first home loan
Everything first home buyers need to know about grants, stamp duty concessions and securing your first mortgage — explained in plain English.
Buying your first home is a big step. Gold Leaf Finance helps first home buyers across Australia understand eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), possible stamp duty concessions, deposit options and the loan products that suit your situation — with phone-first support and end-to-end guidance.
Why first home buyers choose Gold Leaf Finance
As a Brisbane-based mortgage broking service operating Australia-wide, Gold Leaf Finance simplifies the process for first home buyers by comparing lenders, explaining eligibility for grants and concessions, and managing the paperwork. We focus on clear, plain-English advice so you can make confident decisions.
We compare lenders
Access to a wide panel helps uncover loan features and structures that match first home buyer needs.
End-to-end support
From pre-approval through settlement — we manage paperwork, lender liaison and updates by phone or email.
Plain-English advice
No jargon. We explain options like deposit requirements, guarantor loans and government schemes clearly.
Grants, concessions and schemes for first home buyers
There are several government programs and concessions that can reduce upfront costs for eligible first home buyers. Availability, eligibility and amounts vary by state and territory and may change. Always confirm current details with your relevant state revenue office or a qualified adviser.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
The FHOG is a one-off grant in some states/territories to help eligible first home buyers buy or build a new home. Eligibility depends on factors such as property type, applicant residency status and whether the property is new or substantially renovated.
- Grant amounts and eligibility criteria differ between states and may change.
- Grant may be subject to property value caps and occupancy rules.
- Gold Leaf Finance can explain likely eligibility and assist with documents needed when you apply for finance.
Stamp duty exemptions & concessions
Many states offer either a full exemption or a concession on stamp duty for eligible first home buyers. Some schemes apply to new builds, others to existing homes or land purchases.
- Eligibility, thresholds and concessions are determined by each state/territory revenue office.
- Stamp duty savings can significantly reduce upfront costs — but rules change, so check current guidance.
- We can help you estimate likely upfront costs (including stamp duty) as part of a pre-approval discussion.
Other schemes to be aware of
Schemes such as the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) and the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme can help reduce deposit requirements or access superannuation savings to buy a home. Eligibility, quotas and rules apply — we’ll explain whether any of these might be relevant to you.
This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial situation. Confirm eligibility and current details with the relevant government agency or a qualified adviser.
How Gold Leaf Finance simplifies getting your first home loan
Pre-approval clarity
Understand how much you may be able to borrow and what price range to target before you start bidding on properties.
Paperwork & approvals
We collate documents, lodge applications and liaise with lenders so you don’t have to navigate complex paperwork alone.
Negotiating with lenders
We work to find competitive options suited to first home buyers — subject to lender assessment and eligibility criteria.
What to prepare before you apply
- Proof of identity (e.g. passport, driver's licence)
- Proof of income (pay slips, tax returns where required)
- Bank statements and details of existing debts
- Details of any government scheme you intend to use (e.g. FHOG, FHSS)
We’ll review your situation and highlight documents your chosen lenders require so you can move quickly when you find a property.
A clear path to your first home — step by step
1. Free initial chat
We discuss your goals, timeline and any government schemes you expect to use. This is general information — not personal financial advice.
2. Lender comparison & pre-approval
We compare loan options from our lender panel, outline likely deposit and repayment scenarios, and help you seek pre-approval so you can act with confidence.
3. Formal application to settlement
We lodge the formal application, manage communication with the lender and help with settlement steps until keys are in your hands.
We operate as a credit representative (Credit Representative Number 574275). Any loan offers are subject to lender assessment and approval. This page provides general information and is not personal financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility for the FHOG depends on the state or territory, the type of property (new build vs existing), residency and other criteria. Grant amounts, caps and conditions vary and can change — confirm the latest details with your state revenue office. Gold Leaf Finance can help assess likely eligibility and the paperwork lenders typically expect when you apply for a home loan.
Stamp duty rules differ by state. Some jurisdictions offer full exemptions for eligible first home buyers, others offer concessions or reduced rates. Eligibility often depends on property value, whether the home is new and your residency status. Verify current rules with your state revenue office and we can factor likely stamp duty into your upfront cost estimate.
Deposit expectations vary by lender and loan type. Many lenders prefer a deposit of 20% to avoid lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI), but options exist for smaller deposits including guarantor arrangements or government-backed schemes like the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (where available). We can discuss options and likely lender requirements based on your circumstances.
Yes — we can discuss how the FHSS may support your deposit. Rules, withdrawal processes and tax implications apply, and eligibility may vary. Consider seeking tax or financial advice in addition to our general loan guidance when using superannuation for a purchase.
Timing depends on lender workloads, how complete your application is and whether additional information is required. A pre-approval can often be obtained faster and helps you move quickly when you find a property. We manage the process to reduce delays where possible.
Ready to take the first step?
Gold Leaf Finance helps first home buyers across Australia understand grants, concessions and loan options — then supports you through the application and settlement process.
Gold Leaf Finance operates as a credit representative (Credit Representative Number 574275). This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial circumstances. Loan offers are subject to lender assessment and eligibility criteria. Confirm current grant and stamp duty details with your state revenue office or a qualified adviser.
Category: First Home Buyers