Mortgage Broker for First Home Buyers
For first home buyers, finding the right mortgage is crucial for your financial stability and peace of mind. A home loan for first home buyers that suits your needs can help you achieve your homeownership dreams without burdening you with excessive debt or interest rates. That’s why it’s essential to work with a reputable and knowledgeable mortgage broker who can guide you through the process and help you find the best loan for your situation.
At Q Financial, we understand the challenges of the mortgage market, particularly for a first time home buyer. We make it our mission to provide expert house buying advice and personalised service to help you get through the process with ease.
We believe that every client deserves transparency, honesty, and respect — and that first home buyers can and should enter the property market armed with all the right resources and with confidence.
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What Is a Mortgage Broker?
A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who acts as a middleman between the borrower (the person looking to obtain a mortgage) and the lender (the financial institution providing the mortgage). The mortgage broker’s primary role is to help the borrower find the right mortgage product that fits their needs, budget, and financial situation.
Mortgage brokers are experts in the mortgage industry and have in-depth knowledge of the different types of mortgage products available in the market, such as fixed-rate mortgages, variable-rate mortgages, and interest-only mortgages. They also have access to a wide range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders, which allows them to offer their clients a broader range of mortgage products than a single lender can provide.
What Should You Look for When Working with a Mortgage Broker in Australia?
When it comes to home loans, first home buyers are better off getting help from a mortgage broker because they can be a lifesaver. They’ll work as a go-between for you and lenders, help you figure out how much you can borrow, give you advice on buying a first home, find the perfect first home buyer loan for your needs, and even guide you through the application process.
But as a first home buyer who has just entered the real estate market, how do you know you’re dealing with the best mortgage brokers for first time buyers? You should be looking out for the following:
- Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking
- A finance diploma
- Australian Credit Licence (ACL), obtained through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Membership in reputable mortgage broking organisations like the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA)
Bank vs Mortgage Broker: Who to Talk to About Buying a House?
First home buyers in Australia have two options: work with a bank or work with a mortgage broker. According to a study by the MFAA, 30% of people go to a bank directly and 70% use mortgage brokers.
While working with the bank directly is a common route, working with a mortgage broker would guarantee you that your best interests are being given the highest priority. This guarantee comes in the form of the Best Interests Duty mandate for mortgage brokers.
What Is the Best Interests Duty?
The Best Interests Duty is a statutory obligation for mortgage brokers to act in the best interests of consumers, and to prioritise consumers’ interest when providing credit assistance. This means that mortgage brokers must always act in the best interest of the borrowers and put their interests first.
The duty officially came into effect on 1 January 2021 in Australia. Mortgage brokers are required to assess the best interests of consumers based on factors such as the cost of a product, including interest rates, fees, charges, and repayment size.
While cost is important, it is not the only factor relevant to whether recommending a product is in the consumer’s best interests. The Best Interests Duty provides customers peace of mind knowing that their mortgage broker is legally required to act in their best interests.
However, unlike mortgage brokers, the Best Interests Duty does not apply to banks, which means that if a customer goes to a bank directly, then the bank can act in their own interests and not those of the borrower.
Why Work with a Mortgage Broker For First Home Buyers?
If you are under mortgage stress, in the lurch as a mortgage cliff looms, or about to be trapped in a mortgage prison (if you aren’t already), mortgage refinancing with a mortgage broker’s help is going to be a true lifesaver. As a mortgage broker for first home buyers, we can:
Save you time and money by finding the right loan for you
Analyse your financial standing
Negotiate for better loan terms on your behalf
Provide you expert advice and guidance throughout the mortgage process
Assist you with the required paperwork and documentation
Give you access a wide panel of mortgage lenders
Offer personalised service tailored to your financial needs and goals
Provide you access to better rates and discounts on first time home buyer loans
Work around your schedule and preferred mode of interaction
Guide you through the government grants and schemes
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for First Home Buyer Loans?
Age and Citizenship
To qualify for a first home buyer loan, you must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, you need to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.First Home Ownership
As a first home buyer, you must not have previously owned a home in Australia. This includes any property ownership, whether it was partial or full.Residency
To benefit from these schemes, you must plan to live in the property as your primary residence. Typically, this means you need to move into the home within 12 months of purchase and live there continuously, usually at least six months. Read MoreWhat Are the Available First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes in NSW and QLD?
There are several grants and schemes designed to help first home buyers in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD):
New South Wales
- First Home Owners Grant (FHOG): The First Home Owner Grant in NSW offers $10,000 to first home buyers purchasing a new home valued at up to $600,000 or a house and land package up to $750,000. This grant is aimed at those buying or building a brand new home, or purchasing a substantially renovated property.
