Can I buy a home before divorce is finalised?

Yes — with separation documentation and joint asset/debt arrangements.

My ex and I still own our family home jointly. How does that affect new purchase?

Joint home asset + mortgage debt count. Settlement progress matters.

Will I qualify for FHB Guarantee post-separation?

Generally no — joint prior ownership disqualifies from FHB Guarantee.

How does child support affect my new home loan?

Paid CS reduces serviceability; received CS counts as partial income.

Is the Family Home Guarantee available for me?

Yes — if single parent with dependent child. 2% deposit possible.

Home Loan Refinancing

Who this guide is for

Australians who have separated from their partner — whether divorce is finalised, in progress, or just starting — wanting to buy independently.

Recently separated, not yet divorced
Going through property settlement
Wanting to buy quickly to establish independence
Single parents with reduced income post-separation

The local picture

Pre-divorce separation creates specific challenges: legally still married, joint debts may exist, property settlement timing affects asset position. Lenders need clarity on financial independence.

How Mortgagefy helps locally

Mortgagefy works with post-separation buyers regularly. We coordinate with family lawyers, document financial independence, and identify lenders comfortable with pre-divorce buyers.

Discreet, sensitive, free advice.

How it works — 4 simple steps

Free confidential chat

20-minute discreet call about your situation.

Compare lender options

We identify lenders comfortable with separation status.

Application support

We document your financial independence and submit end to end.

Settle into your new home

You move into your independent home.

Frequently asked questions

We use offer letters and vesting schedules to value RSUs conservatively. We present current vesting value + projected future vesting as a 3-5 year income average. This gives lenders confidence in your income stability while accounting for market volatility.

Both. We work with W2 employees, 1099 contractors, and consultants. For contractors, we use 2 years of tax returns plus business financials. We have lenders who specialise in contractor income—they understand the variability.

Unvested options have zero value for refinancing. We count only vested equity. If you have a 4-year vest, we use 25% of the grant value (what's vested) plus a conservative projection of future vesting.

If you've been in your new role 6+ months, most lenders will refinance. We'll use your offer letter plus 6 months of pay stubs. If less than 6 months, it's harder but possible with specialist lenders.

Yes, if you have 2+ years of bonus history. We average the past 2 years and present it conservatively. Some bonuses get counted at 50% to be conservative with variable compensation.

ESPP is counted as deferred compensation. If your company matches or you have a discount, we value it as part of total compensation package.

Talk to a discreet post-separation broker

Free 20-minute confidential call.

Start Your Free Assessment Call 0432 634 648

Get your personalised answer in 2 minutes

Free, no obligation. We'll match you with the right lender for your situation.

Model your scenarios: Use our free home loan calculators to estimate borrowing capacity, repayments, and savings.

Home Loan After Separation in Australia: Buying Independently