# Matilda Tree Finance > Boutique mortgage broker specialising in home loans for single parents, women, first home buyers and self-employed Australians. ## About Home loans without the jargon or judgement. Specialist mortgage broker for single parents, first home buyers, self employed and women across Australia. Boutique Mortgage Broker ## Contact - Phone: 0428 889 893 - Email: info@matildatreefinance.com.au - Location: Carlton NSW 2218, Australia - Area served: Australia ## Credentials and licensing - Member, Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) - Member, Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) - Authorised under Purple Circle Financial Services (Australian Credit Licence 486112) - Founder: Rielle Berglund, Mortgage Broker and Founder ## Services ### Single Parent Home Loans URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/services/single-parent-home-loans Yes, you can buy a home as a single parent in Australia, even on one income. Single parents in Australia can absolutely get a home loan, and there are specific government programs designed to help. The challenge is rarely whether you qualify in principle. It's that lenders all assess income differently, especially when your situation involves Centrelink, child support, self-employed income, or all three at once. One bank might say no flat out. Another might approve the same application with the right structure. The job of a good broker is to know which is which, so you don't waste time getting rejected by lenders who were never going to say yes to your situation in the first place. Frequently asked questions: Q: Can a single parent get a home loan in Australia? A: Yes. Single parents in Australia can absolutely get a home loan, and there are specific government programs designed to help. The challenge is rarely whether you qualify in principle. It's that lenders all assess income differently, especially when your situation involves Centrelink, child support, self employed income, or all three at once. One bank might say no flat out, another might approve the same application with the right structure. The job of a good broker is to know which is which, so you don't waste time getting rejected by lenders who were never going to say yes to your situation in the first place. Q: How can a single parent buy a home with just a 2% deposit? A: The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme lets eligible single parents and single legal guardians buy a home with a deposit of as little as 2%, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. As of 1 October 2025, the income cap was removed, the place limit was removed, and there is no waitlist. To qualify you must be single (no spouse or de facto partner), the natural parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian of one or more dependent children, an Australian citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old, and not currently own residential property at settlement. Q: What income do lenders accept from single parents in Australia? A: Most lenders accept 100% of PAYG income with two recent payslips. Self employed income is accepted with one to two years of tax returns. Family Tax Benefit Part A and B is accepted by many lenders as supplementary income. Child support is accepted with a court order or CSA assessment plus bank statements. Parenting Payment acceptance is mixed. JobSeeker and Rent Assistance are almost never accepted. The biggest mistake single parents make is assuming one bank's no means the door is closed everywhere. It usually isn't. Q: How does refinancing a mortgage after separation or divorce work in Australia? A: Refinancing after separation usually involves removing your ex from the mortgage, buying out their share, and a fresh property valuation. The new loan is assessed against your sole income plus any acceptable supplementary income. If you've been managing the existing mortgage on time, that's strong evidence of serviceability. If your sole-name income doesn't service the existing loan, options include negotiating a smaller settlement, taking a longer loan term, or considering government schemes if you qualify. Q: How does Matilda Tree Finance help single parents get a home loan? A: We start with a free 30-minute discovery call to talk through your situation, with no obligation. By the end of the call you'll know whether buying is realistic right now, what programs you might qualify for, and what next steps would look like. Engagement fee is $450 for standard applications, $750 to $950 for more complex ones. Lender commissions are paid by the bank and disclosed in writing. From there we handle lender comparison, paperwork and advocacy all the way through to settlement. ### Self Employed Home Loans URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/services/self-employed-home-loans Self employed Australians can absolutely get a home loan. The challenge isn't whether you qualify. It's how your income gets presented to the right lender. Self employed income doesn't fit neatly into models built for PAYG applicants. Some lenders genuinely understand it and will work off one year of financials. Others want two full years and discount any year where income dipped. A smaller group offers low-doc and alt-doc lending for situations where standard documentation isn't yet available. Frequently asked questions: Q: Can I get a home loan if I'm self employed? A: Yes. Self employed Australians can absolutely get a home loan. The challenge isn't whether you qualify, it's how your income gets presented to the right lender. Some lenders genuinely understand self employed income and will work off one year of financials. Others want two full years. A smaller group offers low-doc and alt-doc lending for situations where standard documentation isn't yet available. Q: How long do I need to be self