- Common Questions
Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions
Real answers to the questions Paddy gets asked every week — in plain English, without the jargon. All sections are visible below — no click needed.
4.9 Rating
Google Reviews
- Browse by Topic
Explore Common Questions
Home Loans
Questions about buying a home and loan options.
Refinancing
Refinance your existing loan and save more.
Investment Loans
Learn about loans for investment properties and options.
Financial Advice
Get answers to general financial planning questions
TriLending FAQ: Paddy Dwyer answers the most common mortgage questions for Geelong buyers, from how brokers get paid, to government scheme eligibility, borrowing capacity, and what documents you need. FBAA member · 40+ lenders · 4.9 stars from 54 Google reviews · No cost to you.
- Commercial07
- 03
Documents - 05
Financial Planning - First Home Buyer20
- 16
General & Process - 21
Home Loans - 09
Interest Rates - Investment07
- 11
Mortgage Process - 15
Refinancing - Self-Employed06
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help you with any of your mortgage or financial needs.
Contact UsHow do construction loans work?
A construction loan usually releases money in stages as the build progresses, rather than giving you the full loan amount upfront.
The lender will usually need a fixed-price building contract, plans, permits, builder details and a progress payment schedule. Funds are then released at different stages of the build, such as slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion.
Can I buy my next home before selling my current one?
Potentially, yes.
This can sometimes be done with bridging finance or a carefully managed sale-and-purchase strategy. It can be helpful if you find the right property before selling, but you need to understand the repayments, timing and risks if your current home takes longer to sell.
How much deposit do I need for an investment property?
Many investment loans are strongest at 80% loan-to-value ratio or below, which generally means a 20% deposit plus purchase costs.
Some lenders may allow higher borrowing, but rates, LMI, servicing and policy can become more important.
Can I use equity to buy an investment property?
Yes, if you have enough usable equity and can afford the new lending.
Equity can sometimes be used as the deposit and costs for an investment property. The loan structure is important, especially when considering tax, risk, cash flow and future flexibility.
Can I get a commercial property loan as a small business owner in Geelong?
Yes. Commercial property loans are available for business owners wanting to purchase their own premises, acquire investment commercial property, or develop commercial real estate. Assessment differs from residential lending — lenders focus on the business’s cash flow, the property’s income potential, and overall exposure. LVR limits are typically 65–75% for commercial property. Paddy accesses specialist commercial lenders through his Loan Market panel who work with Geelong businesses of all sizes.
How fast can business vehicle or equipment finance be arranged?
For straightforward vehicles under $150,000 with a standard business structure, approval can often be arranged within 24–48 hours through the right lender on Paddy’s commercial panel. For larger or more specialised assets, timelines vary. If you have a time-sensitive purchase, tell Paddy upfront — he identifies the fastest-moving lenders while ensuring the rate and structure remain competitive.
What is the difference between a chattel mortgage and hire purchase?
With a chattel mortgage, your business owns the asset from day one and can claim the full GST upfront. With hire purchase, the finance company owns the asset during the term and title transfers to you on final payment — GST is spread across repayments. The right choice depends on your GST registration, accounting method, and tax position. Paddy strongly recommends confirming the right structure with your accountant before deciding. Read the full comparison: Chattel Mortgage vs Hire Purchase.
- Why Clients Choose Us
Trusted. Experienced. Committed.

50+ Years Experience
Decades of combined experience in the financial services industry.

Trusted Guidance
Honest advice and transparent process every step of the way.

Tailored Solutions
Personalised loan solutions designed to fit your unique goals.

Dedicated Support
We're here to support you before, during and after your loan.
- Need More Help
Still Have Questions?
Our experienced team is ready to help you find the right solution for your financial goals.
- What Clients Say
54 Geelong Families. One Consistent Rating.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Working with Paddy Dwyer from TriLending was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. The entire process felt completely seamless thanks to Paddy’s efficiency, clear communication, and attention to detail. He handled everything promptly and professionally, making what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and easy.
★★★★★
Couldn’t recommend Paddy enough! He’s always willing to answer any questions we have and made refinancing our home loan a simple process.
★★★★★
★★★★★
We recently brought our first home with the help of Paddy at Tri lending. Everything is this area is new to us and we found it very overwhelming at times. Paddy was beyond super! He broke everything down, explained all options and answered our most silly questions. We are super grateful to have worked with him and I would absolutely recommend him!
★★★★★
Paddy was recommended to me by a friend and he is just fantastic to deal with. Extremely responsive, explains everything clearly and is happy to answer any questions along the way. He made the process easy, and I’d recommend him to anyone!
- What Client Says
54 Geelong Families. One Consistent Rating.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Working with Paddy Dwyer from TriLending was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. The entire process felt completely seamless thanks to Paddy’s efficiency, clear communication, and attention to detail. He handled everything promptly and professionally, making what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and easy.
★★★★★
Couldn’t recommend Paddy enough! He’s always willing to answer any questions we have and made refinancing our home loan a simple process.
★★★★★
★★★★★
We recently brought our first home with the help of Paddy at Tri lending. Everything is this area is new to us and we found it very overwhelming at times. Paddy was beyond super! He broke everything down, explained all options and answered our most silly questions. We are super grateful to have worked with him and I would absolutely recommend him!
★★★★★
Paddy was recommended to me by a friend and he is just fantastic to deal with. Extremely responsive, explains everything clearly and is happy to answer any questions along the way. He made the process easy, and I’d recommend him to anyone!
- Resources & Guides
Helpful Reading for Geelong Borrowers
Plain-English guides on everything from first home buying to investment
property — answering the questions Paddy gets asked most.
The Complete First Home Buyer Guide for Geelong in 2026
Best Suburbs to Invest in Geelong in 2025: A Mortgage Broker’s Perspective