- First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS): This scheme provides transfer duty (stamp duty) exemptions or concessions. First home buyers purchasing an existing property valued at up to $800,000 are exempt from transfer duty, while those buying properties valued between $800,000 and $1 million receive a concessional rate. For vacant land, full exemptions apply for land valued at up to $350,000, with concessional rates for land valued between $350,000 and $450,000.
- First Home Buyer Choice Scheme: This scheme allows first-time home buyers to opt out of paying the upfront stamp duty and opt instead for an annual property tax. This can significantly reduce the initial costs of buying a home.
Queensland
- First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): The First Home Owner Grant in Queensland offers $30,000 for first home buyers who sign contracts between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. For contracts signed before 20 November 2023, the grant amount is $15,000. This grant is available for purchasing or building new homes valued at up to $750,000, including off-the-plan purchases and substantially renovated homes.
- Stamp Duty Concessions: First home buyers in Queensland can save on stamp duty costs. If the property value is up to $500,000, you pay zero stamp duty, resulting in savings of up to $15,925. For properties valued between $500,000 and $550,000, concessional rates apply, with savings reducing as the property value increases to $550,000.
- First Home Guarantee: Through this program, qualified home buyers can acquire a home with a deposit as low as 5% without needing LMI. This scheme is part of the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme, which aims to support eligible home buyers in purchasing a home sooner by guaranteeing part of the home loan.
What Are the Steps to Secure a Loan for First Home Buyers?
Here are the key steps you need to follow when getting a loan for your first home:
Step 1: Speak with a Mortgage Broker
The initial step in securing a home loan is to consult with a knowledgeable mortgage broker. Acting as a mediator between you and lenders, a mortgage broker for first home buyers can help you find a loan that fits your financial situation.
Step 2: Assess Your Financial Health
Lenders will review your income, expenses, credit history, any existing debts, and overall financial health. Therefore, evaluate your financial health and be prepared by having a clean credit record and demonstrating responsible financial management. This will significantly enhance your chances of loan approval.
Step 3: Determine Your Borrowing Capacity
Your mortgage broker will assist you in calculating your borrowing capacity according to your financial situation. This step ensures you set realistic expectations for your property search.
Step 4: Save for a Deposit
First home buyer loans often require a minimum deposit. This amount can vary based on the scheme or grant you are applying for. For example, under the First Home Guarantee scheme, you can purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit without the need for lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). Other schemes might have different deposit requirements, so it’s important to know what each entails.
Step 5: Explore First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes
Take advantage of the grants and schemes available to first home buyers to reduce the overall cost of purchasing your first home. Your mortgage broker can guide you on the application process for these programs.
Step 6: Get Pre-Approval
Obtain pre-approval to get a clear idea of the amount you can borrow and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Getting pre-approval involves submitting your financial details to the lender, who will assess and conditionally approve a loan amount.
Step 7: Find Your Home
With pre-approval, you can confidently search for your first home. Consider factors like location, property condition, and future value when choosing a property. Your mortgage broker can assist in finding properties matching your budget and needs.
Step 8: Finalise Your Loan Application
Once you’ve found your ideal home, the next step is to finalise your loan application. This involves submitting the property details to the lender, who will conduct a valuation and final assessment. Your mortgage broker will help you prepare the necessary documentation and ensure everything is in order.
Step 9: Settle Your Loan
After loan approval, you move to the settlement stage. This is when the legal transfer of property ownership occurs, and your loan funds are disbursed. Your broker and solicitor will guide you through this process, covering all legal and financial aspects.
Step 10: Move into Your New Home
Upon finalising the settlement, you can now move into your new home. Ensure you meet any residency requirements attached to first home buyer grants and schemes, such as living in the property for a specified period.
Read LessAbout us
Why Q Financial?
At Q Financial, we are dedicated to assisting individuals from all walks of life in achieving their financial goals. With our team of experts, including our trusted mortgage broker, Quinto White, we have the expertise to effectively navigate the lending landscape and secure favorable outcomes for our clients.
Whether you’re a First Home Buyer, Home Upgrader, looking to Refinance, make Investments, or embark on a New Home Purchase, our Award-Winning Home Loan Specialists, led by Quinto White, are here to provide advice-driven solutions tailored to your specific financial and lifestyle goals—both now and in the future.
At Q Financial, we are not only committed to our clients but also to the well-being of our planet. We embrace ethical lending practices, actively offset our carbon emissions, and strive to make a positive impact. With your support, we can continue to accomplish even greater things!
Contact Q Financial today and let Quinto White, our dedicated mortgage broker, guide you through the process of achieving your financial dreams.
FAQs on First Home Buyer Home Loans
How does working with a first home buyer mortgage broker increase the chances of my home loan application getting approved?
