These seven questions help them pressure-test eligibility, costs, and lender fit before they commit.
What subsidy tier are they actually eligible for right now?
When seeking DHOAS loan help, they should first confirm their current DHOAS entitlement tier and the effective start date, rather than relying on what they believe they have accrued. Even a small difference in recognised service timing can shift the tier and materially affect the expected monthly subsidy.
They should also clarify how tier adjustments apply if they change service category, move between SERCAT classifications, or are approaching discharge. Misunderstanding the correct tier can result in structuring a loan around a subsidy amount that may not ultimately be payable.
Does the lender’s DHOAS product restrict the loan in ways that matter?
Many DHOAS-compatible loans have lender-specific constraints that affect flexibility. They should ask what limits apply to extra repayments, offset accounts, redraw, fixed-rate splits, portability, and refinancing.
They should also check if the lender forces a particular package, fee structure, or minimum loan amount to access DHOAS processing. A loan that looks competitive can become expensive if it blocks the features they rely on.
What will their repayments be without the subsidy, and can they still afford it?
They should assume the subsidy may pause, reduce, or stop at some point and confirm their budget still works. The key is serviceability on the full repayment, not the “after-subsidy” figure.
They should model rate rises as well. If the loan is only comfortable because of the subsidy, they risk being forced to sell or refinance at the worst possible time.
How will their posting cycle and deployment plans affect approval and settlement?
They should ask how the lender treats income types common to ADF members, including allowances, deployment-related variations, and probationary periods after role changes. Approval can be delayed if documents do not match what the lender expects.
They should also confirm settlement timelines, remote signing options, and what happens if they post mid-application. A lender that cannot handle ADF realities can create expensive delays, especially with tight contract dates. Click here to get more about why you need a DHOAS specialist when investing in property.
Is the property type acceptable under both lender policy and DHOAS rules?
They should confirm that the property meets the lender’s security requirements and does not trigger valuation issues. Some lenders are conservative on small apartments, certain postcodes, high-density towers, unusual constructions, or properties with non-standard titles.
They should also ask about intended use. If they plan to rent it out, buy with a partner, or live in it later, they should confirm how occupancy expectations are treated and what documentation is required.
What fees, rate loadings, and ongoing costs are hidden in the “DHOAS-friendly” pitch?
They should request a full cost breakdown in writing: comparison rate, lender fees, package fees, annual fees, discharge costs, and any DHOAS admin charges. Some deals look cheaper because the headline rate is low, while fees do the real damage.
They should also ask whether the lender’s DHOAS process adds friction that increases costs, like needing repeated certificate updates, extra document checks, or longer approval windows that risk contract extensions.
Other Resources : Steps to DHOAS benefits
What is their exit plan if they want to refinance, upgrade, or discharge from the ADF?
They should ask how easy it is to refinance away later, and whether the loan features or pricing change if their service status changes. They should also confirm what happens if they discharge and their subsidy stops, including whether repayments jump or the lender requires a restructure.
They should check break costs if they fix the rate, and whether the loan remains competitive without DHOAS. A good DHOAS loan is not just good today; it stays workable when their circumstances shift.
What should they do next to get reliable DHOAS loan help?
They should gather their key inputs before speaking to a lender or broker: current tier entitlement, expected posting timeline, budget that works without subsidy, and the property type they want. That makes it easier to compare loans on the right basis.
Most importantly, they should insist on scenarios in writing: repayments at higher rates, repayments without subsidy, and total costs over the first few years. That is where the best DHOAS decisions usually become obvious.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What subsidy tier am I currently eligible for under the DHOAS scheme?
You should confirm your current DHOAS entitlement tier and the effective start date, rather than relying on assumptions. Even a small difference in service timing can shift your subsidy tier and significantly affect your monthly subsidy amount. Additionally, consider how changes in your service category, SERCAT type, or impending discharge might impact your eligibility and tier.
Are there any lender-specific restrictions on DHOAS loans that could affect me?
Many lenders impose specific constraints on their DHOAS-compatible loans, such as limits on extra repayments, offset accounts, redraw facilities, fixed-rate splits, loan portability, and refinancing options. Some lenders may also require you to select particular loan packages, fee structures, or minimum loan amounts to access DHOAS processing. It’s vital to understand these restrictions to ensure the loan aligns with your financial needs and flexibility requirements.
Can I afford my loan repayments without the DHOAS subsidy?
It’s crucial to assess your ability to service the full loan repayments without relying on the subsidy, as it may pause, reduce, or cease at any time. Model scenarios including potential interest rate rises to confirm that your budget remains sustainable. Relying solely on the subsidy could put you at risk of forced sale or refinancing during unfavorable market conditions.
How do my posting cycle and deployment plans impact my loan approval and settlement?
Lenders evaluate income types typical for ADF members differently—this includes allowances, deployment-related income variations, and probationary periods after role changes. Ensure you provide documentation that matches lender expectations to avoid delays. Also, clarify settlement timelines, options for remote signing, and procedures if you post mid-application to prevent costly delays especially when contract deadlines are tight.
Is my chosen property type acceptable under both lender policies and DHOAS rules?
Confirm that your property meets lender security requirements and avoids valuation issues. Some lenders are cautious regarding small apartments, certain postcodes, high-density towers, unusual constructions, or properties with non-standard titles. Additionally, if you plan to rent out the property, buy with a partner, or intend to occupy it later, verify how occupancy expectations are handled and what documentation you’ll need.
What fees and ongoing costs should I be aware of in a ‘DHOAS-friendly’ loan offer?
Request a comprehensive breakdown of all costs in writing—including comparison rates, lender fees, package fees, annual fees, discharge costs, and any administrative charges related to DHOAS processing. Be cautious as some loans may advertise low headline rates but have high fees that increase overall costs. Also inquire whether the lender’s DHOAS processes introduce additional friction such as repeated certificate updates or longer approval times that could add expenses.