#1 Defence Mortgage Broker

Work with brokers who know Defence life so your postings and entitlements work in your favour

Owning a home is possible without the stress of being misunderstood by banks. With a broker who specialises in Defence and veterans, your allowances and benefits are turned into advantages. That means easier approvals, smarter loan choices, and more savings over the long run.

Stop trying to compare 20+ lenders on your own

Trying to make sense of dozens of loan options can eat up your time fast. Clicking through lender websites, reading fine print, and chasing answers takes you away from the things that actually matter.

If you’re in the Australian military, your time is already spoken for. The last thing you need is more admin. The problem is, most lenders don’t understand how defence entitlements work. That means you’re left doing the hard work to piece it all together.

This loan process should be simpler. You should be able to see your real defence home loan options in one place, without sorting through confusing language or starting from scratch every time.

With a broker who understands defence loans, you save your time and make one clear decision, not 20 guesses.

Woman in camo pants filling out paperwork on a couch, preparing for a defence mortgage broker consultation.

Get the right loan options without the legwork

You don’t need to waste time comparing every lender. You get loan options matched to your goals, income and entitlements, with no jargon and no going in circles.

Stay supported wherever you're posted

You can move across the country and still count on consistent, reliable help. Your loan support travels with you, so you stay in control no matter where you land.

Work with someone who actually gets your life

You'll get ongoing support and expert advise from people who already understand your unique circumstances, the military life and the systems.

Rated 5.0 stars on Google Reviews
5/5

What some of our ADF clients had to say

Elizabeth
The team at Defence Finance were amazing! As a first home buyer, they talked me through all the options and gave great advice. I was so grateful to have all of their help through this process and they help me land my dream home. Special shoutout to Grace who was an absolute joy to deal with!
Andrew N.
Honestly Enza and the team and defence finance were simply amazing from the first phone, all the way through to settlement. I've recommended them to everyone I know that's looking for help with purchasing a house. They are simply amazing and accommodating. We will be calling Enza again when we start looking at another property for sure.
Shannon G.
I had a fantastic experience with Defence Finance. They provided sound financial advice that was tailored to suit our unique needs, goals, and requirements. Our loan was approved without any issues, and the entire process was stress-free. I especially recommend them for DHOAS loans—these guys really understand how to make it work for Defence families.
Stacey P.
My husband and I have been working Enza and Karen for the last couple of months to help us secure a mortgage. The care and time taken to answer ALL of our questions and concerns about the process and the abundance of different things that come up in this process is second to none. The process was made to feel easy and straight forward!
Huyen L.
It has been an absolute pleasure dealing with Defence Finance. From start to finish, our home loan application has been a breeze. Special thanks to Enza and Karen my family could not thank you enough. At a very stressful time of our life you have made things much easier for us. Highly recommend ANYONE to acquire the services of Defence Finance.
Rolland S.
Enza and Karen are amazing, I was initially taken back by the deposit required, the commonwealth bank and other banks and calculators said it would be less, I raised this with Enza and listened to her advice. If I had of gone with a lot of other people’s advice I would be struggling every repayment and my repayments would be higher.
Peter M.
The expertise and level of customer services skills that Enza and the defence finance team provided was of an extremely high service. There knowledge of all things CSC, DVA and defence is that high it is almost like talking to a defence member. I could not recommend them enough to my other mates.
Mark B.
Simply put, Enza from Defence Finance was amazing. She ensured that we were kept up to date every step of the way and as a first home buyer and DHOAS client she ensured that we understood every step of the process. She also helped to ensure that we got the best deal and were left in a financially viable position.
Britni M.
Absolute great experience with our broker Grace. We were first home buyers, not really knowing much about anything. We felt so supported and guided through the entire experience and always kept in the loop. Communication was 10/10!!! Highly recommend.
Ellie S.
Grace and the Team at Defence Finance were amazing when we recently purchased our first home. Their knowledge and understanding of the DHOAS subsidy and general brokerage was excellent. Thank you Grace for making this process so easy and stress free.
5-Star Rated Defence Brokers
5/5

Use your ADF entitlements to save more on your home

Your ADF housing benefits exist for a reason… to help you own a home without paying more than you need to. But if you’re not using them properly, you could be missing out on real savings.

Between complex forms and unclear advice, it’s easy to overlook what you’re actually entitled to. And every missed detail can cost you thousands.

You deserve to use every benefit you’ve earned. With the right support, you can step into your new home knowing you’re not leaving money behind.

Rated 5.0 stars on Google Reviews
5/5
Military woman with dog tag signing documents at desk, applying through a defence mortgage broker.

