Will Having a Car Loan Affect Your Mortgage Application in Australia?

If you're applying for a home loan in Australia, it's important to understand how your outstanding car loan may affect your chances of approval. Mortgage lenders take various factors into consideration when evaluating mortgage applications, and existing debt, including car loans, can impact your eligibility. Having a car loan means that you have additional monthly repayments to make, which can affect your ability to meet your home loan repayments.

 Lenders will assess your income and expenses to determine whether you can afford the additional financial commitments. If your car loan repayments are high, it may reduce the amount you can borrow for your mortgage or even affect your ability to qualify for a loan at all. To minimise the impact of a car loan on your mortgage application, you can consider paying down your car loan or refinancing it to reduce the monthly repayments. This will improve your debt-to-income ratio and increase your chances of being approved for a home loan. It's also important to carefully assess your financial situation before taking on any additional debt, as it can have long-term implications on your ability to secure a mortgage in the future. Key Takeaways:

  • Having a car loan can impact your mortgage eligibility in Australia.
  • Lenders consider various factors when assessing mortgage applications, including existing debt.
  • Your borrowing capacity, debt levels, and creditworthiness can all be impacted by car loans.
  • With careful financial planning, you can minimise the impact and increase your chances of securing a home loan.

Does Getting Car Finance Reduce Your Chance of Getting a Home Loan?

Calculate your car loan repayments

Loan amount:

    2K

    200K

    Loan term (years)

    Repayments

    Repayments

    77

    4.5%

    Interest rate

    4.05%

    Comparison rate

    We match your unique profile to the best rates from across 30+ lenders.

    Obtaining a car finance could potentially affect your home loan application. When you apply for a home loan, lenders assess your financial stability and ability to repay the loan. Taking on a car loan would increase your overall debt burden, which lenders consider when evaluating your application. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, resulting from the addition of a loan, it may make you appear as a higher-risk borrower. Lenders may perceive that you have less disposable income available to pay back the home loan, potentially leading to a rejection or a lower loan amount. 

    Additionally, the monthly instalment payments for your loan may reduce your capacity to pay the mortgage and meet other financial obligations. Consequently, it is advisable to carefully consider the impact of car finance on your home loan application and seek advice from a financial advisor or mortgage broker. Applying for a car loan does have the potential to affect your home loan application, but it doesn't necessarily make it harder to obtain a home loan.

    Lenders considering your home loan application would evaluate your overall financial situation, which includes your debt-to-income ratio. If you already have finance on your car, it will add to your existing debt, which may impact your ability to manage additional monthly mortgage payments. However, this impact will largely depend on the amount of the car loan and your capacity to comfortably handle the added financial burden. A larger loan could increase your debt-to-income ratio, making it harder to qualify for a home loan. 

    On the other hand, if you have a manageable car loan and a stable income, it may not significantly influence your home loan approval. Ultimately, lenders consider multiple factors when assessing your eligibility for a home loan, and while a car loan may be a factor, it is just one piece of the puzzle.

    Factors Mortgage Lenders Consider When Assessing Home Loan Applications

    When applying for a mortgage in Australia, lenders take into account several factors to determine your eligibility. Understanding these factors can help you increase your chances of securing a mortgage and avoid any potential roadblocks.

    Credit History

    Your credit history is a crucial consideration for lenders when assessing home loan applications. It shows how responsible you have been with credit in the past and helps lenders gauge your ability to repay a mortgage. A positive credit history with no defaults or missed payments can improve your of getting approved for a mortgage.

    Income

    Your income is another crucial factor that lenders consider when reviewing mortgage applications in Australia. Lenders need to be confident that you have a stable income to make regular mortgage repayments. The higher your income, the more likely you are to be approved for a mortgage.

    Debt-to-Income Ratio

    The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a measure of your total debt compared to your income. Lenders use the DTI ratio to determine how much additional debt you can afford to take on. A high DTI ratio can reduce your borrowing capacity and make it harder to get approved for a mortgage.

    Existing Loans

    Lenders consider any existing loans, including car loans, when assessing mortgage applications. Existing loans can affect your borrowing capacity, as well as your ability to make regular mortgage repayments. It is important to disclose all existing loans to your lender to avoid any surprises during the application process.

    Tip: If you're planning to apply for a home loan soon, it's a good idea to pay off any existing loans, including car loans, to increase your borrowing capacity and improve your chances of getting approved.

    By keeping these factors in mind, you can position yourself to secure a mortgage in Australia with confidence. Remember, different lenders have different policies and criteria, so it's essential to do your research and find a lender that suits your specific needs and financial situation.

    Get your lowest rate from 30+ lenders

    Impact of Car Loans on Mortgage Eligibility in Australia

    If you're considering applying for a mortgage in Australia, it's important to be aware of the impact car loans can have on your eligibility. Here are a few key factors that lenders take into account when assessing how car loans will affect your mortgage application:

    • Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders typically look at a borrower's debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Having a car loan increases your overall debt, which can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage.
    • Borrowing capacity: When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will assess your borrowing capacity to determine how much you can afford to borrow. Having a car loan will reduce your borrowing capacity, as it increases your overall debt and reduces the amount of income you have available to repay a mortgage.
    • Creditworthiness: Your credit history is an important factor when applying for a mortgage, and having a car loan may affect your credit score. Late payments or defaults on negatively affect your creditworthiness, making it harder to secure a mortgage.

