We’re an experienced mortgage broker in Canberra. With years of experience in the industry, we have helped 4,000+ clients settle billions of dollars’ worth of loans.  We’ve built a solid reputation finding solutions to even the most complex lending situations.

If you live in Canberra and are looking to refinance, wish to become a property investor, or would like exciting, impactful strategies for growing your existing property portfolio, We can help.

But first, let’s look at why we love Canberra so much (and helping Canberrans with their loans and lending strategies).

About Canberra

With a population of about 472,000 people, Canberra is Australia’s eight largest city. It is located within the Australian Capital Territory and is built on the ancient lands of the Ngunnawal people. In relation to its neighbouring cities, approximately 660 kilometres northeast of Melbourne and 280 kilometres southwest of Sydney. Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging around 28°C and winter temperatures averaging around 12°C.

Canberra’s Origin Story

The city of Canberra’s origin story begins with the decision to create a new capital city for Australia in the early 20th century. In 1901, when the Commonwealth of Australia was established, it was agreed that a new capital city would be created, as neither Melbourne nor Sydney would be suitable for the purpose. A site was selected between the two cities, in what is now known as the Australian Capital Territory.

Canberra was officially named as the capital of Australia in 1913, and the first federal parliament was held there in 1927. 

Canberra’s Geography

The city’s layout is based on a series of geometric shapes, including circles, triangles, and hexagons, which are connected by tree-lined avenues and spacious parklands. Canberra is divided into several districts and suburbs, each with its own unique character and attractions. Some of the key suburbs in Canberra include:

• Civic: This is the central business district of Canberra, home to government offices, shopping centers, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes.
• Kingston: Located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Kingston is known for its vibrant arts scene, cool cafes, and stylish boutiques.
• Belconnen: Situated in the northwest of the city, Belconnen is a residential area that features a large shopping center, a university campus, and several parks and recreational facilities.
• Woden: Located in the south of the city, Woden is another residential area that is home to a major shopping center, several government offices, and a hospital.
• Gungahlin: This is a rapidly growing district in the northeast of the city, with new housing developments and a diverse range of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Tuggeranong: Situated in the south of the city, Tuggeranong is a suburb that offers easy access to several national parks, including the Namadgi National Park and the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
• Braddon: This inner-city suburb is known for its cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife.

Universities in Canberra

Here are some of Canberra’s universities:

• The Australian National University (ANU) –  A world-standard, multi-disciplinary university closely linked with the Australian government and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 
• University of Canberra (UC) – UC is a modern university that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a range of disciplines, including health, education, science, engineering, and business.
• Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) – CIT is a vocational education and training provider that offers a range of courses across a range of disciplines, including business, hospitality, creative arts, and trades.
• Australian Catholic University (ACU) – ACU is a national university that offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a range of disciplines, including education, health sciences, social sciences, and theology.
• UNSW Canberra – UNSW Canberra is a campus of the University of New South Wales, featuring science, engineering, and business campuses.

Here’s what we love about Canberra

Canberra’s lifestyle

The lifestyle of people who live in Canberra is generally considered to be relaxed, comfortable, and family-oriented. The city has a strong sense of community, with a diverse range of people from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life. Canberra is often referred to as the “bush capital” due to its abundance of parks, nature reserves, and outdoor recreation opportunities, which are a major part of the city’s lifestyle.

Many people who live in Canberra enjoy an active lifestyle, with popular activities including hiking, cycling, running, and water sports on Lake Burley Griffin. The city is also home to a thriving food and wine scene, with a range of cafes, restaurants, and wineries that showcase the region’s produce and culinary talent.

Canberra has a highly educated population, with a large number of residents working in the public service, academia, and research. The city is known for its high standard of living, with low crime rates, excellent healthcare facilities, and high-quality schools and education options.

Canberra’s attractions

Canberra is the home to many popular attractions. Highlights include:

• Australian War Memorial – This is one of the most popular attractions in Canberra. Visitors can pay their respects to Australia’s past and present servicemen and servicewomen, and learn more about Australia’s colourful military history.
• Parliament House – Parliament House is the official home of our federal government. Even though this is a functioning parliament house, certain areas are open to the general public. Visitors can learn more about Australia’s political system and processes.
• National Museum of Australia – A carefully curated history museum that gives visitors a vibrant understanding of Australia’s Indigenous and more recent history. 
• Lake Burley Griffin – A man-made lake popular for outdoor recreation. Visitors can walk, run, or cycle around the lake, or participate in exciting water sports. 
• National Zoo & Aquarium – The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to a wide range of Australian and exotic animals, and visitors can take guided tours, feed the animals, and even stay overnight in some of the animal enclosures.

