Navigate government grants, deposit schemes, stamp duty concessions, and lender requirements with expert guidance. Download our free 28-page guide and start your journey to home ownership.
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We understand the unique challenges first home buyers face. Our expert guidance helps you navigate the complexities of buying your first property.
We ensure you don't leave money on the table. From FHOG to stamp duty concessions to the First Home Guarantee, we'll help you access every benefit you're entitled to.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance can add $10K–$40K+ to your loan. We'll show you legitimate strategies to avoid or minimise LMI, including government schemes and family guarantees.
Unlike banks who only offer their own products, we compare 60+ lenders to find the best rate and features for your situation. First home buyer loans with competitive rates.
We handle the paperwork and lender negotiations. Our streamlined process means less stress for you, with clear guidance at every step from pre-approval to settlement.
With over 12 years at NAB, ANZ, and Westpac, we bring institutional expertise to help you navigate complex lending scenarios and get approved when others say no.
Our service is completely free to you—lenders pay our commission. We work in your best interest to find the right loan, not the one that pays us the most.
Australia offers several government programs to help first home buyers enter the market sooner. Here's what you could be eligible for.
A one-off payment for first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Amounts vary by state from $10,000 to $50,000. This applies to new or substantially renovated properties only—not established homes.
The government guarantees up to 15% of your loan, allowing you to purchase with just 5% deposit without paying LMI. From October 2025, price caps and income limits were removed, making it accessible to more buyers.
Most states offer stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers. In Victoria, you pay no stamp duty on properties up to $600K. In NSW, exemptions apply up to $800K. Savings can be $20K–$40K+.
The government co-purchases up to 40% of a new home (30% for existing homes) with you, reducing your loan amount and repayments. You only need a 2% deposit. Income caps apply ($90K single / $120K couple).
FHOG amounts and stamp duty thresholds vary by state. Here's a quick comparison for new homes.
| State | FHOG Amount | Stamp Duty Exemption | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria (VIC) | $10,000 ($20K regional) | Up to $600K (tapered to $750K) | New homes up to $750K value |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $10,000 | Up to $800K (concessions to $1M) | New homes up to $600K value |
| Queensland (QLD) | $30,000 | Up to $550K (homes) / $400K (land) | New homes under $750K value |
| Western Australia (WA) | $10,000 | Up to $430K (homes) | New homes up to $750K value |
| South Australia (SA) | $15,000 | Up to $650K (full) / $700K (partial) | New homes only |
| Tasmania (TAS) | $30,000 | 50% concession up to $600K | New homes only |
| Northern Territory (NT) | $50,000 | $10K stamp duty offset (new only) | New or established homes |
| ACT | Abolished | Up to $684K (full exemption) | Stamp duty concessions only |
Note: Thresholds and amounts change periodically. Contact us for current figures.
Buying your first home doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's the process broken down into manageable steps.
Work out your budget, including how much deposit you have saved, your income, and existing debts. Use our borrowing capacity calculator to get an estimate of how much you could borrow.
Before house hunting, get pre-approved for a loan. This shows sellers you're serious and gives you confidence in your budget. Pre-approval typically lasts 3–6 months.
Start your property search with a clear budget. Consider location, property type, future growth potential, and condition. Research auction results to understand real market prices.
Whether buying at auction or private sale, we'll guide you through the process. Get building and pest inspections done before committing. Understand cooling-off periods in your state.
Once your offer is accepted, we'll convert your pre-approval to formal approval. This involves valuation and final verification. Settlement typically takes 30–90 days—then you get the keys!
Learn from others' experiences. These are the mistakes we see first home buyers make most often.
House hunting without knowing your budget can lead to disappointment. Pre-approval gives you confidence and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
A $400–$800 inspection can save you tens of thousands in hidden defects. Never skip this step, especially for older properties.
Budget for stamp duty, conveyancing ($1–2K), inspections, loan fees, and moving costs. Rule of thumb: add 5% of purchase price for buying costs.
New car, furniture, or credit cards before settlement can affect your loan approval. Lenders re-check your finances before releasing funds.
The lowest rate isn't always the best deal. Consider features like offset accounts, redraw facilities, and fee structures for the full picture.
FHOG and other grants have strict eligibility criteria and application windows. Don't miss out on thousands because you didn't know the rules.
Crunch your numbers with our free calculators
Answers to the questions we get asked most often
First home buyers can purchase with as little as 5% deposit using the First Home Guarantee scheme (no LMI required), or 2% deposit with the Help to Buy scheme. Without government schemes, lenders typically require 5–20% deposit, with deposits under 20% requiring Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). A 20% deposit is ideal to avoid LMI costs, which can add $10,000–$40,000+ to your loan.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment for first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Amounts vary by state: NT $50,000, QLD & TAS $30,000, SA $15,000, NSW/VIC/WA $10,000 (VIC regional areas receive $20,000). Important: FHOG applies to new homes only, not established properties. Value caps apply in each state.
You can avoid LMI by: (1) Saving a 20% deposit, (2) Using the First Home Guarantee scheme with just 5% deposit, (3) Using a family guarantee where parents provide additional security using their property equity, or (4) Qualifying for the Help to Buy scheme with 2% deposit. We can help you determine which option is best for your situation.
The FHSSS allows you to save for your first home deposit inside your superannuation. You can make voluntary contributions (up to $15,000 per year) and withdraw up to $50,000 plus earnings for your deposit. The key benefit is tax savings—contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate, which could be 30–45%. You must apply to the ATO for release of funds.
Most states offer stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers. VIC: exempt up to $600K (tapered to $750K). NSW: exempt up to $800K (concessions to $1M). QLD: exempt up to $550K for homes, $400K for land. Thresholds vary by state and may apply to both new and established properties (unlike FHOG). These savings can be worth $20,000–$40,000+.
Most lenders require 5% "genuine savings"—money you've saved over at least 3 months. This shows the lender you can manage your finances. However, some lenders accept gifted deposits (with a signed statutory declaration), rental history as proof of savings capacity, or other non-genuine savings. We can match you with lenders that suit your deposit source.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. We'll help you understand your options, maximise your grants, and find the right loan for your first home.
