Benefits of home loan pre-approval
There are several key benefits to gaining home loan pre-approval.
Having a clear idea of your budget means you can confidently look at homes within your price range. It also saves you the time and heartache of looking at properties you may not be able to afford.
Pre-approval makes a strong statement to sellers. It shows that you’re serious about buying and are more likely to be able to access the funds needed for a smooth sale.
If you find the home of your dreams, you don’t want to hang around! With pre-approval secured, you’ll be in a position to make an offer immediately.
Apply for a home loan
Whatever your home buying dreams, our team of specialists can help guide you through the process step by step.
Complete the form and we’ll connect you with one of our experienced Home Loan Specialists to discuss your goals, eligibility and next steps.
When you’re ready, we’ll help you prepare and submit your application.
Once your application is ready for assessment, your specialist will guide you from approval to settlement.
Pre-approval explained
You should apply for home loan pre-approval when you’re ready to begin the conversation about buying a property. As detailed above, pre-approval will give you a clear idea of what you can afford and put you in a strong position with potential sellers.
Pre-approval is valid for up to 90 days. You are not obliged to bid on or purchase a property during this time.
Home loan pre-approval is a form of credit enquiry, which means it will be recorded on your credit report. However, this will only negatively impact your credit score if you make multiple pre-approval applications with different lenders within a short space of time.
Pre-approval is conditional on a number of factors and is therefore not a guarantee of getting a home loan. It does, however, put you in a stronger position to receive full approval should you apply for it.
Why we're different
We like to do things a little differently. Here are a few things you can expect from us:
- Intuitive tools to help you save smarter, not harder
- Flexible loan options to help you pay it off sooner
- We've been putting customers first for over 75 years
Compare home loans
Complete the form and we’ll connect you with one of our experienced Home Loan Specialists.
Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4:00pm (AEST)
Rates are current as at 22 May 2026 and subject to change.
Great Southern Bank, a business name of Credit Union Australia Ltd ABN 44 087 650 959, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 238317. Lending criteria, limits, conditions, and fees apply. Applications are subject to credit approval.
1 The Boost is not available on business accounts.
2 Discounts off the Basic Variable and Offset Variable Reference Rate are available to (a) new home loans with a minimum application amount of $100,000; or (b) switching or restructuring of the home loan you already have with us when it includes new borrowing of at least $10,000; for new home loan applications unconditionally approved on or after 22 May 2026. Published interest rates are inclusive of any discounts off the respective Reference Rates. Interest rates and discounts vary based on the loan purpose (owner occupier and investor), repayment type (principal and interest, interest only, construction) and Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). Maximum LVR applies and includes Lenders' Mortgage Insurance and Great Southern Bank loan setup fees where applicable.
3 Great Southern Bank may withdraw or amend this offer at any time without notice. A change in your loan purpose, your repayment type or your loan product will permanently end your entitlement to the discount.
4 LVR means ‘Loan to Value Ratio’. It is the amount of your loan divided by the valuation of your property, calculated as a percentage. For example, if you apply for a loan of $400,000, which will be secured by a property valued at $500,000, your LVR is 80%. We calculate your LVR at the time we approve your loan and your discount won’t change because of changes to the LVR during the life of your loan.
5 Fixed Rate loans are available to (a) new home loans with a minimum application amount of $100,000; or (b) switching or restructuring of existing home loans. Maximum Loan to Value Ratio applies and includes Lenders' Mortgage Insurance and Great Southern Bank loan setup fees where applicable.
6 On expiry of the fixed rate period, the loan reverts to the Basic Variable Reference Rate relevant to your loan purpose and repayment type which applies at the time of expiry.
7 A $200 minimum withdrawal amount applies for redraws conducted in-branch.
8 You must maintain a minimum balance of $500 in each offset account to obtain an offset benefit. You will also not receive any interest on the funds in your offset accounts.
9 A daily transfer will refund any amounts paid in advance in excess of the total advance repayments allowed during the fixed rate period ($30,000) unless sufficient to pay out the loan in full (in which case an Early Payout Cost may apply). Excess funds will be transferred to the nominated deposit account, which must remain open for the fixed rate period.
^ Comparison rate accurate for $150,000 secured loan over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
#Offer includes $0 Establishment Fee and is open to new or existing customers applying for a minimum application amount of $100,000 or more. Excludes applications for Internal Refinance of existing facilities. Applications must be received between 31/08/2022 and 31/07/2026 and settled by 31/10/2026. To be eligible to apply you must be at least 18 years of age and a permanent resident of Australia. Great Southern Bank may withdraw or amend this offer at any time without notice.
- At least 18 years of age
- A permanent resident of Australia
- Principal & Interest repayment: 95% maximum Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) including Lenders' Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
- Construction purpose: 90% maximum LVR including LMI
- Interest Only repayment: 90% maximum LVR including LMI
- 90% maximum LVR including LMI
| Pre-approval | Pre-qualify |
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Pre-approval
You’ll end up with a definitive amount that you can borrow so you can start making offers on properties. | Pre-qualify
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