First home buyers
Your first home, sooner than you think.
Most first home buyers don't need a 20% deposit, and many pay no stamp duty at all in Victoria. We'll show you what you can borrow, what you're eligible for and exactly what to do next.
How does a broker help first home buyers?
Your real budget
A borrowing range based on how lenders actually assess you, so you inspect homes you can buy.
Grants, concessions and schemes
Stamp duty exemptions, the First Home Owner Grant, the 5% Deposit Scheme and family guarantees: we check each one against your situation.
Pre-approval before you bid
Walk into an auction knowing your limit, with a lender already on board.
Everything through to settlement
Contract to keys: we chase the lender, the valuer and the paperwork so you don't have to.
Victoria · checked September 2026
Help you might be missing out on
Grants and schemes change often and each has conditions. We check every one against your situation.
No stamp duty up to $600,000
Victorian first home buyers pay no transfer duty on homes valued up to $600,000, and reduced duty up to $750,000. It applies to new and established homes and to land you'll build on, if you move in within 12 months (36 months for land) and live there for at least 12 months.
Official details$10,000 First Home Owner Grant
For a new home (or one you build) valued up to $750,000 in Victoria. Established homes aren't eligible.
Official detailsBuy with a 5% deposit, without LMI
The Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme lets eligible first home buyers buy with 5% (2% for single parents) and no lenders mortgage insurance. There are no income caps. In Victoria the price cap is $950,000 in Melbourne and Geelong and $650,000 elsewhere.
Official detailsHelp to Buy shared equity
The Government can contribute up to 40% of the price of a new home (30% for an existing one) from a 2% deposit, if your income is under $100,000 single or $160,000 for couples and single parents. Price caps apply ($950,000 in Melbourne), and places are limited each year.
Official details
Free checklist
Ten steps from saving to keys
Tick them off as you go. Your progress is saved in this browser, and nothing is sent to us.
Your first home checklist
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Free tools
Start with the numbers
Answers straight away, with the assumptions shown. No sign-up, no phone number.
How long until I have a deposit?
When you'll reach a 5%, 10% or 20% deposit at your savings rate.
Deposit timeline calculator
How much could I borrow?
A realistic range from your income, expenses and debts, the way lenders test it.
Borrowing power calculator
How much stamp duty will I pay?
Transfer duty for every state and territory, with first home buyer savings.
Stamp duty calculator
The First Home Buyer Playbook
Every step from saving to settlement, the Victorian grants and concessions, and the questions to ask at inspections. Free.
Questions we hear a lot
Do I really need a 20% deposit?
No. Many first home buyers buy with 5% to 10%. With less than 20% most lenders charge lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), unless you qualify for the Government's 5% Deposit Scheme or a family guarantee. We'll show you which options you're eligible for and what each costs.
When should I get pre-approval?
Before you start bidding at auctions or making offers. Pre-approval (also called conditional approval) tells you your real budget and shows agents you're serious. It isn't a guarantee: the lender still checks the property and your final details. It usually lasts about 90 days and can be renewed.
Which grants and concessions can I get in Victoria?
Victorian first home buyers can pay no stamp duty on homes up to $600,000 and reduced duty up to $750,000, and a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant applies to new homes up to $750,000. Federal schemes can also help with a smaller deposit. Rules and caps change, so we check your eligibility on the day.
What does it cost to use a mortgage broker?
Most mortgage brokers in Australia are paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles, rather than charging you. Our Credit Guide sets out exactly how we're paid and any fee that could apply, and if a fee ever applies to you we'll tell you in writing before we start.
Will talking to you affect my credit score?
No. Talking to us, using our calculators and getting a plan together doesn't put an enquiry on your credit file. An enquiry is only recorded when you authorise an application to a lender, and we'll tell you before that happens.
Let's find a loan that makes you smile.
A 20-minute chat, with no obligation. Tell us how you'd like to be contacted and we'll take it from there.