Equity release loans and loan increases are both ways to tap into the equity in your property. While they share similarities, the key difference lies in how they are structured. At Intuitive Finance, we can guide you through which option best suits your financial situation, ensuring you make an informed choice.

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What is the Difference Between
an Equity Release Loan and a Loan Increase?

An equity release loan allows you to access the equity in your property by applying for an entirely new home loan facility with its own terms, features, and interest rates. It is typically used when larger amounts are needed, and it requires you to set up a new loan structure.

In contrast, a loan increase or top-up loan involves borrowing more funds against your existing mortgage. Instead of applying for a new loan, the additional funds are simply added to your current home loan balance, making this option quicker and more streamlined.

ADVANTAGES

  • Equity Release Loan: Provides access to larger amounts of equity and the option to restructure your home loan with new terms and features.
  • Loan Increase: Faster process as it doesn’t require setting up a new loan; you simply add the extra funds to your current mortgage.

DISADVANTAGES

  • Equity Release Loan: Requires a completely new loan setup with potentially new terms, interest rates, and fees.
  • Loan Increase: You may be limited in the amount of equity you can access depending on your existing loan and lender’s policies.

What’s Involved in Obtaining an Equity Release Loan Through Intuitive Finance?

Initial Meeting

A 1-hour session to establish your financial and lifestyle goals, discuss the fact-finding document, and agree on a timeline for its return.

Fact Finding Submission

We will submit the completed fact-finding document.

Strategy Submission

Within 5 days of receiving the completed fact-finding, a written strategy is submitted to you.

Document Lodgement

Within 2 days of agreeing to proceed, documents are lodged with the institution.

Conditional Approval

Expect conditional approval within 1 to 3 days of lodgement.

Unconditional Approval

Expect unconditional (full) approval within 2 to 4 days after conditional approval.

Loan Documents Arrival

Expect loan documents to arrive within 2 to 5 days after unconditional approval.

Loan Settlement

Expect loan settlement within 3 to 5 days after submitting the signed loan documents.

Complimentary Obligation-Free Consultation

Discuss your specific needs and discover the best financing options for you. Get in touch to
organise your complimentary 60-minute session today!

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Real Feedback from Real Clients

See All Reviews
Kim Krajewski
09:58 20 Mar 25
I am so appreciative of all the work Bonnie and the Intuitive team put in, to help me obtain the perfect finance for the next step in my life.
Buying property is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do, and I was dreading it!
However Natasha, Melissa, Clarise, Andrew and Bonnie were all amazing at helping me through the application for finance. They all provided exceptional care, a wealth of knowledge and always got back to me promptly with answers to all my questions 😄
The whole team had a great ability to put me at ease throughout the whole process! I can’t thank you all enough and I’m so happy in my new home!
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Intuitive finance team 100% as the finance brokers for anyone needing help with financing!
Thanks again so much, you’ve helped me get to the place I wanted to be!
Danielle de Rome
02:35 13 Mar 25
I worked with Alexandra Pappas over a number of years as our goals shifted until I finally purchased my first property. Alex was always professional and clear in her explanations. Alex helped us navigate a few curly scenarios and I am grateful to have had her on my team throughout the process.
Jack Tarpley
01:44 13 Mar 25
Fantastic service! Super knowledgeable of the market, access to huge amount of lenders & thorough communication! Highly recommended this team.
Jason Bourne
05:06 28 Feb 25
This was my second home buying experience and I went back to Intuitive finance as I was impressed the first time and I was not disappointed! Lachlan was amazing as was Natasha who was helpful, informative and very communicative in answering all questions. Nothing was too much trouble and I am grateful that the service has been the same if not better than my first time I used them! I could not recommend them enough!!
dizzalenko
14:03 05 Feb 25
I am blown away by the exceptional service provided by Craig and the entire team at Intuitive Finance. Their expertise and dedication to finding the best financial solutions for us were truly impressive.

