More lending power across more scenarios

In August 2026, MA Money announced a broad set of policy changes across its residential and SMSF lending suite. National sales manager Tim Lemon and head of lending Stephen Begnell explain what changed and what the updates mean for brokers working across a range of client circumstances.

What are MA Money's new maximum residential loan sizes for Prime and Near Prime products?

MA Money has increased maximum loan sizes across its Prime and Near Prime residential products. Prime Full Doc and Alt Doc loans are now available up to $5 million at up to 80% LVR, up from a previous maximum of $2.5 million. Near Prime Full Doc and Alt Doc maximums have risen from $1.75 million to $3 million at up to 80% LVR. Loans between $2 million and $3 million can also be considered at up to 80% LVR, compared with the previous maximum of 75% LVR. Tim Lemon, MA Money national sales manager, said: 'These changes are not simply about writing larger loans. They give brokers more ways to solve client scenarios across more locations and property values. A scenario that may previously have fallen outside policy could now have a pathway forward.'

How have MA Money's location-based residential lending limits changed?

Location-based lending limits have increased alongside the loan size maximums. The maximum loan size for Category 2 properties has gone up from $1.5 million to $2.5 million. The Category 3 maximum has risen from $500,000 to $1 million. These changes apply across residential lending. Lemon said: 'These updates give brokers greater confidence to bring a wider range of scenarios to MA Money. We have increased borrowing capacity across several key products while introducing more flexibility to help brokers get deals done.' Together with the revised Prime and Near Prime maximums, the location changes extend the range of properties and client profiles brokers can bring to MA Money for assessment.

What are MA Money's updated SMSF lending limits?

SMSF lending is a key focus of the policy updates. The Prime maximum loan size has increased from $2 million to $8 million at 65% LVR. This gives eligible SMSFs more borrowing capacity when purchasing or refinancing property. Stephen Begnell, MA Money head of lending, said: 'Property can form an important part of an SMSF investment strategy, but these transactions require a lender with both the capacity and expertise to assess them.' Begnell added: 'Increasing our Prime maximum to $8 million gives brokers more ways to solve a broader range of client scenarios and property opportunities.' The SMSF limit increase is one of the largest single changes in the August 2026 update.

How has MA Money updated its bridging, vacant land and expat lending?

Three additional product categories have received expanded limits. For bridging loans, the Near Prime maximum has risen from $2 million to $5 million. The increase gives more capacity to clients purchasing their next property before completing the sale of an existing one. For vacant land, the maximum LVR has increased from 75% to 80% and the base rate maximum loan size has risen from $1.5 million to $2 million. Expat lending has received similar adjustments: the Near Prime maximum is now $5 million, up from $2 million, with Category 2 rising to $2.5 million and Category 3 rising to $1 million. Lemon said the changes reflect the increasingly diverse circumstances brokers bring to MA Money every day.

How does MA Money's expanded AVM eligibility work and help brokers?

An Automated Valuation Model uses property and market data to estimate a property's value digitally, without requiring a physical inspection. MA Money has expanded AVM eligibility for Category 1 properties. AVMs are now available for eligible Category 1 properties at up to 80% LVR and for loans up to $2 million, compared with the previous limit of 75% LVR. Where the application and property meet the requirements, this can reduce valuation delays and help move deals forward faster. Begnell said: 'We have looked closely at where unnecessary friction can occur within an application. Expanded AVM eligibility and simpler income verification give brokers more ways to package suitable applications and help our credit team reach a decision sooner.'

What income verification changes has MA Money introduced for self-employed borrowers?

Income verification has been simplified for eligible self-employed clients. Near Prime Plus and Specialist applicants can now be considered with one day of GST registration, provided the business has held an ABN for at least six months. Under the Simplified Self-Employed Full Doc option, applicants can provide three months of salary credits instead of payslips, supported by the previous financial year's ATO income statement. These changes reduce documentation barriers for self-employed borrowers who may not fit standard income verification requirements. Brokers can find the full detail in the updated Residential Rate & Product Guide available through MA Money, alongside the SMSF Rate & Product Guide. Begnell noted the AVM and income changes together address friction points within the application process.

Which new borrower categories can now access MA Money residential loans?

MA Money has introduced greater flexibility for borrowers whose circumstances sit outside traditional lending criteria. Part IX debt agreement and Part X personal insolvency agreement can now be considered under Near Prime Plus and Specialist, where the agreement will be paid out as part of the loan. New Zealand citizens residing in Australia can now apply for a standard residential loan rather than a non-resident loan. Non-resident co-applicants can now be accepted where the majority of assessable income comes from Australian citizens, permanent residents or New Zealand citizens residing in Australia, and the non-resident contributes minor or no income towards servicing. More client profiles now have a clear path through policy. Brokers wanting to stay across all MA Money lending updates can find further premium broker lending reports on Australian Broker.

Featured experts

Tim Lemon: national sales manager, MA Money; responsible for sales strategy and broker relationships nationally.

Stephen Begnell: head of lending, MA Money; oversees lending policy and credit assessment.