First Home Buyer Guide - Get Your First Home Loan

Important Information

Esteb and Co provides credit assistance services. We are licensed credit representatives (ASIC Credit Rep #574070) who help you compare loan options from our panel of lenders. We do not lend money directly. All loan approvals are made by lenders, subject to their criteria and responsible lending assessments. Our service is free to you - we receive commissions from lenders. Read our Credit Guide

Government Grants & Schemes for First Home Buyers

Take advantage of these programs to make your first home more affordable

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Up to $30,000

What it is: A one-off payment to help first home buyers (varies by state).

✓ Must be buying or building your first home
✓ Must move in within 12 months
✓ Must live there for at least 6 continuous months
✓ Property value caps apply (varies by state)

NSW: $10,000 for new homes up to $600k (regional) or $800k (Sydney)

First Home Guarantee (FHG)

5% Deposit

What it is: Government guarantees up to 15% of your loan, so you only need 5% deposit.

✓ Only need 5% deposit (no LMI)
✓ 35,000 places per year
✓ Singles earning up to $125,000
✓ Couples earning up to $200,000

Property caps: $950k (Sydney/Melbourne), $650k (other capitals)

First Home Super Saver Scheme

Up to $50,000

What it is: Save for your deposit inside your super and get tax benefits.

✓ Contribute up to $15,000 per year
✓ Max $50,000 total per person
✓ Taxed at 15% (vs your income tax rate)
✓ Can withdraw for first home deposit

Benefit: Save faster with up to 30% tax savings

Stamp Duty Exemptions

Save $10k-$50k

What it is: Reduced or no stamp duty for first home buyers (varies by state).

✓ Full exemption for properties under certain value
✓ Partial concessions for higher values
✓ Must be your principal place of residence
✓ Property value caps vary by state

NSW: No stamp duty on properties up to $800k

Your First Home Buying Timeline

What to expect from start to finish

6-12 Months Before: Start Saving

Set a savings goal (5-20% deposit + costs)
Review your spending and create a budget
Check your credit score (get free report)
Consider First Home Super Saver Scheme

Tip: Save at least 3-6 months of expenses as buffer

3-6 Months Before: Research & Plan

Research suburbs and property prices
Attend open homes to understand the market
Calculate your borrowing power
Research government grants you're eligible for

Tip: Use our borrowing calculator to see what you can afford

2-3 Months Before: Get Pre-Approved

Gather all required documents (payslips, tax returns, etc.)
Compare lenders and get pre-approval
Know your budget with certainty
Show sellers you're a serious buyer

Our service: Compare loan options from 83 lenders on our panel

1-2 Months: Property Search

Attend open homes with your criteria in mind
Hire a building inspector before making offers
Research property history and comparable sales
Make offers on properties you like

Tip: Don't rush - the right property is worth waiting for

Weeks 1-2: Offer Accepted

Exchange contracts (cooling-off period applies)
Pay deposit (usually 10% of purchase price)
Submit formal loan application
Organize building and pest inspection

Important: Get everything in writing

Weeks 3-6: Loan Approval & Settlement

Bank completes property valuation
Final loan approval (unconditional)
Sign loan documents
Settlement day - property is officially yours!

Congrats! Time to move into your first home

How to Save for Your Deposit Faster

🎯

Set a Clear Goal

Calculate exactly how much you need (deposit + stamp duty + moving costs) and set a deadline. Break it into monthly savings targets.

🏦

High-Interest Savings Account

Put your savings in a high-interest account (4-5% p.a.). Some banks offer bonus interest for regular deposits and no withdrawals.

📊

Use Your Super

First Home Super Saver Scheme lets you save inside super with tax benefits. You can save up to $50,000 per person.

💳

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Review subscriptions, reduce dining out, skip the daily coffee. Small changes add up to thousands per year.

💰

Side Hustle

Freelancing, gig economy, or part-time work can accelerate your savings. Even an extra $500/month = $6,000/year.

🎁

Family Guarantee

Parents or family can use their property as security, helping you avoid LMI and buy sooner (if they're willing and able).

7 Common First Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

❌ 1

Not Getting Pre-Approved

Going to auctions or making offers without pre-approval wastes everyone's time. Get pre-approved first so you know your budget and show sellers you're serious.

❌ 2

Forgetting About Hidden Costs

Stamp duty, legal fees, building inspections, moving costs, and renovations add up. Budget at least 5% of purchase price for these extra costs.

❌ 3

Maxing Out Your Borrowing Capacity

Just because a bank will lend you $800k doesn't mean you should borrow that much. Leave room for rate rises, emergencies, and lifestyle.

❌ 4

Skipping Building Inspections

A $500 inspection can save you $50,000 in hidden repairs. Never skip building and pest inspections, even for new properties.

❌ 5

Not Comparing Lenders

Going with your current bank without comparing can cost you thousands. Different lenders offer different rates and features - compare them all.

❌ 6

Buying in the Wrong Location

Don't just buy the cheapest property. Research growth suburbs, transport, schools, and amenities. Location determines future value.

❌ 7

Emotional Buying

Falling in love with a property and overpaying happens often. Stick to your budget and criteria - there's always another property.

Richard (Ricky) Esteb

Licensed Mortgage Broker & Founder

Credit Rep #574071 ACN 681 636 056 83+ Lender Panel

With direct experience helping Australians secure home loans, car finance, and business funding, Ricky founded Esteb and Co to bring transparency and technology to mortgage broking. Every piece of content is written from real-world lending experience.

✓ Verified & Last Reviewed: December 2025 | Content meets ASIC regulatory requirements

Your Complete Guide to Buying Your First Home