Your first home, handled with Heart.

As a first home buyer you generally need a deposit of 5% of the property price. If you have a guarantor, however, you may not need a deposit at all — making it easier to get your first home loan approved.

An excellent question, and one that depends on your life plans. Many new borrowers buy an investment property before their first home — a strategy called "rent-vesting" — to build wealth and get into the market sooner. Buying your own home, on the other hand, offers security and stability. Consider your budget, lifestyle and long-term plans; we'll help you analyse the options and guide your decision.

You may still qualify for a home loan after changing jobs. Some lenders want you in a similar role or industry, others just need your most recent payslip or employment contract, and some prefer you past probation. Strong savings, a good credit history or a guarantor can all improve your chances.

Pre-approval isn't mandatory in Australia, but it's a smart step. It helps you understand your budget, surfaces any issues upfront, shows agents and sellers you're serious, and speeds up finance approval once you've purchased. It also gives you the confidence to seriously search and make offers, knowing your mortgage is likely to be approved.

A home loan pre-approval usually takes between 2 and 5 days depending on the lender — sometimes longer if a lender is experiencing a surge of applications. Full approval typically takes 7 to 14 days after you've found your home. Our strong lender relationships mean time-sensitive purchases are prioritised.

Your borrowing capacity depends on your unique situation — income, expenses, savings and credit score all play a role. Most lenders offer 4 to 6 times your annual income, but your exact borrowing power will vary, which is why it's important we determine the right loan size for your individual needs together.

We're experts in all the government schemes — from the First Home Owner Grant to stamp duty concessions, the Super Saver Scheme and the Home Guarantee Scheme. Excellent options are available for most first-time buyers; we'll walk through the criteria and let you know exactly which apply to you.

If you're a parent with equity in your home, you may be able to help your child buy their first home or investment property — potentially removing the need for a deposit entirely, so they can borrow 100% of the purchase price plus costs. We guide you through the process and your obligations, and work over time to release your guarantee as quickly as possible through regular reviews of debt and capital growth.

Yes. We partner with a diverse array of ethical and B-Corp-certified lenders, so we can present financing options that align with your values as well as your financial goals.

A lender may decline due to credit history, income level or undisclosed debts, a high debt-to-income ratio, low collateral value, or a loan purpose outside their criteria. Our expertise in loan structuring means we guide you through the process and give your application the best chance of approval the first time.

Most first home buyer schemes require you to move into the property within the first six months after settlement. Missing that deadline can mean penalties and repayment of grants, so it's important to understand the requirements — we're here to keep you informed.

Strategy and structure are our forte. Understanding your needs and goals lets us create a loan structure tailored specifically to you — fixed rates offer certainty, variable rates offer flexibility, and we'll make sure you feel in control and educated about the best fit.

Generally, inheriting a property can make you ineligible for most first home buyer grants, as those programs are intended for people who haven't owned property in Australia before. There may be exceptions depending on the program's details — we'll help you explore the possibilities and find the best path forward.