Virtual home buying is officially a thing! Here’s how it works

By Tara McCabe · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

It’s possible to do just about anything online these days, from managing your bank accounts to getting a degree, and now as it turns out, you can even buy a home virtually!

Plus with social distancing in place for the foreseeable future, buying homes and financing your mortgage without stepping outside may just become the norm for more and more Australians.

CEO of digital agency Upside Realty commented saying, “It’s of the utmost importance that government social distancing measures are implemented, and the industry needs to adapt quickly.”

So the technology already exists, but how would the process actually work? Well without further ado, here’s a breakdown of what buying a home virtually looks like:

1. Agents work remotely

There’s no need for physical shop fronts in virtual home buying or selling, as real estate agents work and contact buyers and sellers remotely.

Real estate listings went online years ago with sites like domain and realestate.com.au, so working with a remote agent won’t be any different. 

2. Video chat meetings

You will be able to chat to an agent about the kind of property you’re after, only this time the talking will be done via video chat rather than in their office. Meetings can be conducted right from the comfort of your own sofa by way of a video call.

3. Virtual open home tours

With the help of the latest technology, a number of real estate agents now offer virtual open home tours. This way you can virtually wonder through your potential future home, while safely practicing social distancing.

4. Sign documentation online

Let’s face it, e-signatures aren’t exactly a new thing. The ability to sign documents digitally has been around for a while now, but it’s just one more piece of the virtual home buying puzzle that fits nicely in place. More than a few real estate agents now have access to cloud-based software, making it easy for you to sign all relevant documentation online.

5. Apply for an online home loan

Finally, with more and more home loan lenders based solely online, applying and getting approved all from your own browser has never been easier to do. That’s not the only upside to applying online either, as online home loans often offer lower interest rates than those offered with regular banks or lenders. In fact, the average variable rate offered by online lenders is currently 0.65% lower than the average variable rate across all home loans; 2.91% p.a. in comparison to 3.54% p.a. (both for $400,000 principal and interest loans with a loan to value ratio of 80%)^.

Feeling inspired to start searching online for your dream home loan? Head to Mozo’s home loans hub to compare online home loan lenders, or check out the deals on offer below. Happy browsing!

^Interest rate averages based on home loans available in the Mozo database, correct as of Tuesday 24th March, 2020.

Last updated 19 June 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?
Loan purpose
Buying or Refinancing
  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank
  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.77 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Make up to $25,000 extra repayments during a fixed period, fee free (T&Cs apply)
    • Lock in for up to 5 years.
  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • Interest only
    • 20% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.76 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • Free extra repayments of up to $25,000 during the fixed rate period.
    • Split loan available
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options
  • Promoted

    Variable Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.53 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.74 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,848
    Go to site
    • $0 application fee to pay
    • Apply in as little as 15 minutes

  • Fixed Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • $0 application fee to pay
    • Additional repayments up to $20,000/year
    • Apply in as little as 15 minutes

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.72 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
    • Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties
    • Split loan available

  • Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.52 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • Interest only
    • 20% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.76 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • Free extra repayments of up to $25,000 during the fixed rate period.
    • Split loan available
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.77 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Make up to $25,000 extra repayments during a fixed period, fee free (T&Cs apply)
    • Lock in for up to 5 years.

  • Variable Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.53 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.74 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,848
    Go to site
    • $0 application fee to pay
    • Apply in as little as 15 minutes

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.53 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.86 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,848
    Go to site
    • Multiple offset accounts available
    • Free extra repayments
    • Easy redraw facility

  • Budget Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.57 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site
    • Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
    • Split loan available

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.58 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Basic Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.63 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.66 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,880
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.66 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,883
    Go to site
    • Free extra repayments
    • Easy redraw facility
    • No annual fee to pay

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.67 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,883
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay.
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.89 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,883
    Go to site
    • Multiple offset accounts available
    • Free extra repayments
    • Easy redraw facility

  • Offset Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.84 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.87 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,947
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options
Showing 15 results from 415 home loans. Use the filters to see more

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

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