Interesting facts about Canberra:

Here are some interesting facts about Canberra:

It’s a planned city: Canberra is one of the few major cities in the world that was carefully planned from its inception. It was designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin following a competition in 1912.

Named the capital for compromise: Prior to Canberra’s establishment, Melbourne and Sydney both vied to be the capital of Australia. To prevent favoritism and end the dispute, the decision was made to establish a new city that is geographically located between the two.

Canberra has a man-made lake: The city is known for Lake Burley Griffin, a man-made lake at its heart. Named after the city’s architect, the lake was completed in 1963.

Canberra is home of the Australian government: Canberra is where the Australian Federal Parliament is located. Parliament House, an iconic structure on Capital Hill, was opened in 1988 and is known for its unique design with a lawn-covered roof.

Canberra is Australia’s largest inland city:  It’s also the eighth largest city in the country. However, despite being the capital, it is not the most populous city – that title goes to Sydney.

Canberra is rich in culture: Canberra hosts many national monuments and institutions such as the National Library of Australia,, the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Canberra is named after an indigenous language: The name “Canberra” is believed to derive from the word “Kambera” or “Canberry” from the local Ngunnawal language, which loosely translates to “meeting place.”

Canberra is renowned for its nature: The city is often referred to as the “Bush Capital” because of its unspoiled natural environment, which includes large areas of natural vegetation, nature reserves, and the beautiful Namadgi National Park at its outskirts.

The Floriade festival: Canberra is known for the annual Floriade festival, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. This event showcases more than one million blooms and attracts visitors from around the world.

Canberra’s science hub: The city is also home to the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome and the Mount Stromlo Observatory, making it a significant place for scientific research and education.

Canberra’s education hub: Canberra is known for its high-quality education and is home to several world-class institutions, including the Australian National University (ANU), which is often ranked among the world’s best universities. There’s also the University of Canberra, which is well-regarded for its courses in journalism and sports studies.

Canberra has ‘Sister Cities’: Canberra has several sister cities, including Wellington, New Zealand, and Nara, Japan. These relationships foster cultural exchange and understanding between these places.

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex: Located outside Canberra, this complex, managed by the CSIRO on behalf of NASA, is part of the global Deep Space Network. It tracks and communicates with spacecraft exploring our Solar System and beyond.

The Royal Australian Mint: Canberra is home to the Royal Australian Mint, where all of Australia’s circulating coins are produced. Visitors can watch the coin-making process from an elevated viewing area.

Skyfire: Skyfire is an annual fireworks event that takes place over Lake Burley Griffin. Thousands of Canberrans turn out each year to watch the show, which is synchronized to a soundtrack broadcast on a local radio station.

Black Mountain Tower: The cityscape is dominated by the 195-metre tall Black Mountain Tower, also known as Telstra Tower, which provides panoramic views of the city. This telecommunications tower is also a tourist attraction with a revolving restaurant at the top.

Hot air balloons: Canberra is famous for its annual hot air balloon festival, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, one of the biggest hot air ballooning events in the world. Each March, the skies above the city fill with colorful balloons, taking off from the lawns of Old Parliament House.

Summernats: Canberra is home to Summernats, an annual car festival that attracts automobile enthusiasts from all over the country and the world. The event is known for its city cruise, where modified cars are allowed to drive a route through central Canberra.

Some of the most popular suburbs in Canberra

Some of the most popular suburbs in Canberra include:

Kingston: One of Canberra’s oldest suburbs, Kingston is situated southeast of the city center and is known for its sophisticated and laid-back atmosphere. It’s home to the Kingston Foreshore, a vibrant precinct with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational uses. The suburb also offers a diverse range of dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining restaurants. The Old Bus Depot Markets are a local favorite, hosting an array of stalls selling arts, crafts, and food every Sunday.

Braddon: Braddon is a bustling suburb located immediately north of the city center. Known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, bakeries, restaurants, and bars, Braddon has a hip, artistic vibe and is a popular destination for dining and shopping. It has experienced significant gentrification in recent years, with many new apartment complexes and renovated homes.

Yarralumla: An upscale suburb situated on the southern banks of Lake Burley Griffin, Yarralumla is known for its wide, leafy streets and prestigious residences, including the Governor-General’s residence at Government House. It’s also home to a number of embassies, each showcasing unique architectural styles representing their home countries.