employed before a lender will consider me? A: Most lenders want at least two years of self employed history with two years of tax returns and Notices of Assessment. Some accept one year of financials if your income trajectory is strong and you have prior PAYG history in the same industry. A smaller group considers applicants with as little as 6 to 12 months of trading through alt-doc lending. Q: What is a low-doc home loan? A: A low-doc home loan is a mortgage designed for self employed applicants who can't provide the standard two years of tax returns. Instead, lenders accept alternative income evidence: BAS statements, business bank statements, accountant declarations, or a combination. Low-doc loans usually have slightly higher interest rates and may require a larger deposit. Q: Will lenders accept BAS or business bank statements as income evidence? A: Some will, but it depends on the lender and the type of loan. For low-doc and alt-doc lending, BAS statements (typically 12 months) and business bank statements (usually 6 to 12 months) become the primary income evidence. Some lenders also accept an accountant's declaration. The right lender match depends on what documentation you have available. ### First Home Buyer Loans URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/services/first-home-buyer-loans First home buyers in Australia have access to the First Home Guarantee, state grants and stamp duty concessions. Buying your first home can feel like learning a new language while juggling life, work, and everything else, but it doesn't have to. We guide you step by step, from deposits and government grants to all those 'wait, what does that even mean?' moments. You get clear answers, a personalised plan, and a broker who keeps you in the loop, so you can buy with confidence. Frequently asked questions: Q: How much deposit do I need to buy my first home in Australia? A: As little as 2 to 5 percent of the property price, depending on which scheme you qualify for. Under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible first home buyers can buy with 5 percent down without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Single parents can buy with as little as 2 percent. As of October 2025, there are no income caps and no place limits. Q: What is the First Home Guarantee scheme? A: The First Home Guarantee (formerly the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme) was renamed the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme in October 2025. It lets eligible first home buyers buy with a 5 percent deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Income caps were removed, place limits were removed, and the waitlist was scrapped from October 2025. Q: Can I use my super to buy my first home? A: Yes, through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). You can make voluntary contributions into your super (up to $15,000 per year, $50,000 lifetime maximum) and later withdraw those contributions to use as a deposit. Couples can each access the FHSSS independently. Talk to your accountant before contributing. Q: What government grants are available for first home buyers in Australia? A: Several, depending on your state and what you're buying. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off grant for new builds. Stamp duty exemptions exist in most states for first home buyers. The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme removes LMI requirements. The First Home Super Saver Scheme uses voluntary super contributions. Rules around combining them are complex. ### Investment Property Loans URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/services/investment-property-loans Whether it is your first investment property or your fifth, loan structure decides how far your portfolio can grow. We help you structure your finance for long-term growth and lending flexibility without the jargon. Market shifts, policy changes, interest rate tweaks. We stay across it all so you can focus on building your portfolio with clarity and control. Including offset accounts, interest-only periods and cross-collateralisation decisions. Frequently asked questions: Q: How do I structure a loan for an investment property in Australia? A: Loan structure for investment properties typically involves choosing between principal-and-interest and interest-only repayments, deciding whether to use an offset account, and considering whether to cross-collateralise with your home loan. Interest-only periods can preserve cash flow in the early years but increase long-term interest costs. The right structure depends on your portfolio goals and tax position. Talk to your accountant and broker together. Q: Can I use equity in my home to buy an investment property? A: Yes. If you have equity built up in your home, you can access it to use as a deposit for an investment property. This is called equity release or equity unlocking. The available equity is typically 80% of your property's current value minus any existing loans. Some lenders will go higher with LMI. Your broker can model this for your specific situation. Q: What is cross-collateralisation and should I avoid it? A: Cross-collateralisation means securing multiple properties under the same lender as collateral for each other. It can simplify administration but reduces flexibility. You can't sell one property without the lender's agreement, and refinancing one loan may require moving all loans. Most investors prefer to keep properties with separate lenders or separate loan structures to maintain portfolio flexibility. ### Asset Finance URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/services/asset-finance Explore vehicle, equipment and business asset finance options through our broker-matching tool. Provided in partnership with Purple Circle Financial Services. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does it cost to work with Matilda Tree Finance? A home loan application takes six to twelve weeks of real work, and the complexity varies depending on your situation. We charge a transparent engagement fee that reflects the work involved: $450 for standard applications, $750 to $950 for more complex situations like guarantor loans, low-doc or alt-doc applications. Specialist lending (construction, SMSF, debt consolidation with credit issues) is quoted separately. We confirm your exact fee at the discovery call, in writing, before you commit. Lender commissions are paid separately by the bank and disclosed in writing. ### Where in Australia do you work? We work with clients across Australia. Almost everything happens by phone, video and secure document upload, so your postcode does not change the service. ### How long does a home loan application take? Typical timeline is 2 to 6 weeks from first chat to formal approval, depending on your situation and the lender. We give you a realistic timeline at the discovery call. ### What is a mortgage broker? A mortgage broker is a licensed finance professional who arranges home loans on your behalf. Instead of being limited to one bank's products, you work with someone who has access to a panel of 30 to 60 lenders and compares options across all of them. In Australia, mortgage brokers are regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act and bound by Best Interests Duty, which legally requires us to act in your interests, not the lender's. ### Why use a mortgage broker instead of going to the bank? Because one bank can only offer their own products, which might not be the best loan for your situation. Banks each have their own quirks: one might love self employed applicants, another might decline them. One might count Family Tax Benefit as income, another might not. A broker compares across the whole lender panel and matches you to the lender who genuinely wants your application. ### How does Matilda Tree Finance get paid? Two ways: a flat engagement fee paid by you, and commission paid by the lender at settlement. The engagement fee depends on complexity: $450 for standard applications, $750 to $950 for complex ones (multiple applicants, guarantor loans, low-doc or alt-doc), and specialist lending quoted separately. Lender commission is paid by the bank at settlement and disclosed to you in writing as required by Australian credit law. ### Do I need to live in your area to work with you? No. We work with clients across Australia. Almost everything happens by phone, video and secure document upload. The only thing that needs to happen physically is the property settlement itself, handled by your conveyancer or solicitor in your local area. ### How much deposit do I need to buy my first home in Australia? As little as 2 to 5 percent of the property price, depending on which scheme you qualify for. Under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible first home buyers can buy with 5 percent down without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Single parents can buy with as little as 2 percent. As of October 2025, there are no income caps and no place limits. ### What is the First Home Guarantee scheme? The First Home Guarantee was renamed in October 2025 and is now called the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. It lets eligible first home buyers buy with a 5 percent deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Income caps, place limits and the waitlist were all removed from October 2025. ### Can I use my super to buy my first home? Yes, through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). You can make voluntary contributions into your super (up to $15,000 per financial year, $50,000 lifetime maximum) and later withdraw those contributions plus associated earnings to use as a deposit. Couples can each access the FHSSS independently. Talk to your accountant before contributing. ### What government grants are available for first home buyers in Australia? Several, depending on your state and what you're buying. The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off grant for new builds, with amounts typically $10,000 to $30,000. Stamp duty exemptions exist in most states. The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme removes LMI for eligible buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme uses voluntary super contributions. ### Can I get a home loan as a single parent on one income? Yes. Single parents in Australia can absolutely get a home loan on one income. The 2 percent deposit option under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme means single parents can buy with much less saved than 20 percent. Income caps were removed in October 2025. ### What is the Family Home Guarantee? The Family Home Guarantee was renamed in October 2025 and is now part of the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. It lets eligible single parents buy with a deposit of as little as 2 percent, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Income caps and place limits were removed from October 2025. ### Does child support or Centrelink count as income for a home loan? Sometimes, depending on the payment type and lender. Family Tax Benefit Part A and B is accepted by many lenders. Child support is accepted with a court order or CSA assessment. Parenting Payment acceptance is mixed. JobSeeker and Rent Assistance are almost never accepted. Lenders treat these very differently. ### Can I refinance to remove my ex from the mortgage? Yes, this is one of the most common situations we help with. Removing an ex from the mortgage requires refinancing the existing loan into your sole name. The lender reassesses the loan against your income alone. If you've been managing repayments on time, that's strong evidence of