14 May 2026 Home Loans for Maternity Leave in South East Melbourne, The 2026 Guide

In 2026, taking maternity leave doesn’t stop you from buying property in South East Melbourne. Whether you’re planning to take parental leave, currently on leave, or returning to work after having a baby, there are lenders who understand how parental leave income works – and approaching the right one makes a significant difference to your approval outcome.

The key is timing and lender choice. Some lenders will assess your pre-leave income if you’re returning to the same role, while others require you to be back at work before they’ll consider your application. Whether you’re looking in Carnegie – Bentleigh or St Kilda, getting in front of the right lender is what determines the result.

EverLend helps families across South East Melbourne work through their maternity leave home loan options across 60+ lenders, completely free of charge.

Here’s what you need to know about buying property while planning for, on, or returning from parental leave.

Can you get a home loan while on maternity leave?

Yes, you can get a home loan while on maternity leave, but your application will be assessed differently depending on when you apply and which lender you approach. If you’re returning to the same employer and role, many lenders will consider your pre-leave income for assessment purposes. The key requirement is a confirmed return-to-work date and employer letter.

How do lenders assess maternity leave income in South East Melbourne?

Lenders assess maternity leave income based on your employment status and return-to-work plans. If you’re returning to the same role, they typically use your pre-leave salary rather than current parental leave payments. If you’re not returning to work or changing roles significantly, they’ll assess your actual current income, which may include government payments.

• First Home Guarantee: buy with 5% deposit, no LMI, up to $950,000 in South East Melbourne – available to eligible first home buyers regardless of maternity leave status.
• First Home Owner Grant: $10,000 for new homes up to $750,000 – particularly relevant for off-the-plan unit purchases in inner South East Melbourne suburbs.
• Victorian stamp duty exemption: full exemption up to $600,000, partial concession to $750,000 for first home buyers.
• Family Home Guarantee: for eligible single parents, buy with just 2% deposit up to $950,000.
• Parenting Payment: government payments can be included as income by some lenders, particularly for single parents.

How do mortgage brokers help families on maternity leave get home loan approval in South East Melbourne?

Step 1: Talk to us

Get in touch and we’ll assess your employment situation, return-to-work plans, and which lenders are most likely to approve your application during this stage of your life.

Step 2: Gather your employment documentation

We help you compile the right documentation – your pre-leave payslips, employment contract, and a letter from your employer confirming your return-to-work date and ongoing role.

Step 3: Calculate your serviceability

We work out your borrowing capacity based on either your pre-leave income (if returning to work) or current income including government payments, depending on your situation and chosen lender.

Step 4: Choose the right lender

We identify which of our 60+ lenders has the most accommodating policy for your specific circumstances – whether you’re on leave now, planning leave, or recently returned.

Step 5: Submit your application

We prepare and submit your application with the documentation that gives you the strongest chance of approval, managing the process while you focus on your family.

Step 6: Coordinate settlement

We work with your solicitor and lender to ensure settlement happens on time, handling any last-minute requirements that come up during the approval process.

Common mistakes families make when applying for home loans during maternity leave

The biggest mistake is assuming you have to wait until you’re back at work to apply. Many lenders will assess your pre-leave income if you have a confirmed return date, which means you can potentially buy while still on parental leave.

Another common error is going to your existing bank first without comparing options. Bank policies on parental leave income vary dramatically – some are very accommodating, others won’t consider applications until you’re physically back at work. That single difference can determine whether you get approved or told to come back in six months.

What income can lenders consider for families on parental leave?

Lenders can consider several income sources for families on maternity leave, depending on your circumstances:

• Pre-leave salary: if you’re returning to the same employer and role, many lenders will use your salary before taking leave for assessment purposes.
• Parenting Payment Single: up to $967.50 per fortnight for eligible single parents, which some lenders will include in serviceability calculations.
• Parenting Payment Partnered: up to $729.30 per fortnight for eligible couples, though assessment varies by lender.
• Family Tax Benefit: Part A and Part B payments can sometimes be included, particularly for families with multiple children.
• Partner’s income: if applying jointly, your partner’s full income is assessed normally regardless of your employment status.
• Employer-paid parental leave: if your employer provides paid parental leave above government minimums, this can often be included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a home loan while pregnant?

Yes, being pregnant doesn’t affect your ability to get a home loan. Lenders assess your current employment and income situation. If you’re planning to take maternity leave soon after settlement, some lenders may want confirmation of your return-to-work plans.

How long do I need to be back at work before applying?

It depends on the lender. Some will consider your application while you’re still on leave if you’re returning to the same role, while others prefer you to be back at work for 3-6 months before applying.

Do government parental leave payments count as income?

Some lenders will include government payments like Parenting Payment and Family Tax Benefit in their income assessment, particularly for single parents. The approach varies significantly between lenders.

What if I’m not returning to work after maternity leave?

If you’re not returning to work, lenders will assess your actual current income, which may include government payments and your partner’s salary if applying jointly. Your borrowing capacity will be based on this combined income.

Can single mothers get home loans while on parental leave?

Yes, single mothers can access home loans while on parental leave. The Family Home Guarantee allows eligible single parents to buy with just 2% deposit, and some lenders will include government payments in income assessment.

Should I use a mortgage broker or go to my bank if I’m on maternity leave?

A mortgage broker, every time. Lender policies on parental leave income vary dramatically, and the difference between an accommodating lender and a restrictive one can determine whether you get approved now or have to wait months.

What documentation do I need for a home loan application while on maternity leave?

You’ll typically need your pre-leave payslips, employment contract, a letter from your employer confirming your return date and ongoing role, recent bank statements, and details of any government payments you’re receiving.

Your Next Steps

Getting your home loan right while on maternity leave is about more than timing – it’s about approaching a lender who understands how parental leave income works. The difference between an accommodating lender and a restrictive one can mean the difference between buying your family home now or waiting months until you’re back at work full-time.

Ready to find out which lenders give families on parental leave the strongest result? Contact Evelyn Clark for a free consultation or call 03 7036 3356. We’ll assess your situation across 60+ lenders and identify which ones treat maternity leave income most favourably for your circumstances.