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Lender review

ANZ Home Loan Review 2026

ANZ can work well for selected professionals, some self-employed buyers and people using the 5% Deposit Scheme. It becomes harder to recommend after a long break between jobs, if your profession is outside ANZ's LMI waiver list or the property is unusual.

Customers using ATMs inside an ANZ bank branch

ANZ at a glance

Is ANZ worth shortlisting?

  • ANZ could be a good fit if you:

    • Are an eligible medical, legal, accounting or allied-health professional
    • Are self-employed with one recent year of lodged business figures and an established business
    • Want to use the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
    • Want an offset on a variable or eligible 1-year fixed loan
  • Consider alternatives if you:

    • Recently had a job gap of 28 days or more and have not yet completed 3 months in a new role
    • Are a nurse, midwife, pharmacist or another health professional outside ANZ's waiver list
    • Need bridging or a family guarantee with a professional LMI waiver
    • Are buying a relocatable home, unusual title or property used mainly for business

Why ANZ can stand out

  • 01 / Professionals

    Some professions can avoid LMI

    Your profession may let you buy with a smaller deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). ANZ covers selected medical, allied-health, legal and accounting roles.

  • 02 / Business owners

    1 year may be enough

    If you run an established business, ANZ may accept 1 year of lodged financial records. If your company pays you a regular wage, you may need fewer documents.

  • 03 / First home buyers

    Small-deposit options can work

    If you qualify for the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, you can buy with a smaller deposit. A family guarantee or buying from a relative may give you another option.

Could your job help you avoid LMI?

LMI is usually an extra cost when you borrow more than 80% of the property's value. ANZ can waive it for selected professions, but the exact occupation and qualification matter.

Could your job help you avoid LMI?
Professional groupANZ positionWhat to check
Doctors, dentists and registered specialistsUp to 95% without LMI: roughly a 5% deposit before costsCurrent registration, exact occupation, ownership share and total borrowing. Loan purpose and repayment type affect the limit, so we check investment and interest-only applications separately.
Physios, chiropractors, optometrists and vetsUp to 90% without LMI: roughly a 10% deposit before costsYour exact role must appear on ANZ's list.
Selected legal professionalsUp to 90% without LMI: roughly a 10% deposit before costsCurrent practising status or the required evidence for your legal role.
Selected accountants and finance professionalsUp to 90% without LMI: roughly a 10% deposit before costsAccepted qualification or membership. Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) membership is not listed.
Nurses and midwivesNot included in ANZ's professional waiver listCompare lenders that include your role in their professional waiver program.
Pharmacists, psychologists and several other health rolesNot included in ANZ's professional waiver listThis also includes podiatrists, occupational therapists, osteopaths and radiographers. Compare a broader program.

Could your job help you avoid LMI?

ANZ position
Up to 95% without LMI: roughly a 5% deposit before costs
What to check
Current registration, exact occupation, ownership share and total borrowing. Loan purpose and repayment type affect the limit, so we check investment and interest-only applications separately.
Professional group

Physios, chiropractors, optometrists and vets

ANZ position
Up to 90% without LMI: roughly a 10% deposit before costs
What to check
Your exact role must appear on ANZ's list.
ANZ position
Up to 90% without LMI: roughly a 10% deposit before costs
What to check
Current practising status or the required evidence for your legal role.
ANZ position
Up to 90% without LMI: roughly a 10% deposit before costs
What to check
Accepted qualification or membership. Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) membership is not listed.
Professional group

Nurses and midwives

ANZ position
Not included in ANZ's professional waiver list
What to check
Compare lenders that include your role in their professional waiver program.
Professional group

Pharmacists, psychologists and several other health roles

ANZ position
Not included in ANZ's professional waiver list
What to check
This also includes podiatrists, occupational therapists, osteopaths and radiographers. Compare a broader program.

Our guides for physiotherapists, chiropractors, optometrists and vets compare deposit options and LMI waivers across lenders.

If ANZ's waiver doesn't cover your job, compare other lenders in our guides for pharmacists, psychologists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, osteopaths and radiographers.

Starting as an intern? Our home loan guide for junior doctors compares registration requirements across lenders and explains the options before your first payslip.

ANZ does not set the $120k minimum professional income used by some lenders for similar legal and accounting waivers. You still need enough income to afford the loan.

Recent job change or career break? Check the dates

Changed jobs recently? The length of the gap can determine whether ANZ will consider you now or ask you to build up more time in the new role.

Broker assessment

Why ANZ treated our client's return from travel as a new job

Our client returned to the same employer after travelling for 14 months. She had resigned before leaving, so ANZ treated her return as a new job rather than continuous employment.

