First Home Buyer Guide

Not a rate sheet. Not a big bank counter. A conversation about your goals, your deposit, and what's actually possible — with someone who explains it clearly, compares over 50 lenders for you, and stays with you from first question to settlement day.

Buying your first home starts with the right conversation.

What we help first home buyers with

Understanding your deposit Many first home buyers purchase with between 5% and 20% of the purchase price. The right deposit size depends on your lender, your situation, and any government schemes you may be eligible for. We assess your full position before you start house hunting.

Government grants and schemes There are several programs that can help first home buyers get in sooner. We'll check which ones you're eligible for and explain how they affect your loan:

  • First Home Guarantee (5% deposit with no LMI)

  • First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

  • First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

  • State-specific stamp duty concessions or exemptions

Comparing your loan options We compare loans from over 50 lenders — major banks, regional banks, and non-bank lenders — so you're not locked into one bank's product. We explain why we're recommending a particular loan and what the alternatives were.

Pre-approval before you start looking Pre-approval tells you what you can borrow before you start house hunting. It gives you confidence at open homes and signals to sellers that you're serious. We help you get this sorted early.

The full journey, explained From the first conversation to pre-approval, making an offer, exchanging contracts, and settlement. We're with you at every step — and we explain everything in plain English.

Your first home buyer timeline

Step 1 — Early conversation (months before you buy) We talk through your goals, your savings, your income, and your timeline. We check your eligibility for grants and schemes. We give you a clear picture of what's possible.

Step 3 — Find your home and make an offer You do the fun part. When you find the right property, we're on call to answer questions and move quickly.

Step 2 — Pre-approval We prepare your application and submit it to the right choice from our panel of over 50 lenders. Once approved, you know your budget and can shop with confidence.

Step 4 — Formal approval and settlement The lender formally approves the loan. We manage the paperwork, coordinate with your conveyancer, and guide you through to settlement day.

Step 5 — You get the keys And we don't disappear. We check in after settlement to make sure your loan is set up the way it should be, and we're here whenever your circumstances change.

Questions first home buyers ask us

How much deposit do I really need? 

It depends on your situation. Many buyers purchase with 5-20% of the purchase price. A smaller deposit may mean paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), but government schemes like the First Home Guarantee can help you avoid this. We'll model the numbers for you.

Am I eligible for any government help? 

That depends on your state, whether you've owned property before, your income, and whether you're buying a new or established home. We'll check your eligibility for all relevant programs at your first consultation.

Should I go to my bank or use a broker? 

A bank can only offer its own products. A broker compares multiple lenders and recommends the one that suits your situation — not the bank's sales target. Australian law also requires brokers to act in your best interests. We explain why we recommend a particular loan, not just hand you an application.

I'm not ready to buy yet — should I still talk to you? 

Absolutely. Many of our first home buyer clients contact us months before they're ready to make an offer. Getting the structure right early — your savings plan, your deposit target, your scheme eligibility — can save time, stress, and costly missteps later.

Do you charge fees? 

For standard first home buyer loans, we're paid by the lender when your loan settles. No fees from you. We'll always tell you upfront if any costs apply to your situation.

Do you only work in the Lockyer Valley? 

We're based in the Lockyer Valley and work with clients across Laidley, Gatton, Plainland, Hatton Vale, Regency Downs, and surrounding areas. We also work with first home buyers Australia-wide via online appointments.

Ready to see what's out there?

Your first home doesn't start at an open house. It starts with a conversation.

Book a free first home buyer call — we'll map out your deposit, your grants, your scheme eligibility, and your loan options.

No pressure, no jargon.