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Can Signing a Contract to Buy Your First Home Affect Car Loan Approval? | Finance The Ride

๐Ÿก If Iโ€™ve Just Signed a Contract to Buy My First Home, Will That Impact My Car Loan Chances?

Buying your first home is a huge step โ€” but what if you also need to buy a car before your property settles?
Many Australians ask: Will signing a contract to buy a house affect my car finance application?

The answer is reassuring โ€” you can still get car finance. In most cases, signing a home contract doesnโ€™t stop you from being approved; lenders simply look at your financial position and how close you are to settlement.


๐Ÿ  How Lenders View Pending Home Purchases

Once youโ€™ve signed a contract to buy property, lenders already see you as a home buyer โ€” even if the sale hasnโ€™t settled yet.
That means you can often access home-buyer car loan rates, which are typically lower than standard consumer rates.

When you apply for car finance, lenders will simply look at:

  • Your current income,
  • Your new mortgage commitments, and
  • Whether you can comfortably service both loans.

If your debt-to-income ratio still sits within their guidelines, theyโ€™ll happily approve your car loan โ€” often with no delay.


๐Ÿ’ก Why You Donโ€™t Have to Wait Until Settlement

Car finance lenders understand that property transactions take time.
You donโ€™t have to wait until your home settles to apply for car finance because:

  • You already have a legally binding contract of sale,
  • Your intent to own property shows long-term financial stability, and
  • You can verify ownership later through a rates notice or title search once the property settles.

Some applicants even get pre-approved car finance so their car is ready at the same time as their house keys.


๐Ÿงพ What Proof Youโ€™ll Need (Later)

You wonโ€™t need to provide property documents upfront.
Before your car loan settles, your lender will simply:

  • Request a council rates notice, or
  • Run a land title search to confirm ownership.

Until then, your car finance can remain conditionally approved. This means you can line up both transactions smoothly.


๐Ÿš— Why First Home Buyers Often Qualify Easily

Even if your mortgage hasnโ€™t settled, your property purchase shows:

  • Financial discipline (youโ€™ve saved a deposit),
  • Ability to meet lender requirements, and
  • Long-term commitment to repayments.

That positions you as a low-risk borrower โ€” helping you access low rate car loans with minimal fuss.


๐Ÿ’ฌ Final Thoughts

Signing a contract on your first home wonโ€™t hold up your car finance.
As long as your budget supports both repayments, you can apply confidently and even have both loans approved around the same time.

At Finance The Ride, we help first-time buyers navigate both milestones seamlessly โ€” matching you with lenders who understand real-world timing.


โœ… Check Your Eligibility in 20 Seconds
You can apply online today โ€” no documents required upfront.
Check your eligibility here or learn more about low-rate car loans for new home buyers.

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.

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All Your Questions Answered

What is a car loan and how does it work?

A car loan is a finance product where a lender provides funds for you to purchase a vehicle, which you repay over time with interest.

Whatโ€™s the difference between secured and unsecured car loans?

Secured loans use the car as collateral, often leading to lower interest rates. Unsecured loans donโ€™t, but usually have higher rates.

What loan terms are available for car finance?

Most car loans offer terms from 3 to 7 years. Find out what term suits you best.

How is interest calculated on a car loan?

Interest is based on the loan amount, term, and rate. Fixed-rate loans have predictable repayments, while variable rates can change.

Can I get a car loan for a private sale?

Yes, many lenders accept private sellers. Youโ€™ll need to provide extra documents.

Do government employees get lower interest rates on car loans?

Yes โ€” many lenders offer better rates due to your stable income. Explore finance options for government employees.

Can I apply for a car loan while on probation?

Yes. Many workers are approved during probation.

What credit score do I need as a government employee?

A score of 650+ is ideal, but lower scores may still be considered.

Are corporate professionals eligible for low-rate finance?

Yes, especially if you're full-time with strong income.

Can I get car finance with a novated lease?

Yes, many government departments support novated leasing.

Can I get a car loan with no credit history?

Yes, it's still possible to get a car loan with no credit history.

What if Iโ€™ve been declined elsewhere?

A broker can help restructure your application for better results.

How do I check my credit score?

Use Equifax, Experian, or Illion for a free check.

Can I get finance if I have a current personal loan?

Yes, if your income supports both loans. A broker will assess your capacity.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically: ID, payslips, and bank statements.

Can casual workers get car loans?

Yes, if youโ€™ve worked consistently for 6+ months.

Can I apply if Iโ€™m self-employed with an ABN?

Yes. Consider a low-doc loan.

Can Centrelink be used as income?

Yes, when paired with PAYG income.

Whatโ€™s the minimum income to qualify for car finance?

Most lenders prefer $30,000+ annually, but this varies.

Can I apply on a fixed-term contract?

Yes, especially if itโ€™s government-backed.

Can I finance a used car?

Yes, most lenders allow used cars under 10 years old.

Can I get a loan for an SUV or family car?

Absolutely

Can I finance a caravan or motorbike?

Yes

Can I finance an EV or hybrid car?

Yes. You may even qualify for green car loan discounts.

Can I use my car for both work and personal use?

Yes you can.

What is a balloon payment?

Itโ€™s a lump sum due at the end of the loan term.

Can I make extra repayments?

Yes, many lenders allow this without penalty.

Can I pay off the loan early?

Yes โ€” ask if thereโ€™s an early payout fee.

Is there a deposit required?

Not always.

What loan terms are available?

1 to 7 years is standard.

How long does approval take?

24โ€“48 hours in most cases

Can I apply online?

Yes โ€” most lenders and brokers accept online applications.

Is a broker better than going direct?

Often, yes. They can compare lenders for you.

Can I get pre-approved?

Yes โ€” and it gives you better negotiating power at the dealership.

What happens after I apply?

Your documents are reviewed, and if approved, the lender issues funds to the seller.

Can I get a loan with a visa?

Do I need a driverโ€™s licence to apply?

Yes, but learners may qualify with a co-applicant.

Can I apply with someone else?

Yes, joint applications are allowed.

Can I refinance my current car loan?

Yes โ€” it can lower your repayments or get you a better rate.

Can I trade in my old car as a deposit?

Yes, many lenders accept trade-ins toward the deposit.

Can nurses get car finance?

Can teachers apply while on contract?

Do defence personnel get special car loan rates?

Yes, in some cases. Your job security is a major advantage.

Can FIFO government workers apply?

Yes โ€” consistency in income matters more than job location.

Can I apply if Iโ€™m on maternity leave?

Yes, especially if youโ€™re returning to work. Hereโ€™s how.

Can I use car finance to buy interstate?

Yes โ€” just make sure the seller provides all required documents.

Can I finance a car from an auction?

Yes, but only through select lenders. Ask your broker first.

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Only if you apply to multiple lenders directly. Brokers help protect your score.

Can I get a car loan if Iโ€™ve been bankrupt before?

What if I want to upgrade my car before the loan ends?

You can sell the car, pay off the loan early, or refinance.