Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial steps you will ever take, and it can feel like a lot to get your head around. At Lane 4 Finance, I work with first home buyers across WA and Australia to help them understand their options, figure out what they can borrow, and find a home loan that suits their situation.
Getting Your Deposit Together
One of the first things most first home buyers think about is the deposit. The good news is that you do not always need to save a full 20% before you can buy. Thanks to the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible first home buyers can purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit. Eligible single parents or legal guardians may be able to purchase with just a 2% deposit. Under this scheme, Housing Australia guarantees the difference between your deposit and 20% of the property value, which means you avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). There are no income caps and no annual place limits, which makes it one of the more accessible low deposit options available right now.
If you are thinking about building, a construction loan may be worth exploring alongside these schemes. Lane 4 Finance can walk you through how construction loans work and whether they suit your plans.
Another option worth knowing about is the First Home Super Saver Scheme, which allows eligible buyers to use voluntary super contributions to help build their deposit. This is administered through the Australian Tax Office, and Lane 4 Finance can point you in the right direction if you want to understand how it fits into your overall first home buyer budget.
Grants and Stamp Duty Concessions
Depending on where you are buying, you may be eligible for first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions that can make a real difference to your upfront costs. Here is a quick summary by state and territory:
In Western Australia, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides $10,000 for eligible new home purchases. Stamp duty concessions through the First Home Owner Rate offer a full exemption on homes up to $430,000, with expanded concessions now applying up to $700,000 in the Perth Metropolitan and Peel regions and up to $750,000 outside those regions for transactions from 21 March 2025. There is also a 75% off-the-plan rebate for apartments, capped at $50,000.
In New South Wales, the first home owner grant is $10,000 for new builds, with a full stamp duty exemption on properties up to $800,000 and a sliding concession up to $1,000,000.
In Victoria, eligible buyers can access a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000, plus a full stamp duty exemption on properties up to $600,000 and a sliding concession up to $750,000.
In Queensland, the first home owner grant is $15,000 for new homes valued under $750,000 for contracts signed from 1 July 2026. Stamp duty concessions on established homes apply up to $700,000, with no price cap on the full concession for new residential land from 1 May 2025.
In South Australia, the first home owner grant is $15,000 for new homes with no property price cap for eligible contracts from 6 June 2024. Full stamp duty concessions apply to new homes and vacant land with no price cap.
In the Northern Territory, the HomeGrown Territory Grant offers $50,000 for new homes on contracts signed by 30 September 2027, which is one of the most generous grants available anywhere in Australia right now.
In the Australian Capital Territory, the Home Buyer Concession Scheme from 1 July 2026 provides eligible buyers with a full exemption from conveyance duty regardless of property value or household income, with no price threshold or income cap applying.
In Tasmania, a $20,000 first home owner grant applies to new homes for eligible transactions from 1 July 2026, subject to assent.
Grant amounts, eligibility rules, and price caps change regularly, so it is always worth checking current conditions before you act. Lane 4 Finance stays across these updates so I can give you accurate information when it matters.
Help to Buy and Shared Equity Options
The federal Help to Buy scheme, which started on 5 December 2025, allows the Australian Government to contribute up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home or up to 30% for an existing home, in exchange for an equity stake. You need a minimum 2% deposit, and income limits apply ($100,000 for individuals and $160,000 for joint applicants or single parents). It is available in most states and territories, including Western Australia, though Tasmania has opted out. Help to Buy cannot be combined with the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme.
Some states also run their own shared equity programs. South Australia has a scheme through HomeStart, and the Northern Territory offers HomeBuild Access for eligible buyers who want to purchase or build with a smaller deposit.
Understanding Your Home Loan Options
Once you have a sense of your deposit and any grants you might be eligible for, the next step is understanding your home loan options. A fixed interest rate locks in your repayments for a set period, which can make budgeting easier. A variable interest rate moves with the market and often comes with features like an offset account or redraw facility, which can help you reduce the interest you pay over time. Some lenders also offer interest rate discounts for first home buyers, particularly through the government scheme lender panel.
At Lane 4 Finance, I compare home loan options across a panel of lenders to find something that fits your first home buyer budget and your longer-term goals. I help you understand what each loan actually means for your repayments, not just the headline rate.
Pre-Approval and the First Home Loan Application
Getting pre-approval before you start making offers gives you a clear picture of what you can spend and shows sellers you are serious. Lane 4 Finance guides first home buyers through the pre-approval process and the first home loan application from start to finish, making sure everything is in order before you submit. I also help you understand your first home buyer eligibility for the various schemes and grants so nothing is missed.
Whether you are just starting to think about buying your first home or you are ready to apply for a home loan, Lane 4 Finance is here to help you take that next step with confidence.
Step 1: Initial Conversation
I start with a no-obligation chat to understand what you are looking for. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or investing, I take the time to listen and get a clear picture of your goals and situation.
Step 2: Fact Find and Assessment
Next, I gather the details needed to assess your financial position. This includes your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The more I know, the better I can match you with the right solution.
Step 3: Research and Strategy
With your details in hand, I search across a wide panel of lenders to find options that suit your needs. I compare rates, features, and fees so you do not have to. I then put together a clear strategy tailored to your goals.
