Southport · Home Loans
In Southport, what you can borrow often comes down to how you're paid not just how much.
I'm Rebecca Tickner, a finance broker based in nearby Surfers Paradise. Southport is the Gold Coast's CBD, with older houses, units and new towers in the same few streets. It's also where a lot of people work shifts, overtime and contracts, and lenders read those pay structures very differently from a flat salary.
Last reviewed
Rebecca Tickner
Finance Broker · Maxfin
Sound familiar?
The problems I hear most often.
Your payslip isn't read at face value
Penalty rates, overtime, allowances and bonuses are often counted only in part, or only once there's a history behind them. The rules differ between lenders. A nurse, a hospitality manager and a tradie on the same gross pay can come out with very different borrowing capacities depending on where the application goes.
Contracts, casual work and new jobs
Some lenders want a set period in the role before they'll count casual or contract income. Others are comfortable earlier, especially if you've been in the same line of work for a while. Changing jobs shortly before you apply isn't automatically a problem, but it narrows the shortlist.
House, unit or tower changes the lender list
An older house on its own block, a unit in a small complex and an apartment in a new tower are three different conversations with a lender. Apartment size, building type and whether it's off the plan all affect who will lend and how much.
How It Works
Five stages. Walked together.
The same client journey from your first call through to settlement... and the loan reviews that follow.
Tap a stage to explore
01.
Discover
- 15-minute discovery call
- Hello Pack lands in your inbox
- Click “Get Started” to begin your Fact Find
02.
Plan
- Your Fact Find returned
- I assess your servicing
- You receive your Game Plan with my recommendation
03.
Apply
- Game Plan signed
- I lodge your application
- We wait... lender may come back with clarifying questions
04.
Approve
- Conditional approval
- Final conditions satisfied (e.g. insurance)
- Formal approval
05.
Settle
- Loan documents signed
- Settlement booked, solicitor takes the lead
- Loan settled!
In Practice
Two people on the same gross pay can walk out with different borrowing power. The difference is usually in how the payslip is made up, and which lender reads it.
Rebecca Tickner
What you get working with me.
Shift and penalty income, understood
Healthcare, hospitality, trades and emergency services pay structures are everyday work. I know which questions a lender will ask about them.
Houses, units and towers
Southport has all three within a few streets. I've worked with each type of security and know where lender policy splits.
Local, not a service-area map
I'm based in Surfers Paradise, a short trip from Southport, and meet clients across the Gold Coast in person or by video.
30+ lenders, one standard
Major lenders and non-majors alike. I recommend the one whose policy fits your income and your property, subject to lender criteria and individual circumstances.
First home buyers and upgraders
Queensland concessions, grants and deposit options, checked against your situation before you start inspecting.
Queensland costs, explained upfront
Transfer duty, government fees and LMI, walked through before you commit rather than discovered at settlement.
A starting position before you inspect in 4215.
RBA rate update · 29 September 2026 applied
1 · What are you looking to do?
2 · Your details
Are you applying with a partner?
3 · Properties you already own
Do you currently own property?
4 · Core debts
Banks assess your limit, not your balance, at 3.8% of the limit per month, even if you pay it off each cycle.
Combined monthly repayments on personal and vehicle loans.
5 · Living expenses
I'll use average household living costs unless you enter your own.
Estimate only. Not a credit offer or pre-qualification. Subject to lender criteria, credit assessment, and a full needs analysis. Rental income and existing lending may be assessed differently by different lenders. Get in touch for advice tailored to your situation.
Questions
Frequently asked.
Will a lender count my penalty rates and overtime?
Often in part. Many lenders count only a portion of variable income, or want to see it's been consistent over time before counting it. How much, and over what period, varies between lenders. That spread is why the same payslip can support noticeably different borrowing amounts. Subject to lender criteria.
I work at Gold Coast University Hospital. Is there anything specific I should know?
Health workers often have shift penalties, overtime and allowances in their pay, and sometimes more than one employer. None of that is a barrier, but it helps to go to lenders that read it well. Some lenders also have policy settings aimed at particular health professions. It depends on your role and the lender. Subject to lender criteria.
Can I get a home loan on a casual or contract job?
Often, yes. Some lenders want a minimum time in the role, and others look more at your history in the same line of work. It depends on the lender and your circumstances, so it's worth checking before you assume you need to wait.
Is it harder to borrow for a unit than a house in Southport?
It can be. Lenders look at the size of the apartment, the type of building and sometimes the postcode. A house on its own title is usually the simplest security. For towers and new builds, see my Surfers Paradise apartment page and off-the-plan finance page.
I live overseas and own, or want to buy, in Southport. Can you help?
Yes. Australian citizens overseas are generally exempt from foreign investment approval, and the finance follows expat lending rules. See my expat investors page and expat finance guide. Subject to lender criteria.
How much does a broker cost?
Generally, nothing. Lenders pay me a commission when your loan settles, and it doesn't change your rate or your loan amount. I act in your best interests when providing credit assistance to you.
Heads up: more complex or strategic work, like developments, house flips, or deals with claw-back risk, may involve an upfront fee. Always disclosed up front.
Do you only work in Southport?
No. I'm based in Surfers Paradise and work across the Gold Coast, and I arrange lending Australia-wide by video.
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Written & reviewed by
Rebecca Tickner
Finance Broker, Maxfin · Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management (FNS50322) · ASIC Credit Rep 571611 · MFAA Member
I built a seven-property portfolio with my partner. I structure clients' finance the same way I run mine.
More about Rebecca