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Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone, but it can also be a complex process.
This guide provides everything you need to know about first home buyer loans, grants, and schemes, helping you take your first step toward homeownership.
We partner with a wide range of lenders to provide first home buyers with competitive options.
These partnerships allow us to compare loans and find one that perfectly fits your needs.
With flexible features and tailored solutions, we ensure your journey to homeownership is as smooth as possible.
Get started today! Contact us to arrange a meeting or begin your online application.
Our brokers walk you through all the costs and steps involved in buying your first home. From understanding how much you can borrow to breaking down upfront costs like stamp duty and legal fees, we’ll provide a realistic picture of what’s achievable based on your financial situation.
Haven’t found the perfect property yet? We’ll help you get a home loan pre-approval. This allows you to shop for your new home with confidence, knowing exactly what you can afford.
Our brokers will handle all the paperwork and lender communications, ensuring you’re supported at every step. From your initial consultation to signing contracts and settling into your new home, we’re here to make the process seamless.
As a first-time buyer, you could be eligible for a range of government incentives:
We’ll guide you through the eligibility criteria and handle the paperwork to ensure you take advantage of all opportunities.
Start by reaching out to a mortgage broker. A broker can assess your situation and identify any grants, schemes, or government incentives you may qualify for based on your income, location, and eligibility. This ensures you begin the process fully informed.
Next, prepare essential documents, including proof of income, savings history, and identification. Having these ready will streamline the process and help your broker assess your options more effectively.
With the help of your broker, compare loan products across multiple lenders. This step ensures you find the best interest rates, features, and terms suited to your needs.
Once you’ve chosen a loan option, secure pre-approval from your preferred lender. Pre-approval clarifies your borrowing capacity and strengthens your position when negotiating for a property.
With pre-approval in place, you can confidently start searching for your ideal property. When you find the right one, your broker will guide you through finalizing your loan and completing the purchase.
By following these steps, you’ll navigate the loan process efficiently and set yourself up for a smooth path to homeownership.
At Lend A Loan, we’re here to help you save money on your first home buyer mortgage. Our expert mortgage brokers explore every opportunity to maximise your savings.
Stamp Duty Exemptions:
Reduce or eliminate this major upfront cost.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG):
Access grants to help with your deposit.
Family Pledge Assistance:
Use family support to lower your deposit needs.
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s normal to have plenty of questions. From understanding how much you can borrow to exploring government grants, the process can feel overwhelming.
This guide answers the most common questions from first-home buyers in Australia. With clear advice and practical tips, you’ll gain the confidence to take your first steps toward homeownership. Let’s dive in!
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a state or territory government initiative designed to assist eligible first-time buyers with the financial burden of purchasing or building their first home. The grant provides a one-time payment that varies depending on the state or territory where you’re buying.
Key Features:
•Eligibility Requirements:
•You must not have owned or co-owned a residential property in Australia before.
•The home must be a new or substantially renovated property, or in some states, an owner-built home.
•You must occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a specified period after purchase (usually 6-12 months).
•Grant Amounts: The grant amount differs by state or territory:
•NSW: Up to $10,000 for new homes valued under $600,000 or house and land packages up to $750,000. Learn more at Revenue NSW.
•VIC: $10,000 for new homes in metropolitan areas; $20,000 in regional areas for properties up to $750,000. Visit State Revenue Office Victoria.
•QLD: $15,000 for new homes valued under $750,000. See details at Queensland Treasury.
•WA: Up to $10,000 for new homes, with additional grants available in regional areas. Visit WA State Revenue.
•SA: $15,000 for new homes valued up to $575,000. Check Revenue SA.
•TAS: $30,000 for new homes (until June 30, 2024). Visit State Revenue Office Tasmania.
•NT: Up to $10,000 for eligible first-time buyers. Learn more at NT Revenue.
•ACT: Offers the Home Buyer Concession Scheme instead of FHOG. Visit ACT Revenue Office.
How to Apply:
1.Check Eligibility: Visit your state revenue office website for the latest eligibility criteria.
2.Submit Application: Applications can often be made through your lender or directly via the state’s revenue office.
3.Provide Documentation: Required documents typically include ID, proof of purchase, and residency details.
4.Await Approval: Processing times vary, but ensuring all forms are accurate will speed up the process.
The size of your deposit significantly impacts your ability to secure a loan and the overall cost of purchasing your first home. Typically, deposits range from 5% to 20% of the property’s purchase price, but this can vary depending on your financial situation and eligibility for government schemes.
Standard Deposit Requirements:
•20% Deposit: This is the gold standard, as it allows you to avoid Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can cost thousands.
•5% to 10% Deposit: Many lenders accept smaller deposits but may require you to pay LMI, adding to the loan cost.
Government Support:
•First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS): Enables eligible first-home buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without needing LMI. Learn more at First Home Guarantee.
•First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): Allows you to use voluntary super contributions toward your deposit. Learn more at ATO FHSSS.
Benefits of a Larger Deposit:
•Lower Monthly Repayments: A larger deposit reduces the loan amount, which decreases monthly payments.
•Better Interest Rates: Borrowers with larger deposits are often offered more competitive rates.
•Avoiding LMI: Saving a 20% deposit avoids this additional expense.