The break exceeded 28 days, so ANZ would normally need her to complete 3 months in the new role before proceeding. Her previous years with that employer didn't remove the requirement.

If you're in this position, we compare lenders' employment rules before you apply. Another lender may accept your new contract and current income sooner, depending on your circumstances.

Employment history and leave requirements
Your work situationWhat ANZ generally wantsWhy it matters
Permanent full-time or part-time3 months in the current job, or a recent move with a gap under 28 daysA longer gap can mean waiting until 3 months in the new role
Casual, temporary, contract or second jobAt least 6 months of income, generally without a gap of 28 days or moreANZ also checks how long you've been in your current job
Parental or formal career leaveYou remain employed and return within 12 months, with the date and income confirmedANZ may use the future income if expenses while away are covered

Employment history and leave requirements

Your work situation

Permanent full-time or part-time

What ANZ generally wants
3 months in the current job, or a recent move with a gap under 28 days
Why it matters
A longer gap can mean waiting until 3 months in the new role
Your work situation

Casual, temporary, contract or second job

What ANZ generally wants
At least 6 months of income, generally without a gap of 28 days or more
Why it matters
ANZ also checks how long you've been in your current job
Your work situation

Parental or formal career leave

What ANZ generally wants
You remain employed and return within 12 months, with the date and income confirmed
Why it matters
ANZ may use the future income if expenses while away are covered

ANZ's automated credit scoring

ANZ uses automated credit scoring for most home loan applications. If you already bank with ANZ, the way you manage your accounts can affect the result too. Some cases can still reach a senior credit assessor, but a decline from this automated assessment cannot be overturned for properties in certain restricted locations.

Recent hardship, repeated late or dishonoured payments, payday loans, or gambling that regularly pushes an account over its limit can all make it harder to get approved with ANZ. We'll look at what happened and how you're managing the account now before you apply.

Where ANZ can help first home buyers

ANZ participates in the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. If you qualify, you may be able to buy with a 5% deposit as a first home buyer, or 2% as an eligible single parent, without paying LMI.

  • Useful overlap

    Self-employed with a 5% deposit

    ANZ's 2-year financial rule is linked to whether LMI applies. Because an eligible Scheme loan does not use LMI, ANZ may still accept 1 year of financials even when you borrow 95% of the property's value.

  • Separate offer

    $3k first home buyer cashback

    ANZ currently advertises $3k for eligible first home buyers with an eligible loan of at least $250k. It cannot be combined with a government guarantee or ANZ LMI waiver.

The cashback is paid after settlement, so it cannot fund your upfront deposit. To qualify, you need an eligible ANZ account when the loan is drawn down, and you must draw down within 180 days of applying. Payment is within 60 days of drawdown. ANZ Plus loans are excluded, and the offer can be withdrawn. Check the current offer terms before relying on it.

Will ANZ ask to see your savings history?

ANZ generally checks 3 months of savings history when you borrow more than 90% of the property's value. The government scheme has its own deposit rules. With a larger deposit, ANZ may not need that history unless another part of the application calls for it. For some first home buyers, 3 months of on-time rent can help show the same savings habit. It does not replace the cash you need for the deposit and buying costs.

Our genuine savings guide explains what counts and which records to keep.

Buying with help from family

  • Buying with family help

    ANZ family guarantee

    An eligible parent, step-parent, grandparent, sibling or child can use equity in their home to support your purchase. ANZ can also consider vacant land and a fixed-price build. The loan must be principal and interest, and the guarantee cannot be combined with a professional LMI waiver.

  • Buying below market value

    Buying a home from family below market value

    If a relative genuinely sells you a home for less than it is worth, ANZ may use the valuation when working out the deposit needed. You still need at least 5% of the contract price, plus costs, from your own funds.

A guarantee puts the family member's property at risk, so the structure and exit plan matter. Read our family guarantor home loan guide.

Self-employed? You may only need 1 year of financial records

You may not need 2 years of income figures, but ANZ still needs lodged tax records and an established business. The documents depend on your business structure.

Self-employed? You may only need 1 year of financial records
Business structureWhat ANZ normally asks forWorth knowing
Sole traderIndividual tax return and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notice of AssessmentCompany financial statements are not normally required
PartnershipIndividual return, Notice of Assessment and business tax returnA business activity statement (BAS) is not a standard requirement for every application
CompanyIndividual return and Notice of Assessment, plus company return, profit and loss and balance sheetAn accountant's letter does not replace the company documents

Self-employed? You may only need 1 year of financial records

Business structure

Sole trader

What ANZ normally asks for
Individual tax return and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notice of Assessment
Worth knowing
Company financial statements are not normally required
Business structure

Partnership

What ANZ normally asks for
Individual return, Notice of Assessment and business tax return
Worth knowing
A business activity statement (BAS) is not a standard requirement for every application
Business structure

Company

What ANZ normally asks for
Individual return and Notice of Assessment, plus company return, profit and loss and balance sheet
Worth knowing
An accountant's letter does not replace the company documents

1 year of income figures does not mean a 1-year-old business

The business generally needs at least 18 months of Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN) history. ANZ may then use 1 year of lodged financial records if LMI does not apply.

