Redlend Weekly 03
Edition 03 - 10 August 2026
I hope all have had a great weekend.
Mine once again was occupied with kids Basketball on Saturday morning and home made pizzas on Saturday Night. We have a Ooni gas pizza oven and love our pizza nights.
I’m always after some tried and tested pizza recipes, so feel free to send some through!
Talk Soon!
Adam
This Week…
A lender policy tip for those who are Self Employed
Refinancing isn’t just about finding a cheaper rate
We look at a $4 Million plus home in Seperation Creek
Suburb Spotlight takes us to the Bendigo Region
Mortgage News
Self Employed? You May Not Need Two Years of Financials
A common thing self employed borrowers think is,
"I need to wait until I have two years of financials before I can get a home loan."
But that's not necessarily the case.
While two years of financials remains a common requirement for self employed applicants, some lenders have policies that allow eligible borrowers to be assessed using just one financial year of income.
For example, some lenders now offer specific one year assessment pathways, potentially reducing the amount of financial information required compared with a traditional two-year assessment.
This can be particularly relevant if you've recently become self employed, your business has grown significantly, or your most recent financial year is stronger than the previous one.
However, there's an important catch:
Not every lender treats self employed income the same way.
Your business structure, length of trading, income history, deposit, existing commitments and the strength of your financials can all influence which lenders may be available to you.
So if you've been told, "Come back when you have two years of financials," it may be worth checking whether that's a requirement of the lender you approached, rather than the entire lending market.
The right lender policy can sometimes make a significant difference.
Mortgage Tip
Refinancing Isn't Just About a Lower Interest Rate
Many people think refinancing is only worthwhile if they can get a cheaper rate.
While a lower rate is important, refinancing can also help you:
Consolidate debts
Access equity for renovations or investments
Reduce your loan term
Improve your loan features, such as adding an offset account
The right home loan should suit your goals, not just have the lowest advertised rate.
Property Spotlight
Seperation Creek - Victoria
Coastal Living on the Great Ocean Road
We have listened to the feedback and we have gone to luxury!
If you've ever dreamed of owning a home just moments from the beach, this week's property is worth a look.
Located in Separation Creek along Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road, this home offers the perfect mix of coastal charm and natural beauty. Separation Creek is a tiny seaside community tucked between Lorne and Apollo Bay, making it an ideal escape from city life while still being within a comfortable drive of Melbourne.
What stands out:
Walk to the beach in minutes.
Surrounded by the Otway National Park and stunning coastal scenery.
A relaxed holiday-home feel with plenty of character.
Approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne, making it a realistic weekend getaway.
Whether you're searching for a permanent sea change, a holiday home, or a lifestyle investment, properties in Separation Creek don't come onto the market very often due to the area's small size and tightly held community.
Something to keep in mind:
As with many properties along the Great Ocean Road, buyers should complete thorough due diligence around bushfire overlays, insurance costs and any planning restrictions before purchasing. The area has specific bushfire planning requirements due to its location
Here is what the numbers could look like…
Approximate numbers for general information only, this is not financial advice and individual circumstances will vary.
We will base this on a 80% LVR
Assume a Sale @ $4,200,000
A Deposit @ 20% = $840,000
Stamp Duty & Government Fees @ $256,745
Conveyancing & Building Pest Inspection @ $7000
Funds Required $1,103,744
Monthly Repayments @ $21,240
Based on 6.5% Interest Rate, 30 years, Principal & Interest
Suburb Spotlight
Bendigo, Victoria
Could Bendigo be an alternative for your first home or next investment?
Located around 150km from Melbourne, Bendigo continues to offer something that can be difficult to find closer to the capital, relatively affordable property with an established regional market.
For first home buyers, the numbers are particularly interesting. The median house sale price is currently around $646,000, while units have a median of approximately $485,000. The lower quartile for houses is around $533,500, providing some more affordable entry points for buyers willing to look beyond the median.
For investors, rental demand is another factor to consider, with current three bedroom house listings showing asking rents around $450–$560 per week, depending on the property.
Bendigo is an interesting market for buyers who are prepared to look outside metropolitan Melbourne. It offers a lower price point, an established community and a diverse range of property options.
As always, the suburb is only part of the equation. The property you buy, the price you pay and how the loan is structured can make just as much difference to the outcome.
Property data supplied by Cotality. Figures current as at 8 August 2026 and provided for general information only, not personal financial or property advice.
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Lets Talk Property
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, investing or just looking for some guidance, I'm always happy to have a conversation.
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice to help you make informed property decisions.
If you found this newsletter helpful, I’d really appreciate you sharing it with anyone you think might find it valuable too.
