As specialist first home buyer mortgage brokers, we compare loans across major banks, credit unions and specialist lenders to find your best rate and structure. Free service, no obligation.
Unlike going directly to a single bank, we access the entire lending market to find the best rate, features and approval for your situation. Our service is completely free because lenders pay us a commission after settlement.
Work with the same experienced broker from your first consultation through to settlement and beyond. No call centres, no handoffs. Chris Raymond (Principal Broker) and our award-winning team guide you personally through every step.
Most first home buyers can borrow 5-6 times their annual household income. Get your personalised estimate in 60 seconds.
Eligibility Requirements:
We work with lenders who offer competitive LMI rates and will structure your loan to minimise this cost where possible.
Important Details:
Standard loan structure with full access to offset accounts, unlimited extra repayments, and the most competitive rates in the market.
| Deposit Amount | Govt Scheme | LMI Cost (on $600k loan) | Loan Features | Setup Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% ($30k) | First Home Guarantee | $0 (waived) | Standard features | Moderate (scheme application) |
| 10% ($60k) | Not required | ~$18,000 | Full features | Simple |
| 20% ($120k) | Not required | $0 | Premium features | Simple |
| $0 (Guarantor) | Can combine with schemes | $0 | Full features | Complex (requires legal advice) |
All scenarios assume $600,000 property purchase. Actual costs and features depend on lender selection and individual circumstances.
Other States & Territories: Each state has different grant amounts and eligibility criteria. We’ll identify every dollar you’re entitled to regardless of where you’re purchasing.
We assess your financial situation, calculate borrowing power, and identify all grants and schemes you qualify for. Completely obligation-free.
You’ll Receive:
We prepare your application, select the best lender for your situation, and secure conditional approval before you start property hunting.
What Pre-Approval Includes:
Documents Required:
Shop with confidence knowing exactly what you can afford. We provide ongoing support as you inspect properties, attend auctions, or negotiate with agents.
Support We Provide:
Once you’ve found your property and signed the contract, we finalise your loan approval and coordinate all settlement requirements.
What We Handle:
You receive your keys and move into your new home. We continue supporting you with annual loan reviews and refinancing opportunities.
Our Ongoing Service Includes:
| Feature | Availability | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Offset Account | Available with most lenders | Every dollar in your offset reduces interest charged. $20,000 offset may save around ~$1,200 per year in interest, depending on the loan rate. |
| Unlimited Extra Repayments | Variable loans | Pay extra anytime without penalty. This may reduce the loan term and total interest over time. |
| Redraw Facility | Most lenders | Access extra repayments you've made, subject to lender rules (minimum withdrawal often around $500). |
| Split Loans | All major lenders | Fix part of your loan while keeping part variable, offering a balance between certainty and flexibility. |
| Rate Lock | Fixed loans only | Lock your interest rate for a set period (commonly 1–5 years) to provide repayment certainty. |
| Repayment Holiday | Case-by-case approval | Temporarily pause repayments during periods of financial hardship, subject to lender assessment. |
| Portability | Most lenders | Transfer your existing loan to a new property if you move, provided lender conditions are met. |
Specific features depend on lender selection and individual circumstances. Features are typically assessed and aligned to your priorities during consultation.
Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones – and yes, it can feel overwhelming. Between saving for deposits, understanding different loan types, and navigating government schemes, there’s a lot to juggle.
Here’s the good news: With the right planning and expert guidance, the path to homeownership is clearer than you think. As your dedicated first home buyer mortgage broker, Unconditional Finance will walk you through every step, from financial preparation to settlement day. Read More
Australia offers some of the world’s best first home buyer loan support programs. These government initiatives can save you thousands and help you get into the market sooner than you thought possible.
Think of the First Home Owner Grant as the government’s way of saying “congratulations” – with cash. This isn’t a loan you need to repay; it’s money in your pocket to help with your purchase.
