5-Star Assistance for ADF Home Loans
Own your home sooner with defence-friendly loans and no unnecessary bank runarounds
Trying to get a home loan while serving—or after—isn’t always straight-up. You’ve probably heard a dozen different things about DHOAS, banks, and rates. Truth is, it can be simple… if you’ve got the ADF home loan broker walking you through it.
Don’t miss out on housing benefits you’ve already earned
You’ve earned entitlements through years of service. But if no one explains them clearly, it’s easy to let them slip by.
ADF Home Loans come with things like DHOAS subsidies, service credit perks, and access to lenders who understand defence life. But many vets and serving members still end up with basic loans that cost more and do less, simply because the paperwork or jargon was too hard to decode.
You don’t have to miss out. ADF loans were created for you. The support that comes with them can mean thousands saved over time. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, or refinancing, these benefits were never meant to be confusing.
Start your ADF home loan journey with the right support
ADF home loans and DHOAS guidelines aren’t always easy to follow. With changing policies, confusing service criteria, and tiered benefits, it’s common to feel confused especially since major updates rolled out in 2023. Many defence members aren’t sure how their service history fits in, and that uncertainty can hold them back from applying at all.
The good news is, help is available. A broker who understands ADF life from constant postings to complex discharge paths, can cut through the noise and show you what you’re entitled to.
If eligibility has felt too hard to figure out, now’s the time to get clarity. You may already qualify for support that puts home ownership within reach.
Understand if you are eligible for ADF home loans
Service members often miss out on ADF home loan benefits because they don’t know they do. With the right guidance, you can quickly uncover what you’re eligible for and how to move forward with confidence.
Recently served in the ADF
You don’t need to be serving now. If you’ve served in the ADF in the past five years, you still meet the eligibility criteria for the ADF Home Loan program. Let’s check your status.
Time served requirement
To access the ADF Home Loan, you’ll need to meet the minimum service period. Foreign service may also apply in some cases. We can walk you through what that looks like for you.
Service credit explained
Once you meet the qualifying period, you begin earning service credit. This credit can be used to reduce your loan costs through ongoing subsidy payments. We’ll explain how it works.
Continued ADF commitments
To qualify, you may need to keep serving for at least 12 more months. If that’s part of your plan, you’re likely eligible. We’ll confirm everything based on your current path.
First year in your property
You’re required to live in the home for at least 12 months. If you’re posted before then, you won’t lose the loan. The ADF loan terms adjust to your circumstances. We’ll sort that out with you.
Why ADF families trust us with home loan assistance
Get your ADF home loan sorted in 4 straightforward steps
Share your posting and property plan
You don’t need to explain your whole career history. Just let us know where you’re posted, whether you get RA or DHA, and what kind of home you’re after.
See what you can actually borrow
You’ll see exactly how your pay, allowances, and benefits impact what you can borrow with straightforward answers that make sense for your military career.
Easily compare ADF-friendly loans in one place
You’ll only see options that actually fit someone in the ADF including loans that work with deployments, transfers, and even limited paperwork time.
Let someone else handle the paperwork
You won’t need to chase banks or juggle forms after hours. From pre-approval to settlement, most of the admin is done for you.
Discover the best ADF home loan for your situation in a fast, free, helpful call
Finding the right home loan when you’re in the defence force shouldn’t feel confusing or frustrating. In one short call, you’ll get clear guidance on where you stand, what you may be eligible for, and how to make the most of your ADF benefits, including DHOAS, even if you’re no longer serving.
The call is handled by professionals experienced with ADF members, and your information is kept secure and confidential.
This free 10-minute chat is ideal if you’re unsure about DHOAS, worried about high repayments, or simply want clarity on your options before taking the next step.
Here’s what we’ll cover on your call:
- Am I eligible for ADF home loan support, even after discharge?
- What’s the simplest way to use my DHOAS subsidy correctly?
- Could I get a better deal through non-military lenders? (Sometimes, yes)
- Which loan features matter most when postings mean moving regularly?
- Am I paying more interest than I should, or missing any entitlements?
This call is a quick way to get clarity and take control of your next move. Fill out the form below and get clear, practical guidance from someone who understands defence service and your long-term options.
FAQs we get about ADF home loans
What exactly is an ADF Home Loan, and how is it different from a regular one?
An ADF Home Loan is made just for members of the Australian Defence Force. It works like a regular home loan but includes special benefits through the DHOAS scheme (Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme). These loans often offer better interest rates, extra support, and more flexibility for military families who move often.
