Should You Pay Off HECS or Save for a Home Deposit First? Pros and Cons
Paying off HECS or saving for a home deposit can affect borrowing power in different ways. This guide explains how Australian lenders typically assess HECS, deposits, and serviceability so you can understand the trade-offs before applying.
Managing Unexpected Events: What First Home Buyers Need to Know
Interest rate rises, income changes, and unexpected repairs can affect first home buyers. This guide explains common risks after settlement and practical ways to build a safety net around your home loan.
Shared-Equity, Co-Ownership and New Government Models for First Home Buyers
Shared-equity and co-ownership schemes may help some first home buyers enter the market sooner. This guide explains how government models work, how lenders assess them, and the long-term considerations to understand before committing.
Building Your First Home vs Buying an Existing Home: A First Home Buyer Guide
Not sure whether to build or buy your first home? Learn how costs, timing, location, and construction loan stages typically work in Australia, plus the key risks to check before you commit.
Buying Off-the-Plan or House & Land for First Homes
This guide explains how off-the-plan and house and land packages work for first home buyers, including risks, valuations, lender assessments and schemes, so you can decide if a new build could fit your plans.
Choosing the Right Suburb for Your First Home in Australia
Choosing a suburb for your first home can feel overwhelming. This guide explains how lifestyle needs, transport, affordability, growth trends and local development may help you compare areas and build a practical shortlist.
How First Home Buyers Can Avoid or Reduce LMI
Buying your first home in Sydney or Melbourne often starts with one important question: “How much deposit do I really need to buy a home?” For many first-home buyers, the answer is shaped by the lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). LMI can be one of the highest upfront costs if your deposit is below 20%, but […]
Your Next Step: Upgrade or Invest After Your First Home
Buying your first home is just the beginning. This guide explains how equity grows, when you might upgrade, sell or invest, and how to plan your next move without overstretching your finances.
Refinancing Early: When First-Home Buyers Should Consider It and What to Watch
Early refinancing may help first-home buyers adjust their loans as circumstances change. Learn the signs to watch, the key costs involved, and how lenders typically assess early refinance applications.
Choosing the Right Home Loan Type: Variable vs Fixed, Interest-Only, Line of Credit for First Homes
Not sure which loan type to choose for your first home? Learn how variable, fixed, split, interest-only and line of credit loans may affect your repayments, flexibility and long-term plans so you can compare options more clearly.
Rentvesting vs Buying: A Strategy for First Home Buyers to Consider
Not sure whether to rentvest or buy your first home? This guide explains how each option may affect your loan structure, tax position, cash flow and lifestyle so you can decide what better fits your situation.
Auctions for First-Home Buyers in Competitive Markets
This guide explains how first-home buyers can navigate auctions and competitive market conditions. Learn how finance, due diligence and auction strategy may help you make clearer, more informed decisions.