Barton: Barton is a central Canberra suburb, named after Sir Edmund Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister. It’s primarily known as a government hub, housing several large government departments. Barton offers plenty of green space with parks and paths along Lake Burley Griffin, and it’s just a short stroll from the Parliamentary Triangle.

Griffith: Griffith is a mix of old and new, featuring established homes, modern apartments, and townhouses. It has a vibrant food scene, with trendy restaurants and cafes, particularly around the Manuka Shopping Centre. The suburb is also home to several embassies and the Canberra Grammar School.

Deakin: This is an affluent suburb known for its leafy streets and quality homes. Deakin hosts several diplomatic missions and landmarks like the Royal Australian Mint and the Prime Minister’s official residence, The Lodge. The suburb also boasts quality schools and a convenient shopping center.

Forrest: Named after Sir John Forrest, an explorer and politician, Forrest is one of Canberra’s most prestigious suburbs. It’s known for its large, beautiful homes and its proximity to the Parliamentary Triangle, making it a popular choice for politicians and diplomats.

O’Connor: Named after Richard Edward O’Connor, a judge and founder of the Australian constitution, this suburb offers a relaxed lifestyle with its leafy streets, parklands, and local shopping precincts. O’Connor is a popular choice for families and young professionals due to its proximity to the city center and the Australian National University.

Turner: Turner is an inner-north suburb named after George Turner, a former Premier of Victoria. It’s known for its charming character homes and apartment buildings. Turner is conveniently located near the city center and the Australian National University, making it a popular choice for students and professionals.

Narrabundah: Located in Canberra’s inner south, Narrabundah boasts a rich cultural diversity and a mix of old and new Canberra housing styles. With wide streets, plenty of green space, and a well-regarded local high school, Narrabundah is a popular choice for families.

Curtin: Curtin is a well-established suburb named after John Curtin, a former Prime Minister of Australia. Known for its central location, quality schools, and the local Curtin Shops, it’s a family-friendly suburb with plenty of green spaces and recreational facilities.

Ainslie: Named after James Ainslie, a grazier who was the first European settler in the area, Ainslie is known for its heritage-listed homes and leafy streets. The local shops offer a friendly community vibe, and the suburb is bordered by nature reserves, providing residents with ample opportunity for outdoor activities.

Red Hill: Named after the northernmost hill of the ridge to its west, Red Hill is an affluent suburb known for its high-quality homes, many of which offer spectacular views over Canberra. The Red Hill Nature Reserve provides excellent opportunities for bushwalking and spotting local wildlife.

Lyneham: Lyneham offers a mix of residential styles, from single-family homes to townhouses and apartments. The suburb has a relaxed, community-oriented vibe and is known for Tilley’s Devine Café, a popular local hangout, and the North Lyneham Mini Park, a favorite among families.

Campbell: Campbell is named after Robert Campbell, a former treasurer of New South Wales. The suburb has a mix of post-war and modern homes and offers a relaxed lifestyle with its local shops, schools, and the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. It’s also conveniently located near the city center and the Australian War Memorial.

Exciting events in Canberra

Here are some of the most popular annual events in Canberra:

• Enlighten – This is a spectacular light festival that takes place in February or March each year, featuring light installations, projections, and performances across some of Canberra’s most iconic landmarks.
• National Multicultural Festival – This festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Canberra, with food, music, and dance performances from around the world taking place in February each year.
• Floriade – Floriade is Australia’s largest flower festival and takes place in September and October each year. The festival features over a million bulbs and annuals in bloom, with various events and activities held throughout the festival period.
• Canberra Balloon Spectacular – This is a hot air balloon festival that takes place in March each year, featuring a range of hot air balloons in different shapes, sizes, and colors. See more here.
• Canberra International Music Festival – This festival celebrates classical music and takes place in May each year, with performances by local and international musicians held in various venues around the city.
• Canberra Writers Festival – This festival celebrates literature and takes place in August each year, with various events and discussions held throughout the festival period.

What does a Mortgage Broker do?

