Mortgage Brokers on Sydney's North Shore
From apartments in North Sydney to family homes in Killara, North Shore loans tend to be large and the details matter. We compare 60+ lenders and set up the loan around what you're buying.
Local brokers, a short drive away
Sabea was started in 2021 by Mitchell and Loren Shad. Our office is in Forestville, a short drive from Chatswood, Roseville and Lindfield, and a big share of our clients live on the North Shore.
Loan sizes on the North Shore push a lot of files into territory where lenders look harder and policies differ more. Picking the right lender at the start usually matters more than the rate, and that's the part we spend most of our time on.
What lending looks like across the North Shore
The Lower North Shore and the Upper North Shore have quite different property, and lenders assess them differently. Here's what we see most often in each part.
North Sydney, Kirribilli, Neutral Bay and Cremorne
Mostly apartments, close to the city, with a strong rental market. Lenders check the building as well as you: floor area, the size of the complex and how many units are investor-owned. Strata levies count against borrowing power. Our guide to what lenders check on a unit covers it in detail.
Mosman
Prestige houses and harbour apartments, and some of the largest loans we arrange. Above certain loan sizes, lenders want more evidence and some cap what they'll lend against one property. Valuation is often where these loans are won or lost.
Chatswood, Artarmon, Willoughby and Castle Cove
High-rise apartments around Chatswood and Artarmon stations, and family houses in Willoughby, Northbridge and Castle Cove. Upgraders here often need to buy before they sell, which brings bridging finance into play.
Lane Cove and Hunters Hill
Waterfront and heritage homes alongside newer apartment developments. Heritage listings and unusual blocks can make valuation harder, and off-the-plan purchases need finance checked again before completion.
The Upper North Shore
Large blocks, established family homes and school catchments. Loans are big, renovations are common, and a lot of owners hold years of built-up equity they can put towards an upgrade or an investment property. Professionals and business owners with more complex income are common here too.
General information only. It is not credit advice and it is not specific to any one lender, and lender policies change. Talk to us about your own situation.
How we work with you
- A conversation first. We talk through what you're buying or changing, your income and your plans, and tell you plainly what looks possible.
- Lenders compared. We look across 60+ lenders for the ones whose policy suits you and the property, not just the lowest advertised rate.
- One application, prepared properly. We lodge with the lender we've agreed on, rather than firing off several applications that all show on your credit file.
- Through to settlement. We deal with the lender, the valuer and your solicitor or conveyancer until the loan settles.
- Afterwards. We check in after settlement to see whether the loan still suits you.
For most residential home loans there is no cost to you. Brokers are generally paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles, and we disclose that to you in writing before you proceed. Some commercial or specialised lending carries a fee, which we would always agree with you in advance rather than at the end.
We also cover the Northern Beaches, and you can see every suburb we serve.
North Shore Mortgage Broker FAQs
Which mortgage brokers cover Sydney's North Shore?
Sabea does. We're a mortgage brokerage based at 16 The Centre, Forestville, started in 2021 by Mitchell and Loren Shad. We work across the Lower and Upper North Shore and the Northern Beaches, and compare home loans from 60+ lenders.
Is a broker useful for a large loan?
Often more useful than for a small one. Lender policy varies most at higher loan sizes, on valuation caps, extra evidence and pricing, so comparing lenders properly makes a bigger difference.
Does it cost anything to use a mortgage broker?
For most residential home loans there is no cost to you. Brokers are generally paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles, and we disclose that to you in writing before you proceed. Some commercial or specialised lending carries a fee, which we would always agree with you in advance rather than at the end.
Can you help if I'm buying before I sell?
Yes. Upgraders on the North Shore often need to buy first. We look at bridging finance and other ways to cover the gap, and work through what happens if the sale takes longer than you expect.
Do you help doctors and other professionals?
Yes. Many of our North Shore clients are medical and other professionals, and some lenders offer better terms to certain occupations. Our guide to home loans for doctors explains how that works.
Do I need to come to your office?
No. Most clients work with us by phone, video and email, and we can meet locally if that's easier.
What Clients Say About Working With Sabea
Read the reviews on Google →“Max was amazing in providing assistance with the purchase of my new property and ongoing support with my mortgage. No question was too small for him.”
“He was always easy to contact and communicate with, promptly returning calls and messages and keeping us updated the whole way through.”
“Their communication was excellent throughout the entire process, always responsive, clear, and easy to deal with. They made what can be a stressful experience feel simple and smooth.”
Reviews are published on Google by clients and describe their own experience. They are not a guarantee of any outcome, and every application is assessed on its own circumstances.
Talk to a North Shore mortgage broker
Book a free strategy session with the Sabea team. No obligation, just a clear picture of what's possible.