Buying your first home with a plan you can defend.
Saving the deposit, picking the right loan structure, working through the First Home Owner Grant and the First Home Super Saver Scheme. There is a lot to get right. We help first home buyers turn the purchase into a decision that still makes sense in five years' time.
Not sure this is your moment? Start here
What's happening
- You are saving towards a deposit, or already have one, and want to buy your first home.
- You are weighing up loan options, lenders mortgage insurance and whether to use a guarantor.
- You have heard about the First Home Super Saver Scheme and state grants but are not sure what applies to you.
- You want to be confident the repayments still work if rates rise or income drops.
- You want the home to support your next steps, not crowd out everything else.
What to think about before you sign.
- 01
The real holding cost
Council rates, body corporate, insurance, maintenance and a buffer for the unexpected repair. The first year almost always costs more than the loan calculator suggested, so build that into the budget early.
- 02
Loan structure for your future
Variable or fixed, offset or redraw, principal and interest or split. The right structure depends on whether you might rent it out later, upgrade in a few years, or invest while you hold it.
- 03
First Home Super Saver Scheme
Eligible buyers can release voluntary super contributions plus earnings towards a deposit, with concessional tax treatment. The eligibility and timing rules catch people out, so it is worth checking before you commit.
- 04
Grants and stamp duty concessions
First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty rules differ by state, property type and price. A small misstep can cost tens of thousands, so confirm the pathway that applies to you.
- 05
Stress-test the price
Pressure-test repayments against a rate rise, a few months without income, and an unexpected repair. If the plan does not survive that, the purchase price may be too high.
- 06
A plan for life after settlement
A first home should support the next decision, whether that is investing, starting a family or a career change. If the repayments only just work on day one, the next life event becomes a financial event too.
How we help
Mortgage broking
We confirm what lenders will actually lend, compare loan products against your goals and help you settle with the cleanest possible cash position.
ExploreBudgeting and cash flow
We build a deposit and repayment plan with a real buffer, so the move is sustainable rather than something that only just works on paper.
ExploreProperty investment advice
If the home is also a stepping stone to investing, we structure the purchase and ownership so it fits the longer property plan.
ExploreQuestions we hear most often.
Have a question that is not here? Call 07 3399 2300 or book a consultation and we will answer it directly.
Do I need a financial adviser to buy my first home?
Not legally, but most first home buyers underestimate how much the right loan structure, deposit strategy and stamp duty timing can save them. An adviser sits above the broker and conveyancer and links the home decision to your wider plan, and the fee is usually repaid many times over in the first few years.
What help can first home buyers get in Queensland?
Queensland first home buyers may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant on new builds, transfer duty concessions on established homes, the federal Home Guarantee Scheme and the First Home Super Saver Scheme. Eligibility rules and amounts change, so we run the current numbers for your situation before you commit.
How does the First Home Super Saver Scheme work?
The scheme lets eligible Australians release voluntary super contributions, plus deemed earnings, to use as a first home deposit with concessional tax treatment. There are eligibility, timing and contribution rules that trip people up, so we run the check and coordinate the application with your super fund and the ATO.
How much deposit do I really need?
Lenders generally want between 5 and 20 per cent of the price. Below 20 per cent you will usually pay lenders mortgage insurance unless you qualify for a Home Guarantee Scheme place. The right number is not the lender's minimum, it is the deposit that leaves you with a sensible buffer and manageable repayments.
Should I use a guarantor loan?
Guarantor loans can help you avoid lenders mortgage insurance and buy sooner, but they shift risk onto the guarantor's property and can complicate refinancing. The right answer depends on the guarantor's position, your income trajectory and a clear exit plan, so we model both paths.
Buy your first home with confidence.
Get a written first home plan covering deposit, loan structure, grants, super and the next five years, before you sign the contract.