Know Exactly Where You Stand Before
You Start House Hunting.
Deposit, borrowing power, grants — sorted.
A lot of first home buyers stall because they don't know their actual number. We'll work it out with you — how much you can borrow, which government schemes you qualify for, and which lenders will work with your deposit. Free service, no obligation, no runaround.
The Government's Already Put Money on the Table
Most people walk past thousands in free money because no one told them it existed. Here's what's currently available to first home buyers across Australia.
First Home Super Saver (FHSS)
Salary sacrifice into super and withdraw up to $50,000 for your deposit. You pay 15% tax on the way in instead of your full marginal rate — for most people that's a meaningful saving. Worth setting up early even if you're 12–18 months from buying.
Stamp Duty Concessions
Depending on your state, you could pay zero or heavily discounted stamp duty as a first home buyer. Thresholds and exemption amounts vary — we run the exact numbers for your situation before you commit to anything.
First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit)
Buy with a 5% deposit and skip LMI entirely — the government guarantees the remaining 15% so you don't have to pay for lender's mortgage insurance. No income limit as of October 2025. Property price caps apply by state.
Shared Equity Schemes
In select states, the government co-purchases a share of your home — meaning you borrow less and your repayments are lower from day one. Available through specific state programs; we'll tell you straight whether you qualify.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
A one-off cash payment for eligible buyers of new homes — typically between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on where you're buying. Paid at settlement through your lender. We handle the paperwork.
Family Home Guarantee
Single parents can buy with as little as 2% deposit and no LMI, regardless of whether it's your first home. Property price caps apply by state. We confirm eligibility and match you to participating lenders.
Lender-Specific Cashbacks & Waivers
Outside of government schemes, some lenders are actively competing for first home buyer business with cashbacks, waived fees, and LMI discounts. We track what's live across our panel and factor it into every comparison.
Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
Living or buying outside a capital city? You may qualify for 5% deposit with no LMI even if you've owned property before — provided you haven't owned in the last 5 years. Places are limited each financial year.
Scheme eligibility, property caps, and grant amounts change regularly. We confirm your exact entitlements as part of every free assessment.
What Your Deposit Actually Gets You
The deposit you bring in changes everything — your repayments, your LMI bill, and which lenders will actually work with you. Here's the honest breakdown.
| Your Scenario | Deposit Required (on $600k) | LMI Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% — First Home Guarantee | $30,000 | $0 | Salaried buyers who want in now and meet scheme criteria |
| 5% — Without Scheme | $30,000 | ~$15,000–$25,000 | Anyone outside the guarantee scheme who still wants to move fast |
| 10% — With LMI | $60,000 | ~$6,000–$12,000 | Buyers who want offset accounts and full loan features with lower LMI |
| 20% — No LMI | $120,000 | $0 | Savers who want the lowest rate and no insurance costs |
| $0 — Family Guarantor | $0 | $0 | Buyers whose parents can put up equity — no cash deposit needed |
Figures based on a $600,000 purchase price. LMI estimates vary by lender — we confirm your exact cost as part of your free assessment.
How We Get You to the Finish Line
Five steps. No surprises. We handle everything between assessment and settlement.
Clarity First
- Your actual borrowing capacity — not a rough guess
- Every scheme you qualify for, confirmed
- A clear plan for your deposit before you start looking
Get Pre-Approved
- Matched to the right lender for your situation
- Application submitted within 2–5 business days
- Pre-approval in hand so you can make offers with confidence
Find Your Property
- Know your ceiling before you walk into any inspection
- Contract flagged for risks before you sign
- Clear advice on when it's safe to bid unconditionally
Lock It In
- Property valuation ordered and managed
- All grant paperwork lodged and confirmed
- Loan documents reviewed and signed off
Settlement Day & After
- We coordinate with all parties on settlement day
- Your rate reviewed every 6 months — automatically
- Annual check-in to make sure your loan still fits
What Sets Based Finance Apart
We treat your first purchase like the financial decision it actually is.
A first home buyer deserves more than a rate comparison. We run a complete process that covers every grant, reduces delays, and gives you confidence on the day you need it most.
Based Finance vs Banks vs Other Brokers
| Service | Based Finance | Other Brokers | Banks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track down every government scheme and concession you're entitled to | ✓ | ? | ✗ |
| Search across 60+ lenders for the right first home buyer loan | ✓ | ? | ✗ |
| Manage your First Home Guarantee application end to end | ✓ | ? | ✓ |
| Get you auction-ready with a file before you bid | ✓ | ? | ✗ |
| Set up guarantor loans with a clear exit strategy for everyone involved | ✓ | ? | ? |
| Review your rate every 6 months so you're never paying more than you should | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero cost to you — lender pays us after your loan settles | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Explain every decision in plain English before you sign anything | ✓ | ? | ✗ |
Get Your Free First Home Assessment
Find out exactly how much you can borrow, which grants you qualify for, and what your deposit pathway looks like — at no cost and no obligation.
What Can You Actually Borrow?
Tell us where you're at — we'll give you a straight answer on what you can borrow, which lenders suit your situation, and what it'll actually cost. No broker fees, ever.
Tell Us What You're After
Thanks — we'll be in touch.
Expect a call or email within one business day. We're available on weekends too.
This page contains general information only and does not constitute financial or credit advice. Eligibility criteria, grant amounts and scheme availability change regularly. Please speak with a qualified mortgage broker to discuss your individual circumstances.