How much deposit do I need to buy my first home in Bendigo?

With the 5% Deposit Scheme, you can buy with as little as 5% of the purchase price, as long as the home is under the $650,000 regional cap. You’ll also need some savings for costs like conveyancing and building and pest inspections.

Can I use the 5% Deposit Scheme and the stamp duty exemption together?

Yes, if you’re eligible for both. Many Bendigo buyers also add the First Home Owner Grant when buying or building a new home.

I’m self-employed or on casual income. Can I still buy?

Yes. Some lenders are more flexible than others with these incomes, and finding the right one is a big part of what we do.

How long does pre-approval take?

It varies by lender, and usually takes a few days to two weeks once we have your documents.

Call 0417 151 999

Refinancing your home loan in Bendigo with Robinson Finance

Q: Does it cost anything to use a mortgage broker?

Our service is usually free for first home buyers, as we’re paid by the lender once your loan settles. We’ll tell you upfront if any fees apply.

Call 0417 151 999

Local help with your refinance

If you haven’t looked at your home loan for a couple of years, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than a new customer would. Lenders often keep their sharpest rates for new borrowers.

We look at where your loan sits now and work out whether switching is worth it once the costs are counted. Sometimes the better move is asking your current lender for a lower rate. If that’s the case, we’ll tell you.

Shane Robinson, mortgage broker at Robinson Finance, Bendigo

Why people refinance

Most people refinance for one of these reasons, and some for more than one.

Lower repayments

A lower rate can reduce your monthly repayments or help you pay the loan off sooner.

Fixed rate ending

When a fixed period ends, the rate your loan reverts to is often higher than what other lenders are offering.

Using your equity

If your home has gone up in value, you may be able to borrow against it for renovations or an investment property.

Some people also switch to get an offset account or to roll other debts into their home loan.

Combining car loans or credit cards into your mortgage can lower repayments, but spreading short-term debt over a longer loan can mean paying more interest overall. We’ll take you through the numbers.

How refinancing with us works

STEP 1

A free loan review

Call or message us and send through a recent loan statement. We’ll talk about your current loan and what you’d like to change.

STEP 2

Comparing your options

We compare lenders and work out the real cost of switching, including discharge fees, break costs on fixed loans and any lenders mortgage insurance. Then we explain what we recommend and why.

STEP 3

Through to settlement

We handle the application and paperwork. Your new lender pays out the old loan, and we keep you updated until it’s done.

After settlement, we review your loan regularly to make sure the rate still stacks up.

Getting ready for your loan review

Having these handy makes the first chat quicker, but don’t worry if you’re missing something.

A recent home loan statement

Shows your current rate, balance and lender.

Your last two payslips

Or recent tax returns if you’re self-employed.

Details of any other debts

Car loans, credit cards and personal loans.

What you’d like to change

Lower repayments, accessing equity or something else.

Book my free loan review

Refinancing questions

Is it worth refinancing my home loan in Bendigo?

It depends on your current rate, how long you have left on the loan and what switching would cost. We’ll do the numbers with you, and if staying put makes more sense, we’ll tell you.

Does it cost anything to use a mortgage broker?

In most cases our service is free for refinance clients, because the lender pays us a commission. Our Credit Guide explains exactly how we’re paid.

What does it cost to refinance?

It depends on your loan. Common costs include a discharge fee from your current lender, government registration fees and break costs if you’re on a fixed rate. Some lenders offer cashback to new customers, which can help cover these.

Can I refinance a fixed rate loan?

Yes, but break costs may apply. We can ask your lender for an estimate before you decide.

How long does refinancing take?

Usually a few weeks from application to settlement, depending on the lender and how quickly the documents come together.

Talk to a Bendigo mortgage broker

Call us on 0417 151 999 or message us using the form. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Robinson Finance, 68 Powells Ave, East Bendigo VIC 3550, [email protected]

Call 0417 151 999

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This information is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Scheme details and price caps are current as at October 2026 and may change.

Shane Robinson (Credit Representative Number 540354) and CSBC Finance Pty Ltd ABN 87 638 582 896 (Credit Representative Number 540349) are credit representatives of Purple Circle Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 21 611 305 170 Australian Credit Licence Number 486112.