Specialist non-bank lenders gain ground in Australia
Specialist non-bank lenders continue to strengthen their presence in Australia's mortgage market, according to new figures released by the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA).
AFIA says its 13 specialist lender members, which account for more than three-quarters of Australia's specialist non-bank lending market, wrote more than 16,000 residential SMSF loans worth $10.3 billion in FY2026.
Greater competition from specialist non-bank lenders is giving borrowers access to a broader range of lending policies and products. Because lenders have different credit policies, income assessment methods and risk appetites, borrowers who don't meet one lender's home loans criteria may find another lender better suited to their circumstances.
That flexibility can be particularly valuable for Sydney investors looking to expand a property investment portfolio, as well as self-employed borrowers and those with more complex financial circumstances.
About the author – Alex Veljancevski is a Sydney Mortgage Broker with Eventus Financial, which assists first home buyers, investors, upgraders and borrowers seeking to refinance to a better deal on their home loan.
