First Home Buyer Loans

Access to a Wide Range of Lenders

By working with a variety of lenders, mortgage brokers provide you with access to a broader selection of loan options. This ensures that your broker can match you with a loan that aligns with your personal and financial situation.

Banks, on the other hand, may only offer their in-house products, limiting your options.

Comprehensive Financial Guidance

A mortgage broker doesn’t just help with finding a loan; they also provide expert financial analysis of your situation. This includes reviewing your income, expenses, and future financial goals to recommend the best loan structure.

Banks generally focus on selling their own products and may not provide the same depth of personalised financial advice.

Simplified Process

Mortgage brokers oversee the entire paperwork process, ensuring everything is accurate and submitted promptly. They coordinate with lenders, helping you avoid common pitfalls that could delay approval or lead to loan denial.

With a bank, you’ll often have to navigate the paperwork yourself – this can be more time-consuming and stressful, especially for first-time buyers unfamiliar with the process.

Negotiation for Better Loan Terms

Mortgage brokers can often negotiate better terms on your behalf, such as lower interest rates or waiving certain fees. This is especially beneficial for first-time buyers who may not have the negotiation experience required to get the best deal when dealing directly with a bank.

Banks tend to offer standard terms with little room for negotiation.

Government Grants and Schemes Guidance

A mortgage broker will guide you through various first-home buyer grants and schemes, such as the First Home Guarantee and First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), ensuring you take advantage of any financial assistance available.

While banks may mention these schemes, brokers provide a more hands-on approach in helping you apply for them and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria.

Personalised and Ongoing Service

Brokers offer personalised services tailored to your financial needs and lifestyle. They also continue to provide support post-settlement, helping you manage your mortgage and offering refinancing advice as needed.

Banks generally have less incentive to provide ongoing support once your loan has been approved.

Choosing to work with a mortgage broker, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer, provides peace of mind, more options, and personalised service. With these and the legal protection of the Best Interests Duty, it’s no surprise that 70% of Australians opt for mortgage brokers over banks when applying for new home loans.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for First Home Buyer Loans?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key requirements when applying for a loan for first home buyers in Australia:

Age

You must be at least 18 years old – this is a standard requirement for first home buyer loans across all Australian states and territories, and applies to all government-backed schemes.

Citizenship

For most first home buyer programs, applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

First Home Ownership

You must not have previously owned a home or any interest in a residential property in Australia. However, the First Home Guarantee and Regional First Home Guarantee now extend eligibility to individuals who have not owned property in the last 10 years, broadening access beyond traditional first-time buyers​.

Residency

The property you’re purchasing must be intended as your primary residence. This means you must move into the property within six months of settlement and continue living there while the home loan is under the guarantee. This requirement ensures that the benefits of first home buyer schemes are directed towards individuals genuinely intending to occupy the property.

What Are the First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes in NSW and QLD?

When purchasing your first home in New South Wales (NSW) or Queensland (QLD), understanding the available government grants and schemes can significantly reduce your financial burden. Whether you’re buying in Brisbane or another part of these states, these programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers.

New South Wales (NSW)

• First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): In NSW, you can receive a $10,000 grant if you’re buying a new home valued up to $600,000 or a house and land package worth up to $750,000. This grant is available to those buying or building a new home, including substantially renovated properties that meet specific criteria.
• First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS): This scheme offers exemptions or concessions on stamp duty for first home buyers. If you’re purchasing a property valued up to $800,000, you may be eligible for a full exemption from transfer duty. For properties valued between $800,000 and $1 million, a concessional rate applies. Vacant land purchasers can also benefit, with full exemptions for land valued up to $350,000 and concessions for land valued between $350,000 and $450,000.
• First Home Buyer Choice Scheme: This scheme allows you to opt out of paying upfront stamp duty, choosing instead to pay an annual property tax. This option can help lower your initial costs when buying your first home.

Queensland (QLD)

• First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): In Queensland, first home buyers can receive up to $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. If your contract was signed before 20 November 2023, the grant is $15,000. This grant applies to new homes, including off-the-plan purchases and substantially renovated homes, with a value up to $750,000. This grant is particularly relevant for buyers in Brisbane, where property values and market demand are high.
• Stamp Duty Concessions: Queensland offers significant savings on stamp duty for first home buyers. If your property is valued up to $500,000, you won’t pay any stamp duty, potentially saving up to $15,925. For properties valued between $500,000 and $550,000, a concessional rate is applied, with savings reducing as the property value increases.
• First Home Guarantee: This scheme allows eligible first home buyers to secure a loan with a deposit as low as 5% without the need for lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). This program is part of the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme and is designed to help you enter the property market sooner by reducing upfront costs.

What Are the Steps to Securing a Loan as a First Home Buyer?

