Start pre-approval today
Tell us your situation. We'll get pre-approval moving.
A short reply from Jason or Steve with what's possible across 60+ lenders, within one business day. No commitment - just clear next steps.
The problem with guessing
Found a home you love.
But can you actually buy it?
Online calculators give you a number. Banks give you a rough idea. Neither means anything to a vendor or an agent. A genuine pre-approval - from a real lender, assessed against your actual financial position - is what lets you make an offer, exchange unconditionally and bid at auction without the anxiety.
3-7
Business days to pre-approval with Lendology
90
Days your pre-approval remains valid
1
Credit enquiry - we pick the right lender before lodging
60+
Lenders compared - not just the bank you already use
Why it matters
Not all pre-approvals are equal - here's the difference
There are three things people call a "pre-approval." Only one of them actually carries weight when it counts.
| What you have | Online calculator | Bank system estimate | Lendology pre-approval ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it's generated | Algorithm - no human review | Basic bank system - not assessed by a credit team | Lodged with a real lender, assessed by their credit team |
| Does it check your credit file? | No | Sometimes - varies | Yes - reviewed by Lendology first, then by the lender |
| Does it verify your income? | No - you enter it yourself | Partially | Yes - payslips, tax returns and bank statements verified |
| Will an agent take it seriously? | No | Sometimes | Yes - carries genuine weight with vendors and agents |
| Can you bid at auction with it? | No | Risky | Yes - with confidence |
| How many credit enquiries? | 0 (but worthless) | 1+ (with no guarantee) | 1 - we pick the right lender first |
The process
From first chat to pre-approval in 3 to 7 business days
Lendology manages the entire pre-approval process. You provide the documents - we handle everything else.
1
No-obligation borrowing capacity assessment - 30 minutes
We review your income, expenses, liabilities, deposit position and credit profile to calculate your real borrowing capacity across our lender panel - not a generic estimate. We identify the right lender for your income type before lodging anything.
2
Credit file review
We review your credit report before lodging - identifying anything that may affect your application. No surprises at assessment. If there is something on your file that needs addressing, we advise you on how to handle it before we lodge.
3
Single application to the right lender
We prepare and lodge a single pre-approval application to the lender best suited to your profile. No shotgun approach - no multiple enquiries hitting your credit file. We manage all document requests and lender queries from here.
4
Pre-approval issued - valid for 90 days
Once issued, your pre-approval gives you confidence to make offers, exchange unconditionally and bid at auction. If your search takes longer than 90 days, Lendology arranges a renewal - typically straightforward if your situation has not changed.
What you need to provide
Pre-approval document checklist
Lendology provides a specific list for your situation. Most PAYG applicants need the following:
Self-employed, commission-based or on maternity leave? The document requirements differ. Lendology advises on exactly what you need before you gather anything.
Common questions
Things people wonder about before getting pre-approved
"I'm not sure I'm ready - I'm still saving."
Getting pre-approved now costs nothing and takes 3 to 7 days. You'll know exactly what your budget is, what you need to save, and what your timeline looks like. Most people wish they'd done it earlier - it changes how you look at property.
"I've already used an online calculator and know my number."
Online calculators don't check your credit file, verify your income or review your expenses. They also don't account for lender-specific serviceability models - different lenders assess the same income very differently. The number a lender will actually approve is often different from a calculator's output, in either direction.
"I don't want to damage my credit score."
Lendology reviews your credit file first - then identifies the right lender before lodging a single application. One enquiry from one lender has a minor, temporary impact. The risk to your credit comes from lodging multiple applications simultaneously, which is exactly what Lendology avoids.
"I'll just get pre-approved directly through my bank."
Your bank can only pre-approve you against their own policy and their own rates. Lendology compares your position across 60+ lenders - some of whom will lend you significantly more, or on better terms, depending on your income type. You may also find your bank isn't the most competitive once you see what else is available.
"I've been knocked back before."
A previous decline from one lender doesn't mean every lender will decline. Different lenders have very different assessment models - particularly for self-employed income, commission income, or applicants with prior credit issues. Lendology identifies which lenders assess your situation most favourably before lodging anything.
Google reviews
124 five-star Google reviews
Read all reviews →Go deeper
Guides and calculators
Guide
Home loan pre-approval - the complete guide
Guide
What documents do I need for a home loan?
Guide
How much can I borrow?
Calculator
Repayment calculator
Calculator
Stamp duty calculator - SA and all states
Common questions
Pre-approval FAQs
How long does pre-approval take?
With Lendology managing the process and documents provided promptly, most pre-approvals are assessed within 3 to 7 business days. Some lenders offer faster turnaround for straightforward applications.
How long is a pre-approval valid for?
Most pre-approvals are valid for 90 days. If your property search takes longer, Lendology arranges a renewal - typically straightforward if your financial situation has not changed materially.
Does getting pre-approved affect my credit score?
Yes - a lender credit enquiry is recorded as part of the pre-approval assessment. This is why Lendology identifies the right lender before lodging a single application, rather than approaching multiple lenders and accumulating enquiries.
Can I bid at auction with a pre-approval?
Yes - and it is strongly recommended. An auction contract is unconditional, meaning you are legally committed if you win. Pre-approval gives you certainty on your budget and the confidence to bid without a finance clause.
Is pre-approval guaranteed?
A pre-approval is conditional - it is subject to the property valuing at the purchase price and your financial position remaining unchanged. Full formal approval is issued after you have a signed contract of sale and the lender has assessed the specific property.
Related reading
Guides and articles
No cost - no obligation
Stop guessing what you can borrow.
Know for certain.
Book a chat with Jason or Steve. We assess your borrowing capacity, review your credit file, identify the right lender and have your pre-approval lodged - typically within 3 to 7 business days.
Lendology is paid by the lender at settlement. Your pre-approval is at no cost to you.
Related services
You might also be interested in
🏠
First home buyers
Pre-approval is the natural first step for first home buyers. Understand all the grants, schemes and deposit options available to you.
Learn more →
📈
Investment loans
Pre-approval is essential before you bid at auction on an investment property. Know your numbers before you compete.
Learn more →
🔄
Refinancing
Already have a loan? Lendology reviews your current rate against 60+ lenders to find out if you could be paying less.
Learn more →
Local pre-approval help
Adelaide suburbs we serve
Get pre-approved before you start looking - Lendology helps buyers across Adelaide.
Your pre-approval specialist
Steve Chin
Mortgage Broker
Steve brings over 8 years of experience across finance and mortgage broking. He is known for his thoroughness, his patience, and his ability to make an overwhelming process feel manageable. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, his clear communication, and the fact that he takes the stress out of the lending process.
8+
Years in finance
MFAA
Member
5.0
Google rating
Pre-approval
Borrowing capacity
Auction ready
First steps
Not ready to book a call?
Send us a message instead.
We respond to all enquiries within one business day - usually the same day.