If LMI applies, ANZ generally wants 2 years. Where it accepts 1 year for an insured loan, it may use only 80% of the business profit when calculating how much you can borrow.

Paid a regular wage from your own company?

If you are a Pty Ltd director and a direct shareholder, you may be able to use Company Wages after at least 6 months of regular wages. Your ABN or ACN must have been registered for at least 18 months.

ANZ asks for a payslip dated within 60 days and your most recent ATO Income Statement. If that statement shows less than 6 months of salary, it also needs the previous year's statement. ANZ may ask for more documents.

Company Wages does not work for sole traders, partnerships or trusts. See our self-employed home loan guide.

How ANZ works out what you can borrow

ANZ checks your income, living costs, debts, credit-card limits and dependants. It also looks at what the loan is for and whether you can afford the repayments.

Why 6 times your income matters

ANZ compares your total debt after the new loan with the gross annual income it accepts. This is the debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. If ANZ accepts $100k of income, 6 times income means $600k of total debt.

  • Total debt below 6 times income

    ANZ's smaller-deposit options are generally more open. In an eligible case, that can mean borrowing up to 95% of the property value, plus some LMI where it applies.

  • Total debt at or above 6 times income

    If you are new to ANZ, you may be limited to 90% of the property value for a standard loan to live in, or need a larger deposit for an investment. Different limits can apply if you already borrow with ANZ.

ANZ also checks whether you can afford the repayments after your living costs.

How ANZ works out what you can borrow
ItemHow ANZ generally treats itPractical effect
Loan repaymentsTests the rate at 3% above the actual rate, subject to a 5.1% minimumA 6% loan rate would be tested at 9%
Credit cardsMonthly commitment equal to 3.8% of the limitA $10k limit can count as $380 a month even with a $0 balance
Long-term rentUsually 90%, capped at a 7% gross rental yieldVery high advertised rent may be trimmed
Short-stay rentUsually 80%, with the same 7% yield cap and a longer income historyAirbnb-style income normally needs 12 months of records or the latest tax return
Regular allowances and shift loadingMay be used at 100% when the income is acceptedThis can help if shift loading makes up a regular part of your pay
Overtime, bonus and commissionUsually 80% of the accepted amountANZ leaves a buffer rather than counting every dollar
HELP or HECSCounts the compulsory repayment but leaves the balance out of DTIYour compulsory repayment can reduce how much you can borrow, even though ANZ excludes the debt balance from DTI
Owner-occupied interest-onlyMaximum 80% of the property valueYou generally need at least a 20% deposit before costs

How ANZ works out what you can borrow

Item

Loan repayments

How ANZ generally treats it
Tests the rate at 3% above the actual rate, subject to a 5.1% minimum
Practical effect
A 6% loan rate would be tested at 9%
Item

Credit cards

How ANZ generally treats it
Monthly commitment equal to 3.8% of the limit
Practical effect
A $10k limit can count as $380 a month even with a $0 balance
Item

Long-term rent

How ANZ generally treats it
Usually 90%, capped at a 7% gross rental yield
Practical effect
Very high advertised rent may be trimmed
Item

Short-stay rent

How ANZ generally treats it
Usually 80%, with the same 7% yield cap and a longer income history
Practical effect
Airbnb-style income normally needs 12 months of records or the latest tax return
Item

Regular allowances and shift loading

How ANZ generally treats it
May be used at 100% when the income is accepted
Practical effect
This can help if shift loading makes up a regular part of your pay
Item

Overtime, bonus and commission

How ANZ generally treats it
Usually 80% of the accepted amount
Practical effect
ANZ leaves a buffer rather than counting every dollar
Item

HELP or HECS

How ANZ generally treats it
Counts the compulsory repayment but leaves the balance out of DTI
Practical effect
Your compulsory repayment can reduce how much you can borrow, even though ANZ excludes the debt balance from DTI
Item

Owner-occupied interest-only

How ANZ generally treats it
Maximum 80% of the property value
Practical effect
You generally need at least a 20% deposit before costs
An unused $10k credit card limit could reduce home loan borrowing power by $40 to 50k, depending on your circumstances

If you have a student loan, see how HECS-HELP debt affects your home loan before deciding whether to use your savings to pay it down.