From home to car to investment, there’s a defence loan for that

Your financial position changes over time. You might start with a home loan, but down the line, you may want to upgrade your vehicle, buy an investment property, or cover something unexpected. As a defence member, you’ve got access to options that suit each stage of your life. Take a look at what you can do with the right loan structure behind you.

Rated 5.0 stars on Google Reviews
5/5
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Work with Australia's best DHOAS mortgage broker in 4 simple steps

Book a quick call that fits around your schedule  

Pick a time that works even if you're on night shift, deployed, or between postings. You’ll chat with someone who already understands ADF life, so there’s no need to explain your pay slips or allowances from scratch.

Find out what you can borrow without the guesswork

You’ll get a clear picture of how much you can borrow, including how things like RA, deployment income, and HPAS/HPSEA come into play. With our help, you’ll get straight numbers based on your individual needs.

Get help using DHOAS the right way

Not sure if you qualify? Already using it but confused? You’ll get help figuring out exactly where you stand with DHOAS... what you’re eligible for, how it affects your loan, and what to watch out for so you don’t lose any benefits.

Let someone else handle the bank and paperwork 

Once you're ready to go, everything gets sorted behind the scenes, from dealing with the lender to making sure nothing stalls while you’re away. You won’t be left chasing emails or explaining your job over and over again.

Rated 5.0 stars on Google Reviews
5/5

Book a free call and learn more about your entitlements

Sick of explaining your service history, allowances or DHOAS to people who don’t get it? This short call is designed to give you real numbers and real answers without needing to dig through forms or chase banks yourself. It’s free, there’s no pressure, and we’ll only ask what’s needed to give you a clear next step.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

Spots are limited so sessions don’t get rushed. If you want clarity without wasting time, just fill in the form now.

Questions we get asked as the top defence mortgage broker in AU

Why do I need a defence mortgage broker instead of a normal one?

A lot of regular brokers don’t really understand how ADF pay works. Things like your service allowance, deployments, or being posted every couple of years can confuse banks. You’ve probably had to explain your payslip before, maybe more than once. And even then, they still don’t get it.

A defence mortgage broker knows what all those extras on your payslip mean and how to explain them to the bank properly. That means you won’t have to waste time trying to prove your income over and over. Plus, they know how things like DHOAS work and what paperwork is needed depending on where you’re posted.

It also helps with timing. If you’re away or getting posted soon, you don’t want delays or surprises. A good defence mortgage broker will already know what’s needed and when to act fast, especially if you spot a property you like.

So while a regular broker might be fine for civilians, someone in the ADF usually needs someone who understands defence life from day one. That way, you don’t spend weeks explaining yourself, and you avoid mistakes that could cost you later.

This is something most ADF members worry about, and it’s totally fair. Being posted is part of the job, but it doesn’t mean you can’t own a home. You’ve got a few options depending on your situation.

If you buy a house and get posted, you can rent out the property. Some lenders are happy with this, and your rental income may even help cover your loan repayments. Just make sure your loan allows this. Some loans have special rules, so ask about that upfront.

Another thing to think about is whether you want to buy in an area where you plan to settle long-term. If not, maybe look at it as an investment property first and live there later. A defence mortgage broker can help go through these choices based on your posting history and future plans.

Also, some benefits like DHOAS change if you don’t live in the home. So it’s worth getting clear advice early on so you don’t lose anything by accident.

Posting happens, but it doesn’t mean buying is off the table. It just means planning ahead a little smarter.

DHOAS (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme) can seem confusing at first, but it’s a great benefit when you understand how to use it right. Put simply, DHOAS gives you a monthly subsidy to help pay off the interest on your home loan. The longer you serve, the more you may get.

To use DHOAS, you’ll need a few things sorted. First, you must be eligible, which means having enough effective service days. Then you apply for a DHOAS certificate, which shows the bank you qualify. Only certain lenders offer DHOAS-approved loans, so you’ll need to pick one from that list.

The amount of money you get each month depends on your tier level (based on service length), your home loan size, and current interest rates. The payment goes straight into your loan account, helping reduce the interest you pay.

One important tip: you must live in the home for at least 12 months to keep getting the payments. If you move out too early, the payments stop. So always factor that into your plans, especially if a posting is coming up.

Using DHOAS well can save you thousands, but only if you set it up properly from the start.

Yes, and you definitely should. Even if you’re not buying right now, getting info early can really help down the track. Knowing where you stand today makes it easier to plan ahead, especially with things like DHOAS, HPAS, and how your ADF allowances affect borrowing.

You don’t need to have found a house or even decided where you want to live. In fact, the earlier you start asking questions, the better. That way, you won’t feel rushed when you’re finally ready to buy. You’ll already know what documents you’ll need, how much you can borrow, and what options suit your ADF lifestyle.

