Whether your family is growing, your lifestyle needs have changed, or you’ve built up solid equity - upsizing makes a lot of sense for more space and comfort.

This guide is all about helping you confidently navigate home loans for upsizing homes North Shore Sydney in 2026. From choosing the right loan to knowing when to sell or buy, we’ll walk you through everything you need to upsize without overextending yourself.

With the right strategy, and a bit of expert help from Sabea, your next home could be closer than you think.

Let's get started!

1. Why Upsize in North Shore Sydney in 2026?

North Shore continues to be one of the most desirable regions in NSW, thanks to its family-friendly neighbourhoods, prestigious schools, and lifestyle appeal.

In early 2026, CoreLogic reports show median house prices in suburbs like Pymble and Lane Cove are holding strong above $2.5 million. Meanwhile, demand for four-bedroom homes with extra space is rising across the Upper and Lower North Shore.

If you’ve already got equity in your current home, now might be the right time to leverage it for that long-term upgrade.

2. How Much Can You Borrow to Upsize?

Upsizing often involves borrowing more than you did initially, especially if you're moving to a larger property or a premium suburb. If you’ve owned your home for a few years, the value may have increased substantially. We help you release that equity to reduce your new loan size or eliminate Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), ust ask us how.

Lenders assess your borrowing power based on:

• Existing home equity
• Income and expenses
• Credit history and debt levels
• Number of dependents

3. What Are the Best Loan Types for Upsizing?

When looking at home loans for upsizing homes North Shore Sydney, you’ve got several loan structures to consider, and we’ll help you choose a setup that fits your budget, goals, and timeline.

Here are some bridging options:

• Bridging Loans: Ideal if you’re buying before selling. Covers both properties short-term.
• Refinance with Cash Out: Use existing equity for a deposit on your next home.
• Split Loans: Combine fixed and variable rates for more control.
• Offset and Redraw Options: Useful for reducing interest while keeping access to funds.
  
  

4. Should You Buy or Sell First?

This is the golden question. And the answer? It depends on your financial position and appetite for risk. Buying first gives you time to find the perfect home but may require a bridging loan or larger deposit. This option also means you do not need to find a place to live in the changeover, like at friends or your family's etc

Selling first gives you a clear budget but adds pressure to buy quickly - and the market is moving really fast so you the pressure can be even further compounded.  We can guide you through both paths and even help arrange conditional pre-approvals to keep your options open.

5. What Costs Should You Expect When Upsizing?

Upsizing comes with more than just a bigger mortgage. According to Revenue NSW, stamp duty on a $2 million home can exceed $90,000. Planning ahead helps avoid budget surprises.

Be prepared for:

• Stamp duty on your new purchase
• Real estate and legal fees from your sale
• Loan application or discharge fees
• Removalist and utility connection costs
  
  

6. Can You Use Equity From Your Current Home?

Absolutely. Equity is often your most powerful tool when upsizing. If your home has increased in value and your loan balance is relatively low, you can unlock equity to:

• Use as a deposit
• Reduce the need for LMI
• Cover stamp duty or renovations

We can arrange valuations and help structure your new loan so you can upsize without emptying your savings - simply contact us here.

7. What Should You Watch Out for When Upsizing?

A mortgage broker like us is here to spot those blind spots before they become costly, but there are a lot of moving parts when upsizing.

Here are a few common upsizing traps to avoid:

• Overestimating what you can borrow without factoring lifestyle changes
• Not getting a pre-approval before starting your search
• Taking on too much debt without considering future expenses
• Forgetting to budget for additional living costs, like higher council rates or utilities
  
  

8. How Can You Increase Your Pre-Approval Odds?

Getting pre-approval before you sell gives you a huge head start when the right home pops. Want your pre-approval application to stand out?

 Here's how:

• Pay down any credit cards or personal loans
• Show consistent savings or repayment history
• Keep your expenses low in the 3–6 months before applying
• Have all documents ready—payslips, tax returns, statements

9. What Role Does a Local Mortgage Broker Play?

As your local mortgage broker based right here in North Shore Sydney, we know the area, the lenders, and the opportunities better than anyone.

At Sabea Financial, we help you:

• Understand your borrowing power
• Access over 40 lenders and exclusive products
• Structure your loan for the best outcome
• Stay supported right through to settlement

We’re here for the long haul, so do get in touch if you need help.

10. Why Choose Sabea Financial When Upsizing?

Because upsizing is more than just buying a bigger house - it’s a big financial and

emotional step, while minimising risks and not being pressured to buy the first home, not the right home.

How Sabea Financial help:

• Personalised support tailored to your goals
• Expert knowledge of North Shore property market
• Transparent advice without bank bias
• Faster approvals and less stress

FAQs: Home Loans for Upsizing Homes North Shore Sydney

Can I use my home equity to upsize in North Shore Sydney?
Yes, equity from your current property can be used as a deposit or to reduce borrowing costs.

What loan is best for upsizing in 2026?
Bridging loans or refinancing with cash out are common for upsizing, depending on your situation.

Should I sell my current home before buying a new one?
It depends. Selling first gives budget certainty; buying first gives you more control. We can help you evaluate both.

Do I need a bigger deposit when upsizing?
Not always. If you’re using equity from your existing home, you may not need to save a large cash deposit.

What are the main costs when upsizing?
You’ll need to budget for stamp duty, legal fees, agent fees, moving costs, and potentially bridging finance costs.

How do bridging loans work in North Shore Sydney?
They allow you to purchase your new home while still owning your current one, giving you time to sell without pressure.



Is a mortgage broker helpful when upsizing?
Yes! A local broker offers more loan options, better rates, and tailored advice for your personal situation.

Ready to Make Your Move?

When it comes to home loans for upsizing homes North Shore Sydney, knowledge is power - but the right guidance makes all the difference.

Whether you're moving for space, schools, or lifestyle, we’ll help you secure the finance that fits your future. From understanding your equity to choosing the right loan product, Sabea Financial is with you every step of the way.

📞 Call us on 1300 001 755
Or email us on info@sabea.com.au

Let’s help you find the perfect suburb - and the right loan to make it happen.