To qualify for this valuable grant, you need to tick these boxes:
The grant amount varies depending on where you’re buying:
Queensland: Up to $15,000 for new homes under $750,000
Victoria: $10,000 for metro areas, $20,000 for regional builds
New South Wales: $10,000 for new homes under $750,000
Western Australia: $10,000 with property price limits by location
Pro tip: Some states offer additional bonuses for building in regional areas – we’ll help you find every dollar you’re entitled to.
The First Home Guarantee Scheme (formerly FHLDS) is a game-changer for first time buyer home loans. Instead of saving 20% and paying expensive Lenders Mortgage Insurance, you can buy with just 5% down.
Here’s what makes this scheme so powerful:
Big news: Income caps are being removed entirely from October 1st. Currently:
Maximum property values vary by area:
The FHSS Scheme lets you use your superannuation to fast-track your deposit savings. Since super contributions are taxed at lower rates, you can save faster than traditional savings accounts.
When you’re ready to buy:
Stamp duty can add $20,000-$40,000 to your purchase cost, but first home buyers get significant breaks in most states.
Victoria: Full exemption up to $600,000, concessions to $750,000
NSW: Full exemption up to $650,000, concessions to $800,000
Queensland: Concession rate up to $550,000
South Australia: Full exemption up to $650,000
Western Australia: $19,000 discount for properties up to $530,000
These savings alone can cover most of your deposit – we’ll calculate your exact savings during our consultation.
Before you start browsing properties, you need a crystal-clear picture of what you can afford. This isn’t just about getting approved – it’s about ensuring your mortgages for first time home buyers remain comfortable for years to come.
Many mortgage brokers for first home buyers suggest keeping home loan repayments under 30% of your gross income. But your situation is unique:
Different first home buyer mortgage options require different deposits:
5% deposit: First Home Guarantee scheme only
10% deposit: Some lenders with LMI
20% deposit: Standard loans, no LMI required
Guarantor loans: Potentially $0 deposit with family support
Many first-time buyers focus solely on the deposit and loan repayments, but there are several other costs to factor in.
Stamp duty: $15,000-$40,000 (varies by state and property value)
Legal/conveyancing: $1,200-$2,500
Building and pest inspections: $400-$800
Loan application fees: $0-$600
Valuation fees: $200-$500
Council rates: $1,000-$3,000 annually
Home and contents insurance: $800-$2,000 annually
Utilities connection: $200-$500
Maintenance fund: Budget 1-2% of property value annually
Smart planning tip: Keep 2-3% of your purchase price aside for unexpected costs and early maintenance.
Not all first home buyer loans are created equal. The right choice depends on your income, risk tolerance, and future plans.
Lock in your rate for 1-5 years and enjoy:
Best for: Australians who want certainty and stable budgets
Your rate moves with the market, offering:
Best for: Buyers with steady incomes who want loan flexibility
Combine both fixed and variable portions:
Link a transaction account to your home loan:
Example: $20,000 in offset saves ~$1,200 in interest annually at 6% rates
Access homeownership with smaller deposits:
Building your first home requires specialty finance:
Location impacts not just your lifestyle, but your property’s future value and your ongoing costs. Here’s how to choose wisely.
Ask yourself these key questions:
Use these resources to make informed decisions:
Pro tip: Visit potential suburbs at different times – morning commute, evening, and weekends – to get a real feel for the area.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Advantages:
Considerations:
Advantages:
Considerations:
Benefits of new construction:
Challenges to consider:
Advantages of existing homes:
Potential drawbacks:
The Australian property market can seem complex, but understanding a few key concepts will help you navigate it confidently.