We had a complex situation with multiple properties, and Craig took the time to understand our needs and worked tirelessly to secure the best possible deals. We refinanced three of our properties, and the process was seamless thanks to Craig's guidance.

Their communication was outstanding, keeping us informed every step of the way. What really stood out was their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our financial goals were met. Their professionalism, knowledge, and passion for their work are a rare find in the finance industry.

We can't recommend Craig and the team at Intuitive Finance highly enough. If you're looking for a finance broker who will truly look after your interests, look no further.

Thanks Michael & Alana
Simon Flower
03:31 22 Jan 25
Third time I have used these guys and each time they proven their worth by guiding me through the relentless (and sometimes crazy) demands of various lenders. Special thanks to Natasha, Craig and Andrew for their patience and support. I don't hesitate to recommend Intuitive Finance and will use again when required.
Dave Mcg
21:59 16 Jan 25
Have employed Intuitive a number of times now to refinance. They make the process very easy and are great at finding the best options. Highly recommend
Karin Brown
05:25 12 Jan 25
Craig and all the team at Intuitive Finance were fantastic in ensuring we were able to manage our investment purchase with excitement not fear. Their communication with us allowed us to feel confident with all our decisions. I highly recommend contacting the team at Intuitive if you are thinking about purchasing a property.
Stacey L
06:53 03 Jan 25
It was an absolute pleasure working with Intuitive Finance. The whole team was very professional and helped my partner and I purchase our first home. We would definitely work with them again in the future. A special thank you goes out to Alex who was always approachable with any questions we had.
Adam
03:17 31 Dec 24
Intuitive Finance has delivered the best mortgage brokering experience I’ve ever had. Initially recommended to me by a buyer’s agent, I only wish I’d found these guys sooner. Having worked with brokers for over 20 years for both purchases and refinances, I can confidently say that Intuitive Finance stands head and shoulders above the rest.

What sets them apart is their exceptional communication, organization, experience, and teamwork. They operate like a well-oiled machine, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Despite being based in Perth, working with Lachlan and Craig in Melbourne was seamless. These two are absolute standouts—always available, quick to return calls, hardworking, and incredibly fast.

I also had the pleasure of working with Melissa and Clarise, who were equally lovely and professional. The entire team made the process stress-free and straightforward, something I’ve rarely encountered in this space.

I’ve already recommended Intuitive Finance to my family and friends because I know they’ll be in safe hands. If you’re looking for a broker that goes above and beyond, look no further. Highly rated and highly recommended!
Andrew Casserly
00:00 21 Dec 24
I could not be more impressed or willing to recommend the whole team at Intuitive Finance. They made the process of buying our first home as smooth and stress free as possible. They were very accomodating to our changing needs, patient when we changed our mind, informative throughout the whole process, great with communication, and followed through on everything they said.

A special thanks to Lachlan who was simply fantastic to deal with across a two year period and to Craig who made the final processes seamless.
GENEVIEVE PERCOVICH
05:09 16 Oct 24
The team really break it down and make sure we, as the client, get all the information and assistance we need, in real time. Stress less, go with this amazing team.
Dave
19:38 02 Oct 24
Andrew and his team are well versed to help property investors navigate the challenges of getting finance.
Shane Hellyer
03:36 17 Sep 24
Lachlan, Dragana and team were amazing in helping me purchase my property. Right from the planning stages up through to organising the loan and finally settlement, there was amazing communication, punctuality and professionalism. 100% recommend and would use them again in an instant
Guy Smith-steane
22:11 13 Sep 24
Spoke to Alex recently to get me on the right track to save for my property. Very professional and I couldn't be happier. Looking forward to continuing on my journey with Alex and the Intuitive Finance team.

Our Commitment to the Community

With every loan we settle, you can choose to support Challenge – supporting
kids with cancer, the Movember Foundation, or the Lungitude Foundation.
We donate $20 to your chosen charity and make annual contributions. It’s our
way of giving back and helping those in need.