In a competitive market, speed matters and nothing moves faster than a clean, well-packaged deal.
At Connective Horizon, many of the delays we see in credit come down to the same issue: missing information or unclear submissions. The good news? These are entirely avoidable.
If you want to consistently achieve faster approvals, and in some cases a true “one touch” outcome, it all comes down to how you prepare your application from the outset.
• Start with a complete and accurate application
It sounds simple, but it’s where many delays begin. A fully completed and correctly signed application form is critical. Incomplete sections, merged applications or inconsistencies across documents (such as names, income or liabilities) will almost always trigger follow-ups from credit. Taking the time to double check everything upfront can save days later in the process.
• Make income easy to understand and verify
Income is one of the most common friction points, particularly for self-employed or Alt Doc borrowers. Where possible, ensure income is supported by real source documents such as invoices, business bank statements or receipts. Avoid relying on projections, draft financials or statements based purely on client-provided information, as these will not be accepted.
For self-employed clients, providing a clear snapshot of the business, including how it operates, how income is generated and its structure, can significantly reduce back-and-forth with credit.
• Don’t overlook ID and residency requirements
Another common delay comes from missing or incomplete identification. Make sure all applicants have valid ID submitted upfront. For non-citizens, this means including visa documentation, not just a passport. For certain products, additional residency forms or Australian address requirements may also apply, so it’s worth confirming these early.
• Clearly explain the loan purpose and any cash out
Vague descriptions are one of the fastest ways to slow down an application. Terms like “future investment” or “rainy day funds” don’t give credit enough context to assess the deal. Instead, provide a clear breakdown of how funds will be used, including purchase details and any funding shortfalls. The more specific you are, the fewer questions will come back.
• Ensure liabilities and servicing align
Before submission, it’s essential to sense-check the numbers. All liabilities must be disclosed, and your servicing calculator should align with the application, including assets and liabilities, as well as living expenses. Using Connective Horizon calculators ahead of time can help validate income and avoid discrepancies that may otherwise delay approval.
• Address any credit or property issues upfront
If there’s anything in the deal that might raise a question, it’s always better to tackle it early. This includes adverse credit history, arrears or outstanding liabilities. Providing a clear explanation and supporting context upfront can prevent unnecessary follow-ups and keep the file moving.
• Get entity structures right the first time
For more complex deals, accuracy around entities is crucial. Make sure all directors and shareholders are correctly listed, and that income is attributed to the appropriate entity or individual. Small errors here can cause significant delays if they need to be corrected later.
• Include complete security documentation
Finally, ensure all property and security documents are complete and up to date. Missing or outdated documents can hold up valuations and approvals, even if everything else is ready to go.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this, think like the person assessing your deal.
Most delays don’t come from complex scenarios, but from missing detail or unanswered questions. If something might raise a query, address it upfront.
That mindset is often the difference between a standard approval and a true “one touch” outcome.
If you want to reduce follow-up questions and improve turnaround times, your Connective Lending Manager or Connective Horizon BDM can help you sense-check the submission before lodgement.