    It's worth noting that having a car loan doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to get a mortgage. However, it's important to be aware of the potential impact and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.

    How to Mitigate the Impact of Car Loans on Mortgage Eligibility

    If you have a car loan and are planning to apply for a mortgage in the future, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of being approved:

    • Pay off your car finance: If possible, consider paying off your car loan before applying for a mortgage. This will reduce your overall debt and improve your borrowing capacity.
    • Improve your credit score: Make sure you're making all your car loan payments on time to avoid any negative impacts on your credit score. Consider checking your credit report for errors and disputing any inaccuracies.
    • Reduce your debt: If you have other debts, such as credit card debt or personal loans, consider paying them off or reducing them as much as possible to improve your overall debt-to-income ratio.

    By taking these steps, you can minimise the impact of your car loan on your mortgage eligibility and improve your chances of securing a mortgage in Australia.

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, it's important to understand the impact of car finance on your mortgage application. While having existing car finance affects your eligibility, it's not a deal-breaker. By maintaining a good credit score, managing your debt-to-income ratio, and minimising your monthly repayments, you can still increase your chances of securing a mortgage in Australia.

    How Driva Can Help

    If you're considering purchasing a car and need financing options, Driva can help. Our innovative platform compares over 30 lenders to find you the best-personalised rate in just a few clicks. With Driva, you can easily finance your next car purchase and make your dream car a reality. And with our easy-to-use platform, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, making the car buying process stress-free and hassle-free.

    So why wait? Start your car-buying journey with Driva today and take advantage of our unbeatable rates and personalized service. We're here to help you every step of the way, from finding the right lender to securing your finance and driving away in your dream car. Get started with Driva now and discover why we're the leading car finance platform in Australia.

    FAQ

    How does taking out a car loan affect my mortgage application and home loan?

    Buying a car with finance can have a significant impact on your mortgage application and home loan. Lenders consider your overall financial situation when assessing your ability to repay a mortgage, and having a car loan can affect your borrowing power and your ability to make your mortgage repayments.

     Can a car loan affect my chances of getting approved for a mortgage?

    Yes, having an existing car loan can affect your chances of getting approved for a mortgage. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio when assessing your mortgage application, and having a car loan increases your overall debt, which may make lenders less likely to approve your mortgage.

    Can a car loan negatively impact my home loan repayments?

     Yes, taking out a car loan can also negatively affect your home loan repayments. Having a car loan means you have additional monthly repayments to make, which can reduce the amount of money you can allocate towards your home loan.

    How does a car loan impact my ability to borrow for a home?

    A car loan can affect your borrowing power when applying for a home loan. Lenders assess your income, expenses, and existing debt when determining how much they are willing to lend you for a home loan. Having an auto loan increases your monthly expenses, which may reduce the amount you can borrow.

    Will a car loan affect the interest rate I receive on my home loan?

    Yes, having a car loan can affect the interest rate you receive on your home loan. Lenders take into account all of your financial obligations when determining the interest rate, and having existing liability may increase the perceived risk for the lender, resulting in a higher interest rate.

    Can a car loan help my mortgage application?

    In some cases, having a car loan can actually help your mortgage application. If you can demonstrate a consistent history of making your repayments on time, it can help build a positive credit history, which may improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage.

    Should I apply for car finance before or after applying for a mortgage?

    It is generally recommended to apply for a car loan before applying for a mortgage. Lenders look at your credit history and debt when assessing your mortgage application, and if you take out a car loan after applying for a mortgage, it could negatively impact your credit score and the lender's perception of your financial stability.

    Can I take out a separate car loan and mortgage at the same time?

    Yes, it is possible to have a separate car loan and mortgage at the same time. Many people have both types of loans simultaneously. However, it's important to consider the impact of the car loan on your overall financial situation and ability to repay both loans.

    If I have a car loan, should I wait to apply for a mortgage?

    If you have a car loan, it's generally recommended to wait until you have paid off or made significant progress in repaying the car loan before applying for a mortgage. This will improve your overall debt-to-income ratio and increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage.

    What should I do if I already have a car loan but want to apply for a mortgage?

    If you already have a car loan but want to apply for a mortgage, you can still proceed with your mortgage application. However, keep in mind that having a car loan may make it more challenging to get approved, so it's important to ensure your financial situation is stable and you can afford both loan repayments.

    Philana Kwan

    Philana Kwan is the marketing coordinator at Driva she has a demonstrated history in customer service excellence and is knowledgeable in all things car and finance related. When she’s not working Philana enjoys learning new things and keeping up with the latest trends in marketing and technology.

    Find your best car loan in 60 secondsUse our free loan matching tool to assess your options.Start Now
    Recent Posts

    We search far and wide for your best rate, so you don’t have to!

    Start Now
    Find your perfect loan match in 60 seconds
    Get your FREE quote