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FIRST HOME BUYERS · AUSTRALIA

Your first home.
A clearer plan.

Buying your first home or planning ahead? Understand your deposit, buying costs and next steps before choosing a loan.

Melbourne · English & 中文

First-home buyers carrying moving boxes into their new home
First home feels closer with a clear plan

Three questions.
A clearer starting point.

Home and eligibility documents representing first-home buyer criteria

​① Do I qualify?

Check the criteria that apply to you: previous ownership, residency and the home you plan to buy.

Each scheme has different rules. Start with your circumstances.

Budget and calculator illustration representing home affordability

​② What can I afford?

Bring together your deposit, buying costs and a comfortable repayment budget.

Use borrowing power as an estimate, then review income, expenses and your cash buffer with us.

Home-planning illustration representing the first steps towards buying

​③ Where do I start?

You can begin before finding a property. Share your goals and timeframe, then learn the steps and documents ahead.

We will help you plan your next move.

Different schemes.
Different rules.

Start with the rules that apply to you.

Previous ownership, citizenship or residency, buying arrangements and the property can affect first-home support. Each scheme has different criteria.

​

Check eligibility before setting your budget.

Review the official criteria and whether you will live in the home. We can help you understand the questions to ask and review your loan options. Scheme eligibility and lender assessment still apply.

Information checked: 14 October 2026. Grant and duty details apply to Victoria; the 5% Deposit Scheme and FHSS are federal schemes. Each has separate eligibility rules.

Official sources: SRO First Home Owner Grant · SRO duty relief · 5% Deposit Scheme · ATO FHSS

Home interior supporting a conversation about loan options
House, support documents and a helping hand representing first-home support

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

​$10,000 for eligible new homes.

In Victoria, eligible first home buyers may receive the grant when buying or building a new home valued at $750,000 or less.

Previous ownership, residency and occupation rules apply. Established homes do not qualify.

Home and savings illustration representing a deposit guarantee scheme

Government 5% Deposit Scheme

​A minimum 5% deposit, without LMI.

Eligible first home buyers may use the government scheme through a participating lender. Property price caps and lender assessment apply.

The guarantee supports the lender. You remain responsible for buying costs, repayments and the scheme’s ongoing requirements.

Savings illustration representing the First Home Super Saver Scheme

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

​Use eligible voluntary super savings.

FHSS can count up to $15,000 of eligible voluntary contributions from any one financial year and $50,000 across all years. The release amount depends on contribution type, tax treatment and ATO-calculated associated earnings; this is not a $15,000 withdrawal allowance every year.

ATO eligibility, determination and release rules apply. Check the process before signing or transferring ownership.

Property and document illustration representing stamp duty costs

Stamp Duty Concessions

​Duty relief for eligible Victorian buyers.

Homes valued at up to $600,000 may qualify for a duty exemption. A reduced amount may apply from $600,001 to $750,000.

New and established homes may qualify. Buyer eligibility and principal residence requirements apply.

A deposit is not
the whole budget.

Build a budget beyond the deposit.

Plan buying costs and a cash buffer before choosing a price range. A borrowing estimate is a starting point; repayments should also fit your everyday budget.

Download the free cash planning checklist (fillable PDF)

No sign-up needed. List your costs, keep a copy and bring your questions to a consultation.

Savings and a home representing a deposit

Your deposit

​Know your savings position.

Review your deposit and any first-home support that may apply. Compare the deposit needed for your loan options.

Coins and documents representing buying and loan costs

Buying costs

​Include the costs of buying.

Allow for applicable duty, conveyancing, inspections, insurance and moving before setting a price range.

Wallet, coins and an umbrella representing a cash buffer

A cash buffer

​Leave room after settlement.

Keep a buffer for everyday expenses and unexpected costs. Plan repayments around a budget that feels comfortable.

House keys, a calculator and financial documents on a desk

ILLUSTRATIVE DEPOSIT EXAMPLE

​

$600,000 purchase price
× 5% deposit
= $30,000 deposit

​

What this example means
A deposit calculation only. Buying costs are additional; scheme eligibility and lender approval still apply.

​

Plan beyond your deposit
Review repayments, everyday expenses and a cash buffer alongside your borrowing estimate.

From your first question to settlement.

A clear process, with support at every step.
We help you understand your options, prepare your application and plan settlement.
Guidance in English & 中文.

Person, messages and documents representing an initial conversation

① Start a conversation

​Start with your goals.

Share your timeframe, savings and current finances. You can begin before finding a property or gathering every document.

Loan documents and a magnifying glass representing a financial review

② Review your position

​Understand your starting point.

Review buying costs, support options and comfortable repayments. The lender assesses borrowing capacity and any pre-approval conditions.

Charts and arrows representing comparison of loan options

③ Compare your options

​Compare what fits your plan.

Review loan features and repayments. Search within your budget and speak with your conveyancer before signing a property contract.

House, key and checklist representing settlement preparation

④ Plan the next stage

​Prepare for approval and settlement.

Apply with the requested documents. The lender assesses your loan and property; we guide the approval, settlement and repayment steps.

Bring a snapshot.
We’ll guide the next step.

Loan application documents and planning materials

At your first conversation
A simple overview is enough.

​

✓ Goals & timeframe
Where you want to buy, the type of home and when you hope to move.

​

✓ Deposit & savings
Current savings, expected contributions and support you want to explore.

​

✓ Income, expenses & debts
Earnings, regular costs, existing loans and credit limits.

Later, for your application
We will explain what to prepare. Requirements vary by lender and your circumstances.

​

Your lender may ask for:
• Identification
• Income and savings evidence
• Account statements and debts
• The property contract

​

Start with what you know.
Speak with us before finding a property or collecting every document.

 

Use the agreed secure process to share financial documents.

Keep exploring, at your pace.

Find answers at your own pace.

Explore borrowing power, first-home resources and common questions before your next conversation.

Estimates are a guide. Scheme eligibility and lender assessment apply.

Chat illustration representing general finance questions

A question before you call?

​Prepare your questions.

Ask AI Chat about deposits, documents and loan terms before you call.

General information only; lender review applies.

Calculator and chart representing a borrowing-power estimate

Borrowing power

​Explore a starting estimate.

Use your income and commitments to frame your budget and questions.

Review the result with a broker.

First-home buyer guide with documents and home-planning details

Free buyer guide

​Keep your next steps together.

Understand support options, prepare clearer questions and plan your next conversation.

Use the guide as a checklist.

A FEW ANSWERS

Questions before
your first home.

A few common questions to help you plan your first home with more confidence.

  • Some buyers may qualify for a lower-deposit loan or government guarantee. Scheme rules, extra costs and lender assessment apply.

  • Possibly, but each program has separate criteria. Check eligibility for each rather than assuming one approval covers them all.

  • The First Home Owner Grant is for eligible new homes. An established home may still qualify for first home buyer duty relief.

  • No. Pre-approval is conditional. Final approval depends on the lender’s checks, your circumstances and the property.

  • Yes. Reviewing your goals, savings and borrowing position early can help you search with a clearer plan.

  • Consider duty where applicable, legal and conveyancing fees, inspections, insurance, moving and a cash buffer.

Let’s make your next move clearer.

A free, 30-minute phone conversation about your goals, your options and what to prepare next.

English & 中文

01

Your goals

Tell us what you want to achieve.

02

Your options

Explore possible loan pathways.

03

Your next step

Know what to prepare next.

Not ready to book yet?

Ask a Question

Schedule your service

Check out our availability and book the date and time that works for you

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