The big difference is that ADF Home Loans are designed with your service in mind. Things like frequent relocations, deployments, or transitioning out of service can make it harder to deal with banks who don’t understand. But with ADF loans, you’re more likely to be approved, and you may even get financial support through government subsidies based on your service record.
Can I apply for an ADF Home Loan if I’ve left the military?
Yes, you can still qualify. If you’ve served in the ADF within the last five years, you may still be eligible for an ADF Home Loan. You don’t have to be currently active. What matters is whether you’ve met the minimum service period and how recently you served.
Many veterans think once they leave the force, they’ve missed their chance… but that’s not true. You might still be entitled to benefits under DHOAS. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking your service records and speaking to someone who understands both defence life and home loans.
Is DHOAS the only option when it comes to ADF Home Loans?
DHOAS is a great benefit, but it’s not your only choice. Some ADF members may actually get a better deal with non-DHOAS lenders, depending on their situation. That’s why it’s smart to compare multiple ADF home loan providers before making a decision.
Some lenders offer lower interest rates or better features like offset accounts and redraw options, even without the subsidy. While DHOAS helps with ongoing payments, other options might help with upfront savings or better long-term value.
Understanding how your service credit and subsidy amount work can help you figure out which option gives you more peace of mind in the long run.
What’s the minimum service period to qualify for an ADF Home Loan?
To be eligible, you need to complete a qualifying period, usually two years of permanent service or four years of Reserve service. Once you’ve done this, you can start earning service credits. These credits are important because they decide how much DHOAS subsidy you’re entitled to.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve reached that point, you can check with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or your Defence pay system. Even if you’re still serving, it’s a good idea to track how close you are to eligibility, so you don’t miss out on what you’ve earned.
Do I need to live in the house to keep my ADF Home Loan?
Yes, at least for the first 12 months. One key rule with ADF Home Loans, especially when using DHOAS, is the occupancy requirement. You need to live in the home for a full year from when the loan starts. But if you get posted and need to move before that year is up, you can usually keep the loan and benefits.
The rules were made knowing how often defence families relocate. You won’t be penalised if it’s due to an official ADF posting. It’s best to keep records of your posting orders in case you need them later.
How does my service credit affect how much subsidy I get?
Your service credit is like a score based on how long you’ve served in the ADF. The more credits you have, the higher your DHOAS subsidy payment. This payment helps cover the interest on your home loan, which can save you thousands over time.
You earn service credit once you finish your qualifying period. For every year you serve after that, you build more credit. So if you plan to stay in for a while, it’s smart to track your growing benefit. When you finally apply, your credits can make a real difference in how much support you get.
Can I use an ADF Home Loan to buy an investment property?
No, not at first. ADF Home Loans tied to DHOAS are meant for your own home, not for investment property. That’s why there’s an occupancy requirement. But after you’ve lived in the home for a year, you may be able to turn it into a rental if your situation changes, like a posting or growing family.
Some ADF home loan lenders offer additional investment loan options once you’ve settled in. So while you can’t use your defence entitlements right away for property investing, you can plan for that as part of your longer-term financial strategy.
What happens if I leave the ADF after getting the loan?
If you leave the ADF after you’ve started your ADF Home Loan, you can usually keep the loan, but your DHOAS subsidy will stop after a certain period (typically two years). This is called the “cessation period.” It gives you time to transition and figure out your next steps without losing the home.
You won’t be forced to sell or refinance, but you may need to start paying the full interest cost without government help. Planning ahead, especially before leaving the ADF, can help you avoid surprises.
Do all banks understand how ADF Home Loans work?
Not really. Many banks treat military pay and conditions like any other job, which doesn’t always work in your favour. Some don’t know how to assess DHOAS properly, or they don’t understand things like deployment allowances, service history, or the impact of frequent postings.
That’s why going through a broker or adviser who works specifically with ADF home loans can help. They know how to present your income the right way and work with lenders that accept defence-specific situations.
What documents do I need to apply for an ADF Home Loan?
To apply, you’ll need a few key things ready:
Your ADF service number
Proof of service (you can get this through Defence or MyService)
Income documents like pay slips or salary summaries
Details of any existing loans or debts
A current ID like a driver’s licence or passport
If you’re going through DHOAS, you’ll also need a Subsidy Certificate, which shows your eligibility and service credit. This can take a few weeks to process, so it’s a good idea to apply early.
