Articles

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and the good news is there are government grants and schemes designed to help you get there. But here’s something that trips…

When it comes to managing your home loan, two terms you’ll hear a lot are “offset account” and “redraw account.” They might sound similar, but they work quite differently –…

Applying for a home loan is an exciting step, but a little preparation goes a long way. Having the right documents and information ready from the start can make the…

One of the biggest differences between working with a broker and going directly to a bank comes down to choice. At Aus First Lending, we have access to more than…

A lot of people assume we only deal with home loans, investment loans, and superannuation. And while those are a big part of what we do, they’re far from the…

A bridging loan is essentially a temporary loan designed to help you transition from one property to another. Think of it as a financial bridge that gets you from where…

Buying your next home before selling can work in some situations, but it requires careful planning. This guide explains bridging finance, peak debt, cash flow risks, and how lenders typically…

Put simply, equity is the difference between what you owe on your property and what it’s worth. It’s the portion of your home you actually own outright, and it can…

Setting up a Self-Managed Super Fund can be an exciting step towards taking control of your retirement savings. But here’s the thing – one of the biggest mistakes we see…

This first home buyer checklist covers deposit planning, borrowing capacity, pre-approval, Queensland grants, hidden costs, and loan structure to help you approach your first purchase with clarity.

Key Takeaways Building your first home in Queensland came with a ticking clock for two years. Most guides warned that the grant would halve once 30 June 2026 passed. That…

Thinking of buying your first home in Queensland? A $30,000 grant could be the boost you need to finally make it happen. With property prices rising and saving for a…

A practical guide to using home equity to upgrade your home. Learn how lenders value property, calculate usable equity, and assess renovations or upgrade plans, including serviceability, credit, and documentation…

Ever felt locked out of Australia’s most exciting investment opportunities? It’s a common frustration. You have the capital, the appetite for risk, and the long-term vision.  Yet when it comes…

You’ve spent decades building equity in your home. But now, as your financial priorities shift towards retirement, care needs or helping loved ones, it’s natural to wonder: can this wealth…

Buying at auction without a cooling-off period means your finance must be properly structured before you bid. This guide covers pre-approval, valuation risk, deposit rules, and settlement in Australia.

Ever feel like your portfolio is going nowhere fast, despite years of market noise, headline-chasing, and endless tinkering? You’re not alone. In fact, many Australian investors find themselves stuck on…

Ever felt locked out of Australia’s most exciting investment opportunities? It’s a common frustration. You have the capital, the appetite for risk, and the long-term vision.  Yet when it comes…

You’re quoting jobs back-to-back. Clients want you. But your bank account? It’s stuck waiting for slow payments, while new projects roll in. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why more Australian tradies…

Running behind on a job doesn’t just mean a few grumpy clients or shifting your weekend plans. In the construction world, delays can punch a hole straight through your bottom…

Picture this: You’ve just landed a game-changing project. It could bring in serious revenue and open the door to more contracts down the line. But there’s a catch. You need…

Find out how deposit size, loan-to-value ratio, and lender policies can affect your home loan application, and what low deposit options may be available to eligible Australian buyers.

Owning a home might seem like a distant goal for many single mums in Australia, especially when juggling so many financial responsibilities. Balancing the cost of living, raising children, and…

Establishing a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to invest in property can be a sound strategy for building long-term wealth, but it requires careful thought and planning. Like any prudent investment,…

Key Takeaways News of HSBC leaving Australia broke on 31 July 2026. If you hold a mortgage, credit card or savings account with the bank, the question is what happens…

A practical guide for Australian homeowners comparing mortgage repayment and investing, including interest savings, opportunity cost, risk tolerance, tax considerations, and how loan structure may affect the decision.

Find out how deposit size, loan-to-value ratio, and lender policies can affect your home loan application, and what low deposit options may be available to eligible Australian buyers.

A clear guide to repricing versus refinancing your home loan in Australia, including lender assessment, serviceability rules, costs, and when each option may be more suitable under current lending standards.

Buying your next home before selling can work in some situations, but it requires careful planning. This guide explains bridging finance, peak debt, cash flow risks, and how lenders typically…

For many self-employed plumbers, the dream of homeownership can feel out of reach due to the hurdles of getting a mortgage. Unlike salaried workers, who can easily provide pay slips…

Applying for home loans for tradies as a self-employed carpenter comes with unique challenges, especially when your income isn’t as predictable as a salaried worker’s. Fortunately, with proper preparation, you…

Key Takeaways Building your first home in Queensland came with a ticking clock for two years. Most guides warned that the grant would halve once 30 June 2026 passed. That…

Thinking of buying your first home in Queensland? A $30,000 grant could be the boost you need to finally make it happen. With property prices rising and saving for a…

Timing is everything in real estate, but things don’t always fall into place as planned. You might be ready to buy your next home, but your current one hasn’t sold…