Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and not everyone will meet all the requirements banks and other lenders set. For such borrowers, non-conforming home loans offer an alternative route to attain a home loan.
What is a Non-Conforming Loan?
Non-conforming loans are an option for people with financial needs not met by traditional loans due to their low credit scores or other unique circumstances. These loans are provided by lenders willing to overlook past credit problems, but they will require evidence of your ability to repay the loan. In addition, a larger deposit than what is usually required for traditional loans may also be necessary.
There are several signs that you might not meet the criteria for traditional loans, including a less-than-perfect credit history, a solid income but not much of a deposit, a work history that involves changing jobs frequently, a need to consolidate debts, self-employment, or recently starting a new career or business. However, other options are available even if traditional lenders have turned you down.
One advantage of non-conforming loans is that they may overlook a low credit rating, and after some time, you may be able to access a lower interest rate with timely repayments. However, there are also some downsides to consider.
Non-conforming loans usually have a higher interest rate than traditional loans, reflecting a higher level of risk. Additionally, a larger deposit may be necessary for conventional loans, and stricter repayment conditions may apply.
How do Non-Confirming Loans Work?
Non-conforming home loans function similarly to standard home loans in many ways. Prospective borrowers apply to a lender and can choose from a variable, fixed, or split rate and select different features, such as an offset account, a redraw facility, or flexibility to make extra repayments, depending on the loan and lender.
The main difference between non-conforming and standard home loans is the cost. Non-conforming loans usually have a higher interest rate, upfront fees, ongoing fees, and exit fees than traditional loans. These additional costs compensate lenders for the extra risk they take when offering non-conforming home loans to borrowers who may not meet the standard loan criteria. On the positive side, making regular repayments on a non-conforming loan can improve your credit rating over time, enabling you to refinance to a lower-rate home loan.
Who are Non-Conforming Loans For?
A non-conforming or specialist borrower may not meet the criteria for traditional loans due to their unique circumstances. This may include:
- self-employed individuals
- nearing retirement
- recently started a new job or business
- regularly change jobs
- have unexpected illness or disability affecting their ability to work
- have tax debt
- made many credit applications
- have a solid income but not much of a deposit
- have many other debts such as personal loans and credit cards
- have a less-than-perfect credit history
- are a new Australian resident without a credit history,
- are a non-resident
- ish to borrow a high LVR (more than 90% to 95%), or wish to secure a loan against properties that are not typically considered appropriate security

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