More homes in the pipeline: WA housing approvals rise strongly

Australians looking to upgrade their homes now have another financing option, with Perth-based Australian Finance Group (AFG) launching AFG Home Loans Bridge in partnership with fintech lender Bridgit.

Announced on 18 August 2026, the new bridging finance product is being rolled out nationally through AFG’s broker network. It is designed to help eligible borrowers purchase their next property before selling their existing home, potentially making the transition between properties easier to manage.

The launch comes at a time when home upgrader activity remains strong. AFG reported that upgraders accounted for a record 44% of its mortgage lodgements during the June 2026 quarter. More recent July and August-to-date figures discussed with investors indicated upgrader activity had increased to around 47%.

For Perth homeowners who have built significant equity in their current property, bridging finance may provide another option when the timing of buying and selling does not line up. Instead of waiting for the existing property to sell before purchasing, eligible borrowers may be able to use bridging finance to help fund the next purchase while their current home is being prepared for sale.

However, bridging finance is not suitable for everyone. Borrowers should carefully consider factors such as interest costs, loan terms, property valuations, serviceability requirements, fees and the expected time required to sell their existing property. If a property takes longer than expected to sell, the additional financing costs can also increase.

The key benefit of AFG’s new product is greater choice for home upgraders. With changing lending conditions and continued activity in the Perth property market, having access to different financing structures can help borrowers assess their options before making a move.

AFG’s latest financial results also highlighted refinancing, home upgraders and client retention as important areas of mortgage activity. This reinforces the role mortgage brokers can play in helping borrowers compare lending options and understand how different loan structures may work for their circumstances.

If you are planning to upgrade your home in Perth, the right finance strategy can be just as important as finding the right property. Naga Mortgage Brokers can help you explore suitable home loan options, understand potential bridging finance structures and plan your next property move.

General information only. Lending criteria, fees, charges and individual circumstances apply.