best first home buyer loans
Compare low-deposit options, government schemes and lender features so you can buy your first home with confidence.
Gold Leaf Finance compares lenders across Australia and explains grants, stamp duty concessions and the First Home Guarantee in plain English — helping you choose the loan that suits your situation.
Why comparing first home buyer loans matters
For first home buyers, small differences in loan features or deposit requirements can have a big impact on your repayments, upfront costs and flexibility. Lenders offer a wide variety of products — some aimed at low-deposit buyers, others focused on features like offset accounts or redraw. We compare these options so you can make a clear choice.
Objective lender comparison
Access multiple lenders and loan structures suited to first home buyers — including low-deposit and guarantor options.
Explain government help clearly
We outline which grants, stamp duty concessions and schemes you may be eligible for and what to check with your state revenue office.
Support through application
We guide you through paperwork, lender requirements and settlement steps so you know what happens next.
Compare the most common first home buyer loan options
Low-deposit loans
Designed to help buyers with deposits under 20%. These loans may have lender mortgage insurance (LMI) or require a guarantor. We compare the trade-offs so you understand upfront and ongoing costs.
- - Deposit options and LMI considerations
- - Guarantor vs LMI comparison
- - When it’s worth exploring a low-deposit product
Standard variable & fixed loans
Variable loans offer flexibility and features like offset accounts; fixed loans provide repayment certainty for a set term. We help you weigh certainty vs flexibility for your goals.
- - Features: offset, redraw, extra repayments
- - Fixed terms and how they affect flexibility
- - When a split loan may be appropriate
Specialist first-home products & guarantees
Some lenders participate in government schemes such as the First Home Guarantee (formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme) or offer tailored first-home products. We can check eligibility and lender participation.
- - First Home Guarantee participation
- - Lender-specific first-home offers
- - Eligibility checks before you apply
Note: We do not guarantee scheme entry — availability and eligibility vary by scheme and state. We can assess your situation and explain possible options.
Government grants, stamp duty concessions & key schemes
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) & other state grants
Many states and territories offer grants or exemptions for eligible first home buyers. Amounts, eligibility criteria and application processes differ by state and can change over time.
Check current details with your state or territory revenue office. Gold Leaf Finance can explain likely eligibility and point you to the relevant authorities.
Stamp duty concessions
Some states provide stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers, particularly for new or lower-value properties. Concessions depend on property value, purchaser status and residency conditions.
Stamp duty rules and thresholds vary by state — confirm details with your state revenue office or ask us for guidance on how stamp duty might affect your upfront costs.
First Home Guarantee and other national schemes
National schemes like the First Home Guarantee can allow eligible buyers to purchase with smaller deposits without paying LMI, subject to scheme places and lender participation.
Availability is limited and rules change; we can assess your eligibility and whether it’s worth applying for participating lenders.
How Gold Leaf Finance simplifies your first mortgage
Tailored lender comparison
We shortlist lenders and products that match your deposit, goals and risk profile so you don’t waste time on unsuitable loans.
Paperwork & application support
We prepare documentation, lodge applications and follow up with lenders so you have a single point of contact throughout the process.
Phone-first, Australia-wide
Brisbane-based with Australia-wide service — we manage the process remotely by phone and email, keeping you informed at every stage.
Gold Leaf Finance operates as a credit representative (Credit Representative Number 574275). We provide general information and assistance with credit products; we do not provide personal financial advice. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial situation. Eligibility for grants and concessions varies by state/territory and may change — confirm details with your state revenue office or a qualified adviser.
First home buyer checklist — documents & steps
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Proof of identity
Driver licence, passport or other acceptable ID.
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Income evidence
Recent payslips, employment letter, or tax returns if self-employed.
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Savings & deposit history
Bank statements showing genuine savings and deposit sources.
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Details of debts & expenses
Existing loans, credit cards and regular commitments for lender assessment.
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Proof of any government incentives
If you’ve applied for FHOG, First Home Guarantee or FHSS evidence.
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Initial budget
Estimate purchase price, stamp duty, LMI (if applicable) and other upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many states offer a First Home Owner Grant and some provide stamp duty concessions for eligible first home buyers. Availability, amounts and eligibility vary by state and change over time — check with your state or territory revenue office for current details. Gold Leaf Finance can assess likely eligibility and point you to the right resources.
The First Home Guarantee can let eligible buyers purchase with a smaller deposit without paying LMI, subject to scheme places and lender participation. Eligibility rules and places are limited. We can assess whether you meet the criteria and help identify participating lenders, but scheme entry is subject to availability and lender approval.
Not always. Some buyers use low-deposit products or the First Home Guarantee to avoid lender mortgage insurance (LMI). Others may use a guarantor. Each option has trade-offs — such as additional obligations for guarantors or scheme limits — so we help you weigh them against your circumstances.
Both have pros and cons. Fixed rates provide repayment certainty for the fixed term, while variable loans often include features useful to first home buyers, like offset accounts and extra repayment flexibility. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise certainty or flexibility — we outline which option aligns with your goals.
Borrowing capacity depends on income, living expenses, existing debts and lender policies. Gold Leaf Finance performs a realistic capacity assessment and explains what lenders are likely to approve before you make offers or applications.
Ready to compare the best first home buyer loans?
Talk to Gold Leaf Finance — we’ll assess grants, stamp duty concessions and loan features, explain your options in plain English and guide you through the application.
Gold Leaf Finance is a Brisbane-based mortgage broking business providing Australia-wide support. We operate as a credit representative (Credit Representative Number 574275). This content is general information only and not personal financial advice. Eligibility for government grants, concessions and schemes differs by state/territory and may change — check current details with your state revenue office or speak to a qualified adviser. ABN: 44690914606 • info@goldleaffinance.com.au
Category: First Home Buyers