First, a broker can help you understand the borrowing process and guide you on the types of loans that might be suitable for you. They can also help you prepare and organise your financial documentation.
Second, a broker has access to a wide range of lenders and loan products, including those that may not be available to the general public. They can use their industry knowledge and relationships to negotiate with lenders on your behalf and find a loan that meets your specific needs and financial situation. At Q Financial, we can help you get preferential treatment from lenders who can look at your home loan application most favourably!
Third, a broker can help you present your application in the best possible light to lenders. They can highlight your strengths and address any concerns that lenders may have, increasing your chances of being approved.
How much does a mortgage broker cost?
Mortgage brokers generally don’t charge a fee to borrowers, as they receive a commission from the lender when they settle a loan. However, some brokers may charge a fee for their services, so it’s important to ask upfront about any fees involved.
Can you really help me get the best home loan for first home buyers?
In Australia, mortgage brokers are not allowed to claim that a particular home loan is “the best” on the market. This is because the ASIC does not like this phrase, especially since we do not have access to EVERY lender or product in the country — so there is no substantial evidence that the home loan options we are exposing you to are indeed the best.
However, we can work with you to find the loan that is most suitable for your specific needs and circumstances. Our job is to assess your financial situation, discuss your goals and preferences, and recommend a range of options from our panel of lenders. Ultimately, the right home loan for you is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget.
However, we can work with you to find the loan that is most suitable for your specific needs and circumstances. Our job is to assess your financial situation, discuss your goals and preferences, and recommend a range of options from our panel of lenders. Ultimately, the right home loan for you is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Can a mortgage broker help me if I have bad credit?
Yes, a mortgage broker can still help first home buyers with bad credit. They have access to specialist lenders who may be able to offer you a loan despite your credit history. However, you may need to pay a higher interest rate or provide a larger deposit to secure a loan.
What are grants for new homeowners that I can take advantage of?
Here are some grants for first home buyers that you can ask your mortgage broker to help you with:
- First Home Owner Grant Australia (FHOG): This is a one-time grant of up to $10,000 available in NSW and up to $30,000 in QLD to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home.
- First Home Buyer Choice: This scheme lets borrowers in New South Wales opt out of paying the first home buyer stamp duty upfront in exchange for annual property tax.
- First Home Guarantee (formerly known as First Home Loan Deposit Scheme): This scheme is designed to help first home buyers purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5% without the need for LMI.
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): This scheme allows first home buyers to save for a home deposit within their superannuation fund, providing certain conditions are met.
- Stamp duty concessions: Depending on which state or territory you’re in, there may be stamp duty concessions or exemptions available for first home buyers.
Who is eligible for a First Home Owner Grant?
To be eligible for this Australian first home buyers grant, you must be 18 years or over, a permanent resident or Australian citizen, plan to live in the property as your home for at least six months, and have never previously owned your own home in Australia. However, eligibility also depends on the state or territory you want to buy in, how much you are going to spend, and whether you own any property already. If you, or a person you are entering into a joint home loan with, have previously claimed the FHOG, you may not be eligible for it again. In some states and territories, the FHOG can be beneficial when you buy or build a “new” home, which can be a newly built property that hasn’t previously been lived in or sold as a home, or a substantially renovated property.
How can I apply for first home buyer grants?
The mechanics for submitting applications to certain grants to buy a first home can vary. Specifically, for the First Home Owner Grant, you can either apply through an approved agent or via the FHOG customer portal. If you need the grant for settlement or for first drawn down/progress payment, you must lodge your application with the approved agent who is providing you finance. Applicants must submit their application within 12 months of settlement or the completed construction date of their new home. You’ll need to complete the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Application form if you’re applying through an approved agent.
Should I buy a house if I'm single?
Buying a house for a single person can be tough, especially with our current economic climate that has yet to feel the full impact of the consecutive RBA cash rate hikes. However, the decision to buy a house if you’re single in Australia depends on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and long-term goals. It’s important to consider factors such as your income, expenses, and lifestyle before making a decision.
Is it better to buy a cheap house first?
Buying a cheaper house as a first investment has advantages, such as requiring less money to get started and potentially having less downside risk. It also offers potential positive cash flow and upside potential. However, cheaper properties may be in poor condition and harder to sell, and due diligence is important.
I’m from Coffs Harbour. Can I speak with a Coffs Harbour mortgage broker?
Definitely! Click this link to book an appointment with me and my team. Alternatively, you can head over to our Coffs Coast office located at 3/10 Queen Street, Woolgoolga NSW 2456.
I’m from the Gold Coast. Can I speak with a Gold Coast mortgage broker?
Absolutely. Click this link to book an appointment with me and my team. Alternatively, you can head over to our Gold Coast office located in 3a 37 James Street Burleigh Heads QLD 4220.