Securing a loan for your first home involves several key steps:

1. Consult a Mortgage Broker: Begin your journey by consulting a reliable mortgage broker. The path to owning your first home might seem daunting, but it can be smooth and rewarding with the right guidance and preparation.
2. Clarify Joint Purchase Responsibilities: If you’re buying with a family member or friend, clearly define each party’s liabilities to ensure everyone involved understands their responsibilities. This helps reduce the risk of future disputes.
3. Evaluate Your Finances: It is crucial to review your financial health, including income, expenses, credit history, and existing debts. This will help your broker determine your borrowing capacity, which sets realistic expectations for your property search. To get an initial estimate, you can use an online borrowing power calculator, which considers different interest rates and loan periods​.
4. Save for a Deposit: Understanding the deposit requirements is key to planning your finances. Generally, a 20% deposit is needed to avoid LMI. However, government schemes like the First Home Guarantee can reduce this requirement to as low as 5%, making it easier to enter the market sooner. Also, lenders might offer LMI waivers for certain professions (such as medical professionals) or under specific conditions.
5. Explore Grants and Schemes: Leverage available government grants and schemes to reduce your upfront costs. Your mortgage broker can provide detailed information on each of the grants, exemptions, and concessions, as well as discuss the eligibility criteria.
6. Obtain Pre-Approval: Securing pre-approval shows sellers that you’re serious about purchasing and gives you a clear picture of your budget. It involves an initial assessment by the lender, which can help streamline your property search. Note, however, that pre-approval is conditional and does not guarantee final loan approval.
7. Decide on Your Home: With pre-approval in hand, decide whether to build a new house or buy an existing one, taking into account each option’s pros and cons. If you’re considering off-the-plan purchases, weigh the benefits and drawbacks with your broker’s help. Also, assess your space needs – determine the number of bedrooms and living areas you require, balancing your immediate needs with potential future requirements. Furthermore, consider your long-term needs when choosing a location, and explore surrounding areas if your ideal area is too expensive. Your mortgage broker can help evaluate the potential for capital growth in different areas, ensuring your investment is sound​.
8. Finalise Your Loan Application: Once you’ve found your ideal property, work with your broker to finalise the loan application. This step involves submitting detailed property and financial information to the lender for a final assessment and valuation. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information, including proof of income, identification, and details of your financial obligations. Any discrepancies or late submission of these documents can result in processing delays or, in some cases, loan denial​. In addition to the lender’s requirements, it’s important to know the potential costs associated with finalising your loan, such as application fees, valuation fees, and LMI if your deposit is less than 20%.
9. Complete Settlement: After your loan is approved, the settlement process transfers ownership of the property to you and disburses the loan funds. Your broker will coordinate with all parties involved to ensure a smooth settlement. Engaging a solicitor or conveyancer is also a vital part of the settlement process; these professionals handle the property transfer’s legal aspects, ensuring that all contracts are in order and the settlement is completed seamlessly. Their fees are typically a part of your closing fees and can vary based on the transaction’s complexity.
10. Move In: Once settlement is complete, you can move into your new home. Brokers typically provide support post-settlement, helping you manage your mortgage effectively and offering advice on any necessary adjustments.

Making Your First Home Purchase Seamless with Ausfirst Lending Group

With over a decade of experience in the local property market and the leadership of our CEO, Richard Luke, Ausfirst Lending Group is well-equipped to make your first home-buying experience as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about the First Home Owner Grant or the various schemes available, or you’ve already found your dream property and are ready to explore your home loan options, you’ve come to the right place. Let us help you start your journey to homeownership with confidence and ease.

Why Choose Ausfirst Lending Group

Dedicated Guidance and Comprehensive Service

At Ausfirst Lending Group, you are our top priority. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance from start to finish, not just because we are legally obligated to act in your favour, but because we genuinely want to ensure your success.

We focus on your objectives and requirements, and combine deep industry knowledge with a strong commitment to finding loan options that truly align with your financial needs. We simplify the entire loan application process by assessing your borrowing capacity, organising documentation, and negotiating terms on your behalf, all while ensuring transparency and securing the most favourable outcomes for you.

No-Cost Service with Transparency

While some financial services may come with hidden fees, working with us ensures you won’t pay out of pocket for expert advice. Our service is free for you because we receive compensation directly from the lenders, allowing you to focus on finding the best loan without worrying about additional costs. We maintain transparency throughout the process, so you always know where you stand.

Extensive Lender Options

One of the key benefits of working with Ausfirst Lending is our access to a diverse range of lenders. Instead of presenting just one option, we assess a broad array of options to secure a loan tailored to your financial needs. This extensive selection allows us to tailor solutions that match your specific goals and circumstances, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

Local Expertise with Added Benefits

Our knowledge of the property market in Brisbane is unparalleled, and we have been helping residents buy property for years. Our mortgage brokers in Brisbane aren’t just professionals; we’re local experts who understand the intricacies of the area’s property market. This local knowledge means we can provide insights and advice that are particularly relevant to your situation. Additionally, our connections in the industry may help you access special discounts or benefits, giving you an edge when securing a loan. Read Less