Step 4: Loan Recommendation
I present my recommended loan options to you in plain language. No jargon, no confusion. I walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Step 5: Application Lodgement
Once you are happy with your chosen product, I prepare and lodge your application on your behalf. I handle the paperwork and liaise directly with the lender to keep things moving.
Step 6: Approval and Settlement
I keep you updated every step of the way through to formal approval and settlement. If the lender needs anything extra, I manage that communication so you are not left chasing answers.
Step 7: Ongoing Support
Our relationship does not end at settlement. I check in regularly to make sure your loan still works for you as your life and the market change.
The documents required will depend on your personal circumstances and the type of loan you are applying for, but there are some common items that most lenders will ask for. These typically include proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence, recent payslips or tax returns if you are self-employed, bank statements, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property you are looking to purchase or refinance. At Lane 4 Finance, I will walk you through exactly what is needed for your specific application so you are not left guessing. Being organised with your documents from the start can help the process run more smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Yes, absolutely. While Lane 4 Finance is based in Perth, I work with clients right across Australia. Thanks to phone, email, and video calls, I'm able to provide the same level of service and support to clients no matter where they are located. Whether you are in regional Western Australia, on the east coast, or somewhere in between, I can assist you with your finance needs. I understand that not everyone can meet face to face, and have set up our processes to make remote communication straightforward and convenient. If you are unsure whether I can help based on your location, simply reach out and I'll be happy to have a chat about how we can work together.
A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders. Rather than you having to approach banks and lenders one by one, a broker does that legwork on your behalf. At Lane 4 Finance, I assess your situation, help you understand your borrowing options, and then work to find a loan product that suits your needs and circumstances. I handle the paperwork, communicate with lenders, and guide you through the process from your initial enquiry right through to settlement. Having someone in your corner who understands how lending works can make a real difference, especially if you are buying a home for the first time or refinancing an existing loan.
Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance for a variety of reasons, including wanting to access equity in their property, consolidate debts, change their loan structure, or simply review whether their current loan still suits their needs. It is worth having a conversation about refinancing if your circumstances have changed since you first took out your loan, or if you have not reviewed your mortgage in a few years. At Lane 4 Finance, I can take a look at your current loan and help you understand what other options may be available. I'll always give you an honest assessment rather than pushing you toward a change that does not make sense for your situation.
Absolutely. Being self-employed does not mean you cannot access finance, but it does mean the process can look a little different. Lenders often assess self-employed applicants differently to those who receive a regular salary, and the documentation required can vary. At Lane 4 Finance, we have experience working with self-employed clients across a range of industries and income structures. I understand what lenders look for and how to present your financial situation in a clear and accurate way. Whether you have been running your own business for one year or ten years, I encourage you to get in touch so we can talk through what options may be available to you based on your circumstances.
In most cases, our service costs you nothing out of pocket. Mortgage brokers in Australia are typically paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles, not by the client. This means you can access our knowledge and support without paying a fee for the service in most circumstances. I'm upfront and transparent about how I'm paid, and will always explain any costs that may apply to your specific situation before you commit to anything. Our obligation is to act in your best interests, which is a requirement under Australian credit law. I believe in being clear and honest with our clients from the very first conversation.
The timeline for a home loan can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you are applying with, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly all the required documents can be gathered. In general, the process from initial enquiry to loan approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Settlement then typically occurs after approval, and the timing of that will depend on the terms agreed in your contract of sale. At Lane 4 Finance, I work to keep things moving as efficiently as possible and keep you informed at every stage. I'll give you a realistic expectation of timeframes based on your individual situation from the outset.
Getting started is straightforward. You can reach out by phone, email, or through our website to book an initial consultation. This first conversation is all about understanding your situation, what you are hoping to achieve, and whether i'm the right fit to help you get there. There is no obligation involved in having that initial chat. Once I have a clear picture of your needs, I can begin looking at what options may suit you and outline the steps involved in moving forward. At Lane 4 Finance, I pride myself on being approachable and easy to talk to, so do not hesitate to get in touch no matter where you are in the process.
Lane 4 Finance can assist with a broad range of lending needs. Whether you are looking to purchase your first home, buy an investment property, refinance your current mortgage, or access finance for a vehicle or personal use, I'm here to help. I also work with clients who are self-employed or have more complex financial situations, as these can sometimes require a different approach when it comes to finding a suitable lender. No matter where you are in life or what your financial goals look like, I encourage you to reach out and have a conversation. I'll let you know honestly what options may be available to you.
When you go directly to a bank, you only see what that one lender has to offer. At Lane 4 Finance, I'll work with a wide range of lenders, which means I can look across multiple options to find one that suits your specific situation. Your circumstances are unique, and a loan that works well for one person may not be the right fit for another. I take the time to understand your goals, your income, your expenses, and your plans before I make any recommendations. I also handle the communication and paperwork with lenders, saving you time and reducing the back-and-forth that can come with applying for finance on your own.
Lane 4 Finance works with first home buyers across WA and Australia to make the process clear and manageable. Book an appointment and we will walk through your options together.
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