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Can You Get Car Finance After Refinancing Your Home Loan? | Finance The Ride

๐Ÿ”„ If I Just Refinanced My Home Loan, Can I Still Apply for Car Finance?

Many homeowners assume they need to wait months after refinancing before applying for a car loan โ€” but thatโ€™s not the case.

If youโ€™ve recently refinanced your mortgage, you can still apply for car finance straight away. In fact, most lenders see refinancing as a positive sign of proactive money management, not a red flag.

Hereโ€™s how it works.


๐Ÿ  Why Refinancing Doesnโ€™t Stop You From Getting Car Finance

Refinancing your mortgage simply means youโ€™ve switched to a new lender, rate, or structure โ€” it doesnโ€™t reset your ability to borrow elsewhere.

When you apply for car finance, the lender will look at your new repayment schedule, income, and existing commitments.
If your income supports both, thereโ€™s no restriction on applying for a car loan immediately after refinancing.

In fact, refinancing often improves your position because youโ€™ve likely:

  • Reduced your interest rate or monthly repayments,
  • Consolidated debts into a more manageable loan, and
  • Freed up more disposable income each month.

That can actually boost your car loan approval odds.


๐Ÿ’ก Lenders See Refinancing as Financial Stability

Car finance lenders interpret a refinance as evidence that you:

  • Stay on top of your finances,
  • Seek better value and manage debt proactively, and
  • Already meet a bankโ€™s approval criteria.

Those are all strong indicators of creditworthiness.
Even if your home loan only settled recently, youโ€™ll still qualify for home owner car loan rates, just like any long-term property owner.


๐Ÿงพ What Proof Youโ€™ll Need (Later)

You donโ€™t need to show refinance documents during your initial car loan application.
Before your car loan settles, the lender may simply confirm your property ownership using:

  • A council rates notice, or
  • A land title search (if your refinance was recent).

That quick check verifies your home owner status โ€” no mortgage paperwork required.


๐Ÿš— Can Refinancing Help You Get a Better Car Loan Deal?

Yes โ€” in many cases, refinancing improves your overall borrowing capacity because your new mortgage terms are more favourable.
You can use those savings to increase your car budget or reduce your loan term.

And because youโ€™re now classified as a home owner, youโ€™ll likely qualify for a low rate car loan designed for borrowers with property assets.


๐Ÿ’ฌ Final Thoughts

Refinancing doesnโ€™t hold you back โ€” it often helps.
You can apply for car finance right away and still access home buyer rates without waiting for months of new mortgage history.

At Finance The Ride, we help recent refinancers secure car loans quickly and smoothly, working with lenders who understand how modern property ownership works.


โœ… Check Your Eligibility in 20 Seconds
Apply online today โ€” no mortgage documents required upfront.
Check your eligibility here or compare options on our Low Rate Car Loans page for recent home refinancers.

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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.