How long does it take to switch over?

You could apply in as little as 15 mins (but take your time). Our decisioning engine is super quick to turn things around and provide conditional approval. We then run the valuation and other bits, including ID verification, which can take up to a few days.


Afterwards, we request a transfer from your current lender, but be warned this is often where delays happen. You may find your current lender’s retention team trying to drag things out for as long as possible. In some cases where the original lender has been reasonable, the transfer process can take around 2- 3 weeks. In some cases longer.


On average, from quote to settlement, it’s taken our existing customers 6 weeks to switch over. It could take shorter or longer depending on your scenario, but we will always keep you in the loop.

Do I need to contact my current bank when I switch over?

Not unless you want to be on hold for hours! Our settlement team will work with your bank to move your loan across and your Settlement Pack that we send you will have your discharge approval in it.


What documents do I need to switch?


First up you’ll need a current Australian driver’s licence, Australian passport or Medicare card. Once you’ve hit submit, check out our full checklist for all the documents you need.

Will I be charged penalty fees by my current lender?

If your loan was settled after 30 June 2011, lenders are not legally allowed to charge an exit fee. That said some lenders still pass on costs (usually called discharge fees) when you jump ship to a better deal. And of course if you’re on a fixed rate then you will need to check out what the break fee is, remembering it can be chunky depending on the size of your loan and time left.


Check with your current lender what sneaky discharge fees they’ll charge you to leave. You should always make sure your savings are worthwhile against the possible costs. Head over to our calculator to work out your savings.

How do I discharge my home loan from my previous lender?

It depends on who your lender is but in the majority of cases we’ll provide you with a discharge form specific to your current lender as part of your settlement pack that’s sent to you digitally. We’ll provide you with step by-step instructions in your contract on what to do.


But basically all you need to do is sign the form and email it to your current lender. Just a heads up, lots of lenders love to stall the process here but we’ll help you chase them up. Send them that break up letter, trust us, you’ll feel great after.

Can I refinance multiple properties with Athena?

Of course, bring it on. The more properties, the more savings! You’ll need to check that all the properties you want to refinance with us meet our eligibility criteria. Check our eligibility criteria.


Simply apply online for either your owner occupied property or the property with the highest outstanding loan amount and when our Loan Experts get in touch, mention that you’re keen to switch your other properties over to us and they’ll care of the rest.

Can you run a valuation on my property before I apply?

We run valuations for properties after you submit your application (and we won’t charge you for it!).

Can I speak to someone if I get stuck?

Hell yes. A home loan is a big decision and you need to talk this stuff through.


Speak to a real local expert 5 days a week on 13 35 35. Or send us an SMS at 0429 333 555 or email for a convenient time and number to call you at hello@athena.com.au.

How can I track the status of my application?

Track the status of your application through Home Hub. You’ll have access to this as part of the application process.

I’m conditionally approved! What happens now?

Woohoo! This means that your loan is approved based on a number of conditions being satisfied.


These conditions will vary from loan to loan but typically we require a few documents to make sure everything is legit. One of our Credit Assessors will get in touch with details on what to do next.

I’m unconditionally approved! What happens now?

Yay, congrats! You’ll need to verify your ID if you didn’t do so earlier in your application and review and sign a few loan documents.


All of this will be detailed in an email from one of our Credit Assessors. Once this is all done, we’ll organise your settlement.

Need to talk to us?

Our Australian home loan experts are here 5 days a week to answer your questions.

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Athena acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we gather the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and respect their continued and continuing connection to this place.