Guarantor Loans

Buy with help from a family guarantor.

Compare guarantor loans and understand the risks before anyone commits.

Who it is for

This loan may suit:

  • First-home buyers who have some deposit but not enough to avoid LMI
  • Borrowers whose income is close but not quite enough for serviceability
  • Families wanting to help a member buy while understanding the risks
  • Existing guarantor borrowers wanting to release the guarantor from their loan

Process

What happens next

  1. 1
    Assess both pathways

    We compare the guarantor option against the standalone pathway so you can see the difference.

  2. 2
    Arrange legal advice

    Both borrower and guarantor need independent legal advice. We help arrange this.

  3. 3
    Compare guarantor lenders

    Not all lenders offer family guarantees. We compare the ones that do and match their policy to your situation.

  4. 4
    Build the release plan

    We structure the loan with a clear timeline for when and how the guarantor will be released.

Prepare once. Make a more informed choice.

What to have ready

  • Borrower's last 2 payslips and bank statements
  • Borrower's passport or driver's licence and details of existing financial commitments
  • Guarantor's property address, recent valuation, and any existing mortgage details
  • Guarantor's income and debt details as required by most lenders
  • Independent legal advice confirmation for both borrower and guarantor
  • Borrower's deposit evidence - savings records or contribution details

Requirements vary by lender. Please use the enquiry form for contact details only; your broker can explain how to provide documents securely.

What to watch out for

  • Not understanding the full obligation - the guarantor is taking on real financial risk
  • Skipping independent legal advice for either party
  • Not having a release plan - without one, the guarantee can remain in place indefinitely
  • Choosing a loan based only on LMI savings without considering long-term structure and flexibility
Compare the main options
OptionWhen it may helpWhat to consider
Full guarantee (100% of loan)Borrowers with little or no deposit who need maximum supportMaximum liability for the guarantor - release will take longer
Partial guarantee (portion of loan)Borrowers with some deposit who just need to bridge the LMI gapStill creates liability for the guarantor but for a smaller amount
Release through refinancingExisting guarantor borrowers who have built enough equity to remove the guaranteeRequires sufficient property value growth or principal reduction

Questions about guarantor loans

What exactly is the guarantor responsible for?

The guarantor is legally responsible for the guaranteed portion of the loan if you can't meet your repayments. This is real financial liability, not a formality.

How do I release the guarantor from my loan?

Typically through refinancing once you've built enough equity in the property - either through value growth or by paying down the loan. We plan this from the start so there's a clear timeline.

Does the guarantor need to have a mortgage-free property?

Not necessarily. Many lenders accept a guarantee from a property with an existing mortgage, as long as there's enough equity to cover the guarantee amount.

Can a friend be a guarantor?

Most lenders only accept family members as guarantors, typically parents. We'll check the specific lender policy for your situation.

Ready to start?

Start Enquiry