ANZ products, fees and pre-approval

This review covers ANZ's broker home loans. ANZ Plus has separate products, fees and eligibility rules.

ANZ products, fees and pre-approval
LoanUseful featuresWhat to watch
Standard VariableExtra repayments, redraw and optional ANZ One offsetOne $10-a-month offset per eligible loan or split
Simplicity PLUSBasic variable loan with extra repayments and redrawNo offset
ANZ FixedFixed terms of 1 to 5, 7 or 10 years, depending on the loan and repayment type; offset on eligible 1-year fixed loansRate lock is available for 1 to 5-year fixed terms; extra-repayment limits and early repayment costs apply

ANZ products, fees and pre-approval

Loan

Standard Variable

Useful features
Extra repayments, redraw and optional ANZ One offset
What to watch
One $10-a-month offset per eligible loan or split
Loan

Simplicity PLUS

Useful features
Basic variable loan with extra repayments and redraw
What to watch
No offset
Loan

ANZ Fixed

Useful features
Fixed terms of 1 to 5, 7 or 10 years, depending on the loan and repayment type; offset on eligible 1-year fixed loans
What to watch
Rate lock is available for 1 to 5-year fixed terms; extra-repayment limits and early repayment costs apply

Not sure whether the offset fee is worth it? Our offset account guide explains how your savings reduce the balance used to calculate interest.

3 fees worth knowing

  • Loan administration

    $0

    No ANZ loan administration or annual package fee. Optional-feature fees, early repayment costs and government charges can still apply.

  • ANZ One offset

    $10/month

    The fee applies to each linked offset.

  • Optional rate lock

    $750 per $1m

    Charged per fixed loan, for each $1m or part thereof. A $1.3m fixed loan costs $1,500 to lock. Separate fixed splits each attract a fee. Available for eligible fixed terms of 1 to 5 years.

Fixed-loan extra repayments

Each year of the fixed period, ANZ allows extra repayments up to the lower of 5% of the starting fixed balance or $5k. On a $700k fixed loan, the limit is $5k, not $35k.

Early repayment costs can apply if you exceed the allowance, repay or refinance the loan in full, or change the rate during the fixed period. Ask ANZ for a quote before making a large payment. Our fixed-loan break costs guide explains what to check.

ANZ pre-approval: how long does it last?

ANZ checks your income, expenses, debts and credit history, so the enquiry appears on your credit file. Once you find a property, ANZ still needs to check the valuation and remaining loan conditions.

Check these before committing to an unconditional purchase. ANZ says pre-approval generally lasts around 3 months if nothing changes. See our ANZ pre-approval guide.

If your pre-approval expires, ANZ says you need to reapply. Check the expiry date and leave time for updated documents before relying on it for a purchase.

How quickly is ANZ looking at applications?

When we checked on 11 September 2026, ANZ listed 2 business days for simple applications without LMI. Its other listed home loan assessment queues were 4 business days. These are estimates for complete broker applications, not a promise of approval or settlement.

ANZ listed 2 business days to review additional documents. Your income, property, valuation or missing paperwork can add time. We'll check the current queue against your contract deadline before you apply.

Already with ANZ?

If your fixed rate is ending or the loan has not been reviewed recently, ask ANZ to sharpen the rate and compare the full cost of refinancing. We can check the rate, offset fee, exit costs and other lenders before you move. See our refinance guide.

Selling, refinancing or paying off your ANZ loan? Our ANZ discharge guide explains how to start, what to have ready and how long to allow.

Property restrictions: check before you sign

Apartments, acreage, building projects and unusual titles can change how much ANZ will lend. Check the relevant property details before you sign.

Property types that need a closer check

Before you commit

Send us the property details early

A financial pre-approval does not mean ANZ will accept every home. It can reduce the loan, ask for more information or decline the property after valuation.

  • Check how much ANZ will lend on that address
  • Leave time for valuation and follow-up questions

ANZ compared with alternatives

Start with the rule most likely to decide your application. The lowest rate is not useful if the lender cannot use your income, profession or property.

