Why you should get a jump on your New Year plans

Christmas is usually the season where everything slows down. Work winds back, routines loosen, and most people finally get a moment to breathe. What many people do not realise is that this little pocket of downtime is actually one of the best opportunities to get your home loan plans moving.

Here are a few reasons why the festive season can put you in a stronger position for the year ahead.

1. Lenders are still open, even if life feels quieter

Most lenders operate right through December and early January. While the world takes a break, credit teams, assessment departments, and brokers keep working. This often means faster processing, fewer bottlenecks, and a clearer path from application to approval.

If you are hoping to buy early in the new year, starting now puts you weeks ahead of everyone who waits until January.

2. It is the ideal time to check your borrowing position

Your financial year is already well underway, and you might have a clearer picture of your income, spending, and savings. December is a smart time to sit down, look at where things are at, and work out how much you can borrow.

If you are planning on buying in 2026, this early groundwork helps avoid surprises and gives you time to tidy up any loose ends that may affect your borrowing power.

3. You can get ahead of rate rises and market competition

Historically, January and February are busy buying months. More buyers enter the market, more offers hit the table, and pressure increases. Getting pre approved during Christmas means you walk into the new year organised and ready. You avoid the scramble and you position yourself to move quickly on the right property.

4. It is a great time for refinancing

Many people spend Christmas reviewing finances for the new year. If your rate has crept up, or your loan has not been reviewed in a while, December and January can be perfect months to refinance. You can secure a sharper rate, reduce repayments, or free up cash flow right before the next year kicks off.

5. You get space to think clearly

No meetings. No school runs. No traffic. That pause between Christmas and New Year gives you room to talk through your goals and make decisions without rushing. When clients are relaxed, the process feels easier, the plan becomes clearer, and the strategy for the year ahead comes together naturally.

Thinking about buying or refinancing in 2026

If you are planning a move in the new year, the best time to prepare is right now. A short conversation now can save a lot of time and stress later.

If you want help understanding your borrowing capacity, reviewing your current loan, or getting pre-approved while things are quiet, reach out any time. Christmas might be the break you needed to get ahead.