A mortgage broker in Canberra performs a range of duties, typically related to helping clients find, negotiate, and secure home loans that match their financial situation and goals. Here is a comprehensive list of what a mortgage broker might do:

1. Initial consultation: The broker will meet with clients to understand their needs, goals, and financial circumstances. This could involve discussing the client’s financial status, credit history, employment situation, and future plans.
2. Research and comparison: The broker will research and compare different loans offered by a variety of lenders. This may include banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. They need to be knowledgeable about current interest rates, terms, fees, and other aspects of home loans.
3. Prequalification: They might help the client get prequalified for a mortgage, which can be useful when house hunting. Prequalification gives an estimate of how much the client may be able to borrow based on their income and expenses.
4. Loan recommendation: The broker will suggest a mortgage that best fits the client’s needs. This involves explaining the loan’s terms, requirements, costs, and answering any questions the client may have.
5. Loan application: They will assist the client in completing the mortgage application and guide them through the documentation required, such as proof of income, bank statements, and tax returns.
6. Negotiation: A broker may negotiate with lenders on behalf of the client. This could mean securing a lower interest rate, waiving certain fees, or obtaining more favourable loan terms.
7. Approval and settlement: They will communicate with lenders and handle paperwork throughout the approval process. They’ll ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted, liaise with the lender’s underwriting department, and keep the client informed of the loan’s progress. After approval, they’ll help facilitate the loan settlement process.
8. Post-settlement services: Some brokers will provide ongoing service, ensuring that the home loan continues to suit the client’s needs. This could include assisting with loan refinancing, loan variations, or property investment strategies.
9. Compliance and regulation Adherence: Mortgage brokers are required to adhere to the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP Act) and other relevant laws. They should provide a credit guide to clients, conduct a preliminary assessment to verify the client can meet their financial obligations under the proposed credit contract, and maintain comprehensive loan records.
10. Education and guidance: Mortgage brokers should educate clients about the home buying process, different loan options, the implications of interest rates changes, and potentially beneficial financial strategies.

It’s important to note that while mortgage brokers can provide significant assistance, it’s ultimately up to the client to decide on the loan that’s right for them. And while a mortgage broker does have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the client, they are usually paid on commission by the lenders, which could potentially influence their recommendations. Therefore, clients should also conduct their own research and seek independent financial advice if needed.

Here’s how we help Canberrans with their mortgages and lending strategy.

Canberra is home to a wide range of industries and job opportunities. We have skills and experience helping some of the most common career types in Canberra, including:

• Public service – The Australian federal government is one of the largest employers in Canberra, spanning multiple agencies and departments.
• Defence – Canberra is home to a number of defence-related organisations, including the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Defence, and the Australian Signals Directorate.
• Education and research – Canberra has a number of universities, research institutes, and other educational institutions, which provide a range of career opportunities in teaching, research, and administration.
• Healthcare – The healthcare sector is a major employer in Canberra, with a range of public and private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers.
• Information technology – Canberra has a growing information technology industry, with a range of companies specialising in software development, cybersecurity, and other IT-related services.
• Construction and infrastructure – Canberra has a strong construction and infrastructure sector, with a range of projects in areas such as road and rail infrastructure, commercial and residential development, and public works.

How we help Canberrans

Are you ready to become a property investor?

Are you looking to get started in property investment, and want expert help to find and finance your first investment property (and avoid the expensive mistakes many new investors make)? Click here to learn more. 

Is your Canberra investment property not performing?

Do you have a feeling that your investment property might not be performing like you hoped it would? We’ll give you straight answers about your property and help you realign it, if needed. Click here to learn more.

Do you need to break through lending restrictions?

Are you an experienced investor being held back by bank lending limitations? Or is your loan structure preventing you from applying for finance for your next investment property? Click here to learn more.

Would you like to refinance your Canberra property?

Would you like to consolidate your debt, get a better rate or conditions, or borrow more money for a renovation? Or maybe you need to fix a restrictive lending structure so you can borrow more funds? Click here to learn more.

Would you like to buy your first home in Canberra?

Are you finally ready to stop paying rent and purchase your first home? We’ll help you get approved and make sure that your loan is future-proofed for future property purchases. Click here to learn more.

Would you like to purchase a business in Canberra?

Would you like to use a property as security for funds to purchase or start a business? We’ll show you an easy way to access funds so you can make your business ownership dreams come true. Click here to learn more.

Here’s what to do next.

Book you free Finance Strategy Session with an experienced Property Funding Advisor, you’ll uncover strategies that help you:

• Refinance your loans, particularly in our high-interest rate environment
• Restructure your loan(s) so you unlock additional lending capability (and grow your nest egg)
• Understand how the banks *really* assess investor serviceability
• Get access to a variety of lenders
• Access more strategies unique to your situation

During this Finance Strategy Session, you’ll run through a discovery process with a skilled and experienced Property Lending Advisor to assess your current situation and get greater clarity over where you’d like to be in the short, medium, and long term.

Find out more about our Finance Strategy Session here.