ANZ compared with alternatives
Your situationWhy ANZ may workWhen another lender may be better
Eligible doctor or dentistUp to 95% without LMI, with no $120k minimum income requirement for the waiverCompare other lenders if you also need bridging or a family guarantee. ANZ's waiver can't be combined with either.
Nurse or broader allied healthNurses are outside ANZ's professional waiver list; selected allied-health roles may qualify.NAB or another lender may cover a wider list
Self-employed with a strong latest yearYou may be able to use 1 year of tax records. If your company pays you a regular wage, you may need fewer documents.Compare how Westpac and other lenders calculate your business income, and whether needing LMI changes the documents or deposit they require.
Returning after extended travelFormal leave may work when employment continuedAnother lender may be faster if you resigned or had a gap of 28 days or more
First home buyerANZ participates in the 5% Deposit SchemeCompare the borrowing result and how each bank treats your income
Buying before sellingANZ offers bridging financeCompare the equity needed, repayments during the overlap and the loan left after selling. St George also offers bridging, but LMI is not available on that loan.
Unusual propertyStandard homes are simplerCompare before signing for commercial use, unusual title or relocatable construction

ANZ compared with alternatives

Your situation

Eligible doctor or dentist

Why ANZ may work
Up to 95% without LMI, with no $120k minimum income requirement for the waiver
When another lender may be better
Compare other lenders if you also need bridging or a family guarantee. ANZ's waiver can't be combined with either.
Your situation

Nurse or broader allied health

Why ANZ may work
Nurses are outside ANZ's professional waiver list; selected allied-health roles may qualify.
When another lender may be better
NAB or another lender may cover a wider list
Your situation

Self-employed with a strong latest year

Why ANZ may work
You may be able to use 1 year of tax records. If your company pays you a regular wage, you may need fewer documents.
When another lender may be better
Compare how Westpac and other lenders calculate your business income, and whether needing LMI changes the documents or deposit they require.
Your situation

Returning after extended travel

Why ANZ may work
Formal leave may work when employment continued
When another lender may be better
Another lender may be faster if you resigned or had a gap of 28 days or more
Your situation

First home buyer

Why ANZ may work
ANZ participates in the 5% Deposit Scheme
When another lender may be better
Compare the borrowing result and how each bank treats your income
Your situation

Buying before selling

Why ANZ may work
ANZ offers bridging finance
When another lender may be better
Compare the equity needed, repayments during the overlap and the loan left after selling. St George also offers bridging, but LMI is not available on that loan.
Your situation

Unusual property

Why ANZ may work
Standard homes are simpler
When another lender may be better
Compare before signing for commercial use, unusual title or relocatable construction

Read our St George, Westpac and NAB reviews for the lender details.

Hunter Galloway lender rating

ANZ broker score

ANZ scores well for selected professional and self-employed borrowers, family guarantees and its straightforward core loan range. Longer work gaps, automated credit scoring and unusual-property limits hold the score back.

7.2/10

Good, with clear limits

Our rating across 6 categories

Score breakdown

Each category is scored out of 10

  1. Credit policy fitUseful professional and self-employed options, with firm job-gap and waiver exclusions
    8.0/10
  2. Borrowing capacityCan be competitive below 6 times income, but ANZ becomes stricter above that
    7.5/10
  3. Property acceptanceStandard homes are easier than unusual titles, small units and complex construction
    6.5/10
  4. Product and offset featuresNo package fee, a paid offset and a useful 1-year fixed offset option
    7.5/10
  5. Application speed and certaintyAutomated credit scoring can be quick, but complex declines and changing queues reduce certainty
    6.5/10
  6. Ongoing pricing and serviceAn established app and branch network; compare the rate with other lenders
    7.0/10

The overall 7.2 is the rounded average of these 6 categories. Your best lender still depends on your income, deposit, property and loan purpose. How we assess lenders.

Hunter Galloway mortgage brokers reviewing a home loan application

Experience and sources

How this guide was checked

Policy reviewed 11 September 2026 by Nathan Vecchio. Wording updated 7 October 2026.

The lending comparison draws on ANZ's Mortgage Credit Requirements dated 17 August 2026 and the public sources below. We confirm the current employment, repayment and property rules against your application before recommending a loan.

Written byJoshua VecchioDirector & Mortgage Broker

Joshua has worked in mortgage broking since 2011 and holds Diploma and Certificate IV qualifications in finance and mortgage broking. See Joshua's experience, qualifications and published work.

This guide is general information only. It doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and lender policy can change. Talk to a broker before acting on it.

ANZ's rules, fees, rates and review times can change. We confirm the current position before recommending a lender or submitting an application.

How are we paid?

The lender pays us commission, which we disclose before you proceed. Hunter Galloway is independently owned.

We compare more than 30 lenders and must put your interests first. Our Brisbane mortgage brokers can check whether ANZ suits your income and deposit, and explain where another lender may work better. Read how we review lenders, including the duty to put clients first for mortgage brokers.

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Want to know whether ANZ fits your situation?

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Hunter Galloway Finance Pty Ltd is Credit Representative 476903, authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.