Stay informed about factors affecting property prices:
Property markets follow predictable seasonal trends:
Don’t be shy about asking detailed questions:
Effective negotiation can save thousands:
Never skip professional inspections:
Engage a solicitor or conveyancer to review:
Learning from others’ mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
The mistake: Borrowing the maximum amount the bank approves The reality: Banks approve based on current income, not your comfort level The solution:
Remember: Getting approved for $800,000 doesn’t mean you should borrow $800,000
The mistake: Focusing only on deposit and ignoring other costs Hidden costs that catch buyers:
The solution: Budget an extra 5-7% of purchase price for all costs
The mistake: Trusting that “everything looks fine” The reality: Major defects aren’t always visible Costly examples:
The solution: Always get building and pest inspections, budget $600-$800
The mistake: Deciding “this is the one” at first sight The problems:
The solution: View multiple properties, do your research, then decide with your head and heart
The mistake: Looking at properties before securing finance Why this causes problems:
The solution: Get pre-approved first, then start your property search
The mistake: Feeling pressure to “buy now or miss out” The reality: There are always more properties Better approach:
Remember: FOMO (fear of missing out) leads to expensive mistakes
Ready to secure your first home buyer mortgage? Here’s your complete roadmap from application to approval.
Before choosing your loan type, confirm which programs you qualify for:
First Home Guarantee eligibility:
First Home Owner Grant eligibility:
Gather these documents for all applications:
Online calculators are helpful starting points, but consider:
A mortgage broker for first home buyers will:
Pre-approval gives you:
Pre-approval: Initial assessment based on your financial situation Conditional approval: Formal approval subject to property valuation Unconditional approval: Final approval, ready to settle
Tip: Pre-approval is typically valid for 90 days, so time your property search accordingly
Different grants have different application processes:
Work with professionals who understand:
Benefits of professional guidance:
About their expertise:
About the process:
Your first home buyer mortgage broker will:
Timeline expectations:
Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live – it’s about building wealth, creating stability, and achieving one of life’s major milestones. With the right preparation, expert guidance, and strategic use of available programs, your first home is closer than you think.
As specialist first home buyer mortgage brokers, we understand that this isn’t just another transaction – it’s your future. Our approach combines:
Ready to get started? Your first home is waiting, and with the right guidance, you can make it happen sooner than you think.
Book your free consultation today and discover exactly how much you can borrow, which grants you qualify for, and the fastest path to your first home keys.
Remember: The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.
With the First Home Guarantee scheme, just 5% ($30,000 on a $600,000 property). Without government schemes, most lenders require 10-20%. With a family guarantor providing security, you may need little to no cash deposit.
Yes. We work with specialist lenders who assess casual, contract and self-employed income differently to major banks. Requirements typically include:
Most lenders prefer 600+, but we have options for lower scores. We'll check your credit report during our initial consultation and advise on improvements if needed. Some schemes like the First Home Guarantee require clean credit history.
No. Our service is completely free to you. Lenders pay us a commission once your loan settles (typically 0.5-0.7% of loan amount). This is fully disclosed upfront and doesn't increase your interest rate or fees.
Average total timeline: 90-120 days from first meeting to keys
With 40+ lenders in our panel, one decline doesn't end your journey. We'll identify why the application was declined, address any issues, and submit to lenders with different criteria. Our 96% success rate reflects this comprehensive approach.
Your pre-approval is usually valid for 90 days. If rates rise during this period, most lenders honour the original assessment. However, your repayments will be at the current rate when you settle. We stress-test all applications at rates 3% higher than current to ensure you can still afford repayments if rates increase.
You can purchase any residential property type: house, apartment, townhouse, or land and house package. Some schemes have specific requirements (First Home Owner Grant usually requires new properties), but loan approval is available for all property types.
This depends on your personal circumstances and risk tolerance:
Consider Variable If:
Consider Fixed If:
Many borrowers split their loan 50/50 to get benefits of both options.
You’ve researched the market. Now it’s time to take action.
Use one of our many calculators to help you better manage your finances.
We help first home buyers throughout Australia, with particular expertise in:
CBD, North Sydney, Parramatta, Surry Hills, Mosman, Balmain, Wollongong, Newcastle, Albury-Wodonga
CBD, Brunswick, Richmond, Toorak, South Yarra, St Kilda, Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo
CBD, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba
Canberra, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Hobart, Launceston
Available Australia-wide via phone, video conference and email
