback can offer powerful insights. Overall, Adelaide Bank home loan scores a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars, based on recent reviews across trusted platforms like ProductReview, Mozo, and Finder. Here’s what borrowers are saying:
Positive Reviews
- “Smooth process with our broker. Fast pre-approval.”
Many first home buyers found the process surprisingly easy, especially when working with an experienced broker. Quick pre-approvals helped them make offers confidently.
- “Great rate and flexible redraws.”
Customers appreciate Adelaide Bank’s competitive interest rates and flexible loan features, including redraw facilities that make managing repayments easier.
- “Offset on fixed loan is a game-changer.”
Adelaide Bank offers an offset facility on selected fixed-rate loans—something not all lenders provide. This has been a standout feature for budget-conscious buyers wanting to reduce interest without giving up rate certainty.
Negative Reviews
- “No local branch, had to call multiple times.”
Adelaide Bank operates mostly online and through brokers. Some customers felt the lack of face-to-face service was inconvenient, especially for urgent queries.
- “Online banking feels outdated.”
While functional, the digital platform has been called out for its dated interface and limited self-serve options.
- “Valuation came in lower than expected.”
A few borrowers reported lower-than-expected valuations, which impacted their final loan amount or LMI costs. This is a risk with most lenders, not just Adelaide Bank, but it is still worth noting.
Customer reviews show that Adelaide Bank home loan products are well-regarded for their features and rates. However, the experience can vary depending on how tech-savvy or hands-on you like your banking to be. For many first-home buyers working with brokers, the process is smooth and efficient. But if you’re after branch access or cutting-edge digital tools, it may fall slightly short.
Is Adelaide Bank An Ethical Australian Bank?
Adelaide Bank is part of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank—one of Australia’s most ethical and community-focused financial institutions. For first homeowners, this adds real value beyond just the loan.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Strong ethical standing
- Regularly ranked among Australia’s most ethical banks.
- Transparent about where customer funds are invested.
- Fossil fuel divestment
- Actively avoids investing in fossil fuel industries.
- Supports a clean energy future through ethical finance practices.
- Community reinvestment
- A portion of profits goes back into local projects.
- Helps fund schools, local clubs, and infrastructure across Australia.
- Commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals
- Publicly committed to lowering carbon emissions.
- Actively works to improve diversity and inclusion across the bank.
- Supports regional financial well-being and access to services.
When you choose an Adelaide Bank home loan, you’re not just getting a mortgage. You’re aligning with a lender that prioritises sustainability, fairness, and local impact. For first-home buyers who care where their money goes, that can make a meaningful difference.
How Does Adelaide Bank Compare To Other Banks?
Adelaide Bank offers a unique mix of competitive features that stand out when compared to the Big 4 banks and online lenders. Here’s a quick snapshot to help you weigh your options:
Feature | Adelaide Bank | Big 4 Banks | Online Lenders |
Rates | Competitive | Higher | Lower |
Offset on Fixed Loans | Yes | Rare | Rare |
Customer Service | Broker-based | In-branch | Online only |
Approval Speed | Fast | Slow-medium | Very fast |
Branch Access | No | Yes | No |
Cashback Offers | Rare | Frequent | Frequent |
Bonus: How Much Can I Borrow From Adelaide Bank Personal Loan?
Adelaide Bank offers unsecured personal loans ranging from $5,000 up to $50,000, designed to suit a variety of needs. Whether you’re consolidating debt, planning home renovations, or buying a vehicle, their personal loans come with flexible terms to help you manage repayments comfortably.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Loan Amount: $5,000 to $50,000
- Loan Term: Fixed terms from 1 to 7 years, giving you plenty of options to fit your budget
- Interest Rates: Competitive fixed rates typically range between 7.99% and 12.99% per annum, depending on your creditworthiness and loan size
- Fees: There’s usually an application fee of around $150, which covers processing costs
- Approval Time: Quick decisions within 1 to 3 business days, helping you get funds when you need them most
Your borrowing power will be assessed based on your income, expenses, and credit score, so it’s wise to prepare these documents before applying.
Overall, Adelaide Bank’s personal loans offer a straightforward and reliable way to access funds with predictable repayments. If you’re a first homeowner needing extra finance beyond your mortgage, their personal loan can be a valuable tool for managing costs without stretching your home loan.
Adelaide Home Loan Final Thoughts
Adelaide Bank home loans offer an excellent middle ground between the big banks and fintechs. Their combination of competitive rates, smart features (like offset on fixed rates), and fast approvals make them a solid choice for first homebuyers. While you’ll need to work through a broker and put up with less-than-stellar tech, the pros often outweigh the cons.
Looking for a home loan strategy tailored to your needs? We help first home buyers across Australia make sense of the process, choose the right lender, and settle with confidence. Reach out today — we’d love to help you buy your first home faster.
Next Steps And Getting Your Home Loan Approved
Our team at Hunter Galloway is here to help you buy a home in Australia. Unlike other mortgage brokers who are one-person operations, we have an entire team of experts dedicated to helping make your home loan journey as simple as possible.
If you want to get started, please give us a call on 1300 088 065 or book a free assessment online to see how we can help.
More Resources For Homebuyers:
- Bank of Melbourne home loan review
- Bendigo home loan review
- Westpac home loan review
- Athena home loan review
- Ethical banks in Australia
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult a licensed mortgage broker or financial advisor before making loan decisions.
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