Home loans for first home buyers
Buying your first home is exciting, but the finance can feel like a maze. We help you understand your borrowing position, deposit, upfront costs, support options and lender choices, then guide the application from pre-approval through to settlement.
Where do I start?
You do not need to have everything worked out before speaking with a broker. Start with the question that is holding you back and we’ll help you connect it to the wider plan.
We look beyond the maximum loan amount to consider repayments, existing commitments, purchase costs and the buffer you want to keep.
Your deposit is only part of the cash picture. We map transfer duty, legal costs, inspections, lender costs and a sensible post-settlement buffer.
We help you identify lending pathways that may fit, while your solicitor, conveyancer and the relevant government agency confirm formal eligibility.
We prepare the application around a realistic price range and explain the conditions, expiry date and property checks that still apply.
We compare policy, features, rates, fees and loan structure so you can see why one option may suit your position better than another.
Once the contract and formal approval are in place, we coordinate the lending steps and keep you updated through to settlement.
Start with the full picture
A useful first-home budget brings the purchase price, deposit, buying costs, loan repayments and emergency buffer together. We help you test those numbers before you make an offer, so the target is grounded in what the lender may accept and what feels manageable after settlement.
First home support
Government support can change the amount you need upfront, but it does not replace a lender’s credit assessment. The right pathway depends on your eligibility, property, location, deposit and lender.
A clear path forward
From the first conversation through to approval, settlement and review, we keep things clear, organised and moving so you’re never left wondering what comes next.
Words from our clients
Your broker team
The value of a broker is not just finding a lender. It is helping you understand the trade-offs, prepare a stronger application, manage lender questions and know what needs to happen next. Manson supports clients by phone and video across Australia, with in-person appointments available in selected locations.
Got questions?
No. A 20% deposit can help you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance and may widen your lender choice, but some buyers purchase with less. Eligible first-home buyers may be able to use the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, while other lower-deposit loans may also be available. You still need to allow for purchase costs and a sensible buffer.
Depending on the property and support available, costs may include transfer duty, conveyancing or legal fees, building and pest inspections, lender or valuation fees, moving costs, settlement adjustments and immediate repairs or furnishings. Keep a buffer rather than using every available dollar at settlement.
Potentially. Eligible first-home buyers can apply through a participating lender with a minimum 5% deposit. Property price caps and scheme rules apply, and the lender must still approve the loan under its normal credit criteria. Check the current cap for the property postcode before relying on the scheme.
Eligible buyers can currently receive a full transfer-duty exemption on a new or existing NSW home valued at $800,000 or less. A concessional rate may apply above $800,000 and below $1 million. Different thresholds apply to vacant land. Your solicitor or conveyancer should confirm eligibility and lodge the formal application.
No. The current $10,000 grant applies to eligible new or substantially renovated homes up to $600,000, or eligible land-and-build arrangements with a combined value up to $750,000. It is not available for an ordinary established home.
Sometimes. A buyer may be eligible for more than one form of support, but each program has separate rules, timing and property requirements. Lender participation can also matter. Check the combination before making an offer rather than assuming every benefit can be used together.
Before you begin making serious offers. A useful pre-approval can help set clearer boundaries, but it is conditional, lender-specific and usually time-limited. It does not replace a property valuation, updated documents or final credit approval once you have a contract.
Often, yes. The ownership, loan structure, deposit contributions and each applicant’s financial position all need to be assessed. Scheme eligibility may also change depending on who is buying. A broker can help with lending, while a solicitor or conveyancer should advise on ownership agreements and legal protections.
Any fee that applies to your situation will be disclosed before you proceed. Mortgage brokers may also receive commission from a lender when a loan settles. The relevant remuneration, credit information and lender relationship will be explained in the documents provided during the process.
Tell us what you’re looking to do and we’ll come back to you with next steps.
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