serviceability. ### Can I get a home loan if I'm self employed? Yes. Self employed Australians can absolutely get a home loan. The challenge isn't whether you qualify, it's how your income gets presented to the right lender. Some lenders genuinely understand self employed income and will work off one year of financials. A smaller group offers low-doc and alt-doc lending. ### How long do I need to be self employed before a lender will consider me? Most lenders want at least two years of self employed history. Some accept one year if your income trajectory is strong and you have prior PAYG history in the same industry. A smaller group considers applicants with as little as 6 to 12 months of trading through alt-doc lending. ### What is a low-doc home loan? A low-doc home loan is designed for self employed applicants who can't provide the standard two years of tax returns. Instead, lenders accept BAS statements, business bank statements, accountant declarations, or a combination. Low-doc loans usually have slightly higher interest rates. ### Will lenders accept BAS or business bank statements as income evidence? Some will, but it depends on the lender and the type of loan. For low-doc and alt-doc lending, BAS statements (typically 12 months) and business bank statements (usually 6 to 12 months) become the primary income evidence. Some lenders also accept an accountant's declaration. ## Blog articles ### How much deposit do you really need to buy your first home in Australia? URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/how-much-deposit-first-home-australia How much deposit do you actually need to buy your first home in Australia? The current rules, scheme options, and honest numbers for 2026. ### Using your equity to buy an investment property: how it works URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/using-equity-buy-investment-property How to use equity in your home to buy an investment property in Australia. What equity is, how much you can access, and how the process actually works. ### What actually happens on settlement day: a first home buyer's guide URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/what-happens-settlement-day-first-home What actually happens on settlement day in an Australian home purchase. Step by step, with a checklist so first home buyers know what to expect. ### Investment property tax and structure basics for Australian women URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/investment-property-tax-structure-women An overview of tax and ownership structure basics for Australian women considering investment property. Where to get proper advice and what to ask. ### The seven costs first home buyers forget to budget for URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/seven-costs-first-home-buyers-forget Seven costs Australian first home buyers commonly forget to budget for. From stamp duty to setup costs, the honest picture of what buying really costs. ### Building your first investment property portfolio as a single mum URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/building-investment-portfolio-single-mum Building a property investment portfolio as a single mum in Australia. Where to start, how to plan, and how to build long-term wealth on your own income. ### Buying your first home as a single woman in Australia URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/buying-first-home-single-woman-australia Buying your first home as a single Australian woman: what to expect, how to prepare, and how to navigate the process on one income. ### Rentvesting vs buying your first home: which is right for you? URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/rentvesting-vs-first-home-comparison Rentvesting or first home? A clear comparison of both paths for Australian women, with the trade-offs, tax implications, and lifestyle differences. ### How borrowing capacity works for investment property in Australia URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/borrowing-capacity-investment-property-australia How Australian lenders calculate borrowing capacity for investment property loans. What counts, what doesn't, and how to strengthen your position. ### First home buyer schemes in Australia: a plain-language guide for 2026 URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/first-home-buyer-schemes-australia-2026 A clear guide to every major first home buyer scheme in Australia in 2026. Federal, state, super, and stamp duty options in plain language. ### Pre-approval vs full approval: what actually matters for first home buyers URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/pre-approval-vs-full-approval-first-home-buyers Pre-approval vs full approval for Australian first home buyers. What each one actually means, what to trust, and how to protect yourself. ### Buying an investment property after separation: rebuilding wealth on your own terms URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/investment-property-after-separation-women How Australian women rebuild long-term wealth through investment property after separation. Timing, structure, and what to prioritise. ### Buying a home through your business or in a trust: what to consider URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/buying-home-business-trust-structure Buying a home through a company or trust in Australia? What it means for your home loan, tax, and ownership. A clear guide from a mortgage broker. ### Add-backs explained: how lenders actually calculate self-employed income URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/add-backs-self-employed-income How lenders use add-backs to calculate self-employed income for home loans. The expenses that can be added back, and why it matters. ### The two-year rule isn't always two years: how to get a home loan with less self-employed history URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/two-year-rule-self-employed-home-loan The "two year rule" for self-employed home loans isn't always two years. The exceptions, pathways, and how to qualify with less trading history. ### How long do I need to be self-employed before I can get a home loan? URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/how-long-self-employed-home-loan How long do you need to be self-employed before applying for a home loan in Australia? A clear answer with the exceptions that matter. ### Sole trader vs company: why how you pay yourself matters for your home loan URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/sole-trader-vs-company-home-loan How lenders treat sole trader vs company income for home loans, and why paying yourself properly matters more than how much your business turns over. ### Self-employed and separating: why your home loan story gets harder URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/self-employed-separation-home-loan Self-employed and going through separation in Australia? Why your home loan story gets more complicated, and the steps that help you land on your feet. ### How to buy your first home in Australia: a woman's step-by-step guide URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/how-to-buy-first-home-australia-women A clear, step-by-step guide to buying your first home in Australia. Written for women and single parents, covering deposits, schemes, and every stage. ### Investing in property as an Australian woman: a clear starting point URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/investing-in-property-australian-women A clear starting point for Australian women considering property investment. Borrowing capacity, deposit, structure, and where to begin without the jargon. ### Low-doc and alt-doc home loans in Australia: what they are and who they're for URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/low-doc-alt-doc-home-loans-australia Low-doc and alt-doc home loans explained for Australian self-employed borrowers. How they work, what they cost, and whether one might suit you. ### Getting a home loan when you're self-employed: what lenders actually want to see URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/home-loan-self-employed-australia Self-employed and applying for a home loan in Australia? A clear guide to what lenders look at, the documents you need, and how to strengthen your application. ### You Can Still Buy a Home as a Single Mum on Maternity Leave URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/single-mum-maternity-leave-home-loan Lenders assess you on your return to work income, not your leave income. How single mums can buy around maternity leave, and the schemes that help. ### How Help to Buy Closes the Gap for Single Parents Buying Out a Former Partner URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/help-to-buy-single-parent-buyout-case-study A worked example of how Help to Buy can cover the shortfall when a single parent's borrowing capacity will not reach the settlement payout. ### Is your mortgage offset account actually saving you money? Here is how to check URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/offset-account-check-asic-review ASIC found many offset accounts were not linked correctly, quietly costing interest. Here is a simple, no-stress way to check yours is working. ### Government help for single parents buying a home in 2026 URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/government-help-for-single-parents-buying-a-home-in-2026 A single parent's guide to the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy and state programs in 2026, including the Help to Buy provision that lets you buy out an ex-partner and stay in your home. ### Why I work with Aimee Templeman at The Continuum Pathway URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/why-i-work-with-aimee-continuum-pathway Why Aimee Templeman at The Continuum Pathway is one of the most valuable property professionals for Australian women rebuilding or starting their property journey. ### Financial literacy is not your fault: why Australian women are still being taught less about money URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/financial-literacy-australian-women Australian women are still being taught less about money than men. This isn't your fault. A look at why financial literacy gaps exist and what to do. ### The hidden housing crisis facing Australian women, and why I'm asking for 10 minutes of your time URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/womens-housing-security-survey Australian women face a hidden housing crisis after separation, widowhood, and family violence. Help shape better tools by taking the 2026 survey. ### Refinancing the family home into your name after separation: how it actually works URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/refinancing-the-family-home-into-your-name-after-separation-how-it-actually-works How to refinance the family home into your sole name after separation in Australia. Serviceability, buyout, timing, and what lenders actually look at. ### How to leave a financially controlling relationship: the practical first steps URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/leaving-controlling-relationship How to leave a financially controlling relationship in Australia. The first practical steps, what to do quietly, and where to get specialist support. ### What every woman should check before signing a mortgage application URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/before-signing-mortgage-application Seven questions every woman should ask before signing a home loan. From whose name goes on the title to what happens if your circumstances change. ### Buying a house after divorce in Australia: a complete guide URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/buying-a-house-after-divorce-in-australia-a-complete-guide Yes, you can buy a house after divorce in Australia. This guide covers timing, deposit, joint debts, and what lenders look at when you apply on your own income. ### Buying a home in your name when your husband is terminally ill, or after he has passed URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/buying-a-home-in-your-name-when-your-husband-is-terminally-ill-or-after-he-has-passed You can apply for a home loan in your sole name whether your husband is terminally ill or has passed. This guide covers both paths, what lenders need, and how to build the right team around you. ### Five things to do before you tell him you're leaving URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/five-things-to-do-before-you-tell-him-you-re-leaving The women who land on their feet after separation almost always did this groundwork quietly, before anyone else knew what was coming. Five things to do first. ### "Stupid, I Know": Why So Many Australian Women Find Themselves Starting Over Without a Home in Their Name URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/stupid-i-know-why-so-many-australian-women-find-themselves-starting-over-without-a-home-in-their It wasn't stupid. It was trust. A look at why Australian women so often find themselves without their name on the title, and what that means for your options. ### Why I Built a Free Finance App, and Why You Need It. URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/why-i-built-a-free-finance-app-and-why-you-need-it I've sat across from a lot of smart women who felt completely lost with their own finances. That's why I built Runa: a free app for Australian women who want to feel in control of their money. ### Help for First Home Buyers: Support Resources for Your Journey URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/help-for-first-home-buyers-support-resources-for-your-journey There is more support available for first home buyers in Australia than most people realise. This guide covers the main schemes, who qualifies, and how to make the most of what's out there. ### First Home Guarantee Update : What It Means for Buyers (From a Broker’s Perspective) URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/first-home-guarantee-update-what-it-means-for-buyers-from-a-broker-s-perspective The Federal Government has updated the First Home Guarantee. Here’s what the changes to deposit requirements, price caps, and eligibility actually mean for you as a first home buyer. ### Why I Might Send You to a Financial Adviser (And Why That’s a Really Good Thing!) URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/why-i-might-send-you-to-a-financial-adviser-and-why-that-s-a-really-good-thing When your mortgage broker suggests a financial adviser, it’s not a brush-off. It’s because some decisions sit outside what lending alone can solve, and you deserve both. ### LMI: Don’t panic, It isn’t that big a deal. URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/lmi-don-t-panic-it-isn-t-that-big-a-deal LMI is a cost, not a catastrophe. Here’s a clear-eyed look at what Lenders Mortgage Insurance is, when you pay it, and why it might actually be the thing that gets you into the property market sooner. ### Sugar, We’re Going Down URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/falling-interest-rates-first-home-buyers Rates are dropping. Here’s what that means for your borrowing power, your repayments, and whether now is the right moment to get serious about buying your first home. ### Rentvesting: Is it right for you? URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/rentvesting-is-it-right-for-you Rent where you want to live, buy where you can afford. Rentvesting is a property strategy that gives you market entry without sacrificing your lifestyle. Here's how it works. ### So you want to purchase your first home. URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/so-you-want-to-purchase-your-first-home Buying your first home is exciting and a little overwhelming. Here's a clear starting point: what you need to know about deposits, borrowing, costs, and the schemes that can help you get there sooner. ### Saving that deposit as a Single Parent URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/saving-that-deposit-as-a-single-parent Saving for a deposit as a single parent is genuinely hard. Here are the simple, achievable steps that help, from tracking every expense to understanding the government support available to you. ## Blog categories ### First Home Buyers URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/category/first-home-buyers Saving deposits, government schemes, and navigating the buying process for your first property. ### Refinancing URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/category/refinancing Switching lenders, rate reviews, and unlocking equity in your existing loan. ### Self-Employed & Business URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/category/self-employed Low-doc loans, ABN holders, and finance options for self-employed Australians. ### Investment Property URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/category/investment Investor lending, equity strategies, and building a property portfolio. ### Separation & Financial Independence URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/category/separation Financial guidance for starting over, separation, and rebuilding independence. ### Money & Mindset URL: https://www.matildatreefinance.com.au/blog/category/money-and-mindset Financial literacy, planning, and the mindset shifts behind smart money decisions. ## Note Blog articles are listed as title, URL and description only. Full article bodies are available at each URL. Rendering complete post bodies into this file is a possible future enhancement.