Lots of people wait too long, then try to sort everything last minute during a posting or deployment. That’s when mistakes happen or deals fall through.

So even if you’re just curious or thinking about buying “sometime next year,” it’s worth getting a proper look at your options now. There’s no pressure to commit. It’s just about being prepared so you can move quickly when the time feels right for you.

Most defence mortgage brokers don’t charge you anything directly. They usually get paid by the lender once your loan goes through. But it’s still smart to ask upfront just in case there are any costs, especially if your situation is a bit different.

There shouldn’t be surprise fees, and you should never feel pressured to sign anything. A good broker will explain exactly how they’re paid and make sure you understand everything before moving forward. If someone dodges that question or rushes you into signing stuff, that’s a red flag.

Also, make sure the loan they recommend suits you, not just the one that pays them more. Some brokers push certain banks because they get a bigger cut. That’s why working with someone who understands defence life matters. They’re not guessing; they’re matching loans to your real situation.

So no, you probably won’t pay a fee, but always double-check. And remember, asking questions doesn’t mean you’re locked into anything. You’re allowed to shop around until you find someone you trust.

Getting knocked back by a bank is frustrating, especially when it’s because they don’t understand ADF income. Your payslip might show RA, service allowances, field pay, and all sorts of extras, and many civilian lenders just see it as “unclear” or “unstable.”

But rejection doesn’t mean you can’t get a loan. It often just means the bank didn’t read your situation properly. A defence mortgage broker can help present your income the right way, using supporting letters or breakdowns that explain how your pay actually works. Sometimes, it’s just about picking the right lender that accepts ADF conditions.

If you’re a serving member of the ADF, DHOAS is made to help you buy a home to live in… not just an investment. To qualify, you need to live in the home for a certain amount of time (usually at least 12 months). That’s part of the rules.

Now, once you’ve lived in it for the required time, and if your circumstances change (like being posted elsewhere), then renting it out later is allowed. But if you try to buy a house just to rent it out from day one, DHOAS won’t cover it.

This is where defence housing investment loans come into play. These types of loans are designed for when you’re ready to invest in property beyond your own home, without relying on DHOAS. Knowing the difference between owner-occupier support and true investment finance is key.

It’s really important to understand this before jumping in. You could end up losing your subsidy or getting in trouble with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Talking to a defence mortgage broker can help you avoid mistakes here, because they understand how to mix ADF life with home ownership and how defence housing investment loans fit into the bigger picture.

The best loan products for ADF members are the ones that can flex with your lifestyle. That usually means looking for loans that offer:

  • Portability (you can take them with you when you move)
  • Redraw or offset options (to save interest)
  • Flexible repayments (in case of deployment or income changes)
  • No penalty for paying off early
 

If you’re using a DHOAS home loan, your options are more limited but still good. You’ll need to pick from the list of approved DHOAS lenders, and not all of them offer the same features. That’s why comparing matters.

You might also consider fixed vs variable rate loans, or even split loans that give you a bit of both. A defence mortgage broker can help you sort through the noise and personalise a loan plan that works with your income, allowances, and future posting plans.

 

Start by understanding your entitlements, how many service days you’ve got, what tier you’re on, and what that translates to in monthly subsidy payments. Then make sure your loan is actually DHOAS-approved. Not all lenders qualify.

From there, think long-term. If you’re not living in the home for 12 months, you’ll lose the subsidy. If you refinance later, you’ll need to stay with an approved lender or the benefit disappears.

You also want to check if your loan has features that help you save like offset accounts or the ability to make extra payments. These can stack on top of the DHOAS help, saving you even more.

The goal is to use DHOAS as a tool, not just a bonus. A bit of planning early on can help you turn your DHOAS loan into a real long-term win, not just something that looks good on paper.

Yes, they can. While most people think of home loans first, a defence mortgage broker often understands the full picture of Defence life, including when you might need a defence personal loan or a defence car loan along the way.

For example, you might need a personal loan to cover unexpected moving costs, home upgrades, or even family expenses during deployment. Or maybe you’re looking to buy a new vehicle but want better rates and terms than what a regular bank is offering.

A defence car loan is usually tied directly to the vehicle and can come with lower interest if the car is used as security. 

A defence personal loan is more flexible. You can use it for just about anything, and it doesn’t need to be linked to a specific purchase.

Working with a defence mortgage broker means you’re not starting from scratch. They can help you line everything up (your home loan, DHOAS eligibility, and even personal or car finance) so it all fits together. 

Defence Finance Team Options
Learn about your loan entitlements with a Defence Finance professional.