Brokers urged to act as banks improve lending flexibility

In this latest episode of Broker Daily Uncut, hosts Alex Whitlock and Eva Loisance unpack how shifting bank policies and market momentum are reshaping opportunities for brokers and borrowers alike. The pair highlight growing flexibility from lenders, with banks now more open to self-employed clients and taking a softer stance on HECS debt – a move that's expanding borrowing capacity for younger buyers. Co-host Loisance, principal at Finni Mortgages, points to renewed demand for self-managed super fund (SMSF) lending, noting lenders such as Pepper are now offering 90 per cent loans with no LMI, a stark shift from the rigid rules of the past. On the ground, both hosts report markets in Melbourne and Sydney running hot, with homes routinely selling above their price guide. But as valuations lag behind rising prices, buyers, particularly first-timers, are feeling the pinch when appraisals fall short. The episode also explores competitive owner-occupied lending, where fixed rates as low as 4.7 per cent are fuelling strong activity and enticing new borrowers. Their key message for brokers: stay alert to evolving credit policies and educate clients on emerging products like SMSF loans.