Strategies to Save:
1.Create a Budget: Cut unnecessary expenses and prioritize saving.
2.Use High-Interest Savings Accounts: Maximize returns on your savings.
3.Explore FHSSS: Leverage tax advantages to grow your deposit faster.
While the deposit is the largest upfront cost, there are several others to consider:
• Stamp Duty: A tax on property purchases. Many states offer concessions or exemptions for first-home buyers.
• Legal Fees: Typically $1,000–$3,000 for conveyancing and contract review.
• Building and Pest Inspections: Usually $300–$600 to ensure the property’s condition.
• Loan Fees: Includes application fees, valuation fees, and potential settlement costs.
The FHLDS is a federal government initiative allowing first-home buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit, without paying LMI. Under this scheme, the government acts as a guarantor for up to 15% of the loan.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Annual income below $125,000 (single) or $200,000 (couple).
• Property value within price caps set for your region.
• First-time buyer status.
How to Apply:
• Applications must be made through participating lenders. Check eligibility and details at First Home Guarantee.
Pre-approval helps you understand your borrowing capacity and strengthens your position when negotiating. To apply:
Pre-approval provides a conditional commitment from a lender, confirming how much you can borrow. Benefits include:
•Knowing your budget when house hunting.
•Strengthening your position in negotiations.
•Avoiding disappointment by understanding lender requirements.
Yes, you can buy a home with a low deposit, but it often comes with additional considerations. Lenders in Australia may allow deposits as low as 5% of the property value, though smaller deposits typically require Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Options for Low-Deposit Buyers:
1. First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS):
• Available to eligible first-home buyers.
• Allows you to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying LMI.
• Learn more at First Home Guarantee.
2. Guarantor Loans:
• A family member, such as a parent, uses their property as additional security for your loan.
• This can help you avoid LMI and meet the lender’s deposit requirements.
3. Lender Flexibility:
•Some lenders accept low deposits with slightly higher interest rates or additional requirements, such as income verification or stronger credit scores.
Things to Consider:
• Higher Costs: Low deposits may result in higher monthly repayments and interest over the loan term.
• LMI Premiums: If you don’t qualify for the FHLDS or a guarantor loan, LMI can add thousands to your loan costs.
• Saving Strategies: Consider utilizing the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) to grow your deposit faster.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) allows first-home buyers to save for a home deposit using voluntary contributions to their superannuation fund. The scheme provides tax advantages, helping you save faster and more effectively.
Key Features:
• You can contribute up to $15,000 per financial year, with a total limit of $50,000.
• These contributions are taxed at a lower rate (15%) compared to regular income tax.
• You can withdraw eligible contributions (plus earnings) to use toward your home deposit.
Example of Savings:
• If your marginal tax rate is 30%, contributing $10,000 to your super under the FHSSS saves you $1,500 in tax compared to saving in a standard account.
Eligibility:
• You must be 18 years or older and a first-home buyer.
• You must not have owned property in Australia previously.
• The funds must be used to purchase a residential property within 12 months of withdrawal.
How to Apply:
Learn more at ATO FHSS Scheme.
Stamp duty is a tax levied on property transactions by state governments. The amount is based on the property’s purchase price, location, and purpose (e.g., investment or owner-occupied).
First-Home Buyer Concessions:
Many states offer stamp duty exemptions or concessions:
• NSW: Full exemption for properties up to $650,000 and reduced rates for properties up to $800,000. Learn more at Revenue NSW.
• VIC: Full exemption for homes valued up to $600,000 and reduced rates up to $750,000. Visit State Revenue Office Victoria.
• QLD: Exemption for properties up to $500,000. Check Queensland Treasury.
Tips:
When choosing a home loan, you’ll need to decide between a fixed or variable interest rate:
Fixed Rates:
• Advantages:
• Stable repayments for a set period (e.g., 1–5 years).
• Protection from interest rate increases.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited flexibility (e.g., restrictions on extra repayments).
• Potentially higher rates compared to variable loans during low-interest periods.
Variable Rates:
• Advantages:
• Flexible repayment options, including extra repayments.
• Opportunity to benefit from rate decreases.
• Disadvantages:
• Repayments fluctuate with market changes.
• Potential for higher repayments during rate hikes.
Split Loans:
• Combine the stability of fixed rates with the flexibility of variable rates by splitting your loan.
These features can save you money over the life of your loan:
•Offset Account:
•A savings account linked to your home loan.
•The balance reduces the loan’s principal amount for interest calculations.
•Example: A $20,000 offset balance on a $400,000 loan means you’re charged interest on $380,000 instead of $400,000.
•Redraw Facility:
•Lets you access extra repayments made on your loan.
•Useful for emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Which Is Better?
If you need frequent access to your funds, an offset account may be more suitable. Redraw facilities are ideal for those prioritizing long-term savings
LMI is insurance that protects the lender if you default on your loan. It’s typically required for loans with deposits below 20%.
How to Avoid LMI:
1.Save a 20% deposit.
2.Use the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) to buy with as little as 5% without LMI.
3.Explore guarantor loans, where a family member’s property is used as additional security.
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from your trusted mortgage broker
LEND A LOAN Credit Representative 514359 is authorised under Australian Credit License of Australian Finance Group Ltd ACN 066 385 822 (AFG) Australian Credit Licence 389087.
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