Government support
What government support may be available.
The following schemes are available at a federal or state level. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, property type, income, and government criteria — which are subject to change. Claudia assesses your eligibility at no cost during your consultation with Claudia.
Federal schemes — available across Australia
First Home GuaranteeBuy with a smaller deposit — no LMI required. Subject to eligibility.
Subject to eligibility
Regional First Home Buyer GuaranteeFor eligible buyers purchasing in a regional area.
Regional only
Family Home GuaranteeFor eligible single parents. Smaller deposit may be possible.
Single parents
First Home Super Saver SchemeWithdraw voluntary super contributions toward your deposit. Tax advantages apply.
Up to $50K
Help to Buy SchemeGovernment co-purchase arrangement. Income-tested. Subject to availability.
Income-tested
Note: Specific grant amounts are not quoted as eligibility and amounts vary by individual circumstances and are subject to government changes. Claudia will confirm what applies to your situation during your consultation with Claudia.
State comparison
How Queensland compares to other states.
The stamp duty treatment and First Home Owner Grant available to buyers differs significantly by state. All figures are subject to individual eligibility, government criteria, and are current as at April 2026. Always confirm current figures with Claudia or your state revenue office.
State-by-state overview
Stamp duty and FHOG — general guide only, subject to eligibility and change
| State | Stamp duty — first home buyers | First Home Owner Grant |
|---|
| Queensland | Concession/exemption may apply for eligible buyers on eligible properties | Available for eligible new builds — subject to criteria |
| New South Wales | Concession or deferral may apply in some circumstances | Available — subject to eligibility criteria |
| Victoria | Exemption or reduction may apply for eligible buyers | Available — subject to eligibility criteria |
| South Australia | Exemption may apply on eligible new builds | Available — subject to eligibility criteria |
| Western Australia | Exemption may apply on eligible purchases under threshold | Available — subject to eligibility criteria |
Specific dollar amounts are not quoted as these vary by individual circumstances and property values. Contact your state revenue office or speak with Claudia to confirm what applies to your purchase.
Deposit options
How much deposit do you actually need?
Different deposit structures exist depending on your savings, the government schemes you qualify for, your lender, and the property type. Subject to lender assessment and individual eligibility. Claudia will explain which options apply to your specific situation.
5%
Smaller deposit — with guarantee scheme
Eligible buyers may be able to purchase with a smaller deposit under the First Home Guarantee without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Subject to eligibility, lender assessment, and availability of guarantee places.
10%
Standard deposit — LMI may apply
Without a government guarantee, Lenders Mortgage Insurance typically applies below 20% deposit. The cost varies by lender and loan size. Some professions may qualify for LMI waivers.
20%
Full deposit — no LMI
A 20% deposit avoids LMI entirely and typically provides access to the broadest range of lender products and rates. Takes longer to save but reduces the overall loan cost.
3 mo
Genuine savings requirement
Most lenders require at least 3 months of genuine savings — money sitting in your account, not a recent gift or windfall. Start saving consistently as early as possible.
Common misconceptions
Four myths that stop buyers who are ready.
These are the four most common things people believe that are not always as true as they think.
Myth
"I need a 20% deposit before I can buy anything."
Reality
Government guarantee schemes may allow eligible buyers to purchase with a smaller deposit and no LMI. Subject to eligibility and lender assessment.
Myth
"My income is too low to get a home loan."
Reality
Different lenders assess income differently. Comparing 40+ lenders often reveals more options than going to a single bank. Subject to lender assessment.
Myth
"I should just go to my bank first."
Reality
Your bank shows you one product. A broker compares 40+ lenders and finds the best structure for your situation — at lender-paid service.
Myth
"Using a broker costs extra money."
Reality
Mortgage brokers are paid by the lender — paid by the lender directly. The service is at no cost to every client.
The buying process
Your 8-step path from zero to keys.
Every home purchase follows the same general process. Claudia manages steps 1 through 7 on your behalf — you focus on finding the right property.
The complete buying process
From first call to settlement day
1
Initial consultation with Claudia
Discuss your situation, goals, and timeline. No pressure, no forms.
Start here
2
Grant eligibility assessed
Every available scheme reviewed for your specific situation and property type.
3
Lender selected — 40+ compared
Claudia identifies the best lender and structure for your income and goals.
4
Pre-approval issued
Shop with confidence knowing your borrowing capacity and conditions.
Offer ready
5
Find your property
Claudia reviews contracts before you sign. Building and pest inspection recommended.
6
Formal application lodged
Claudia manages the lender through to formal approval on your behalf.
7
Formal approval granted
Your loan is unconditionally approved. Settlement is confirmed.
8
Settlement — you get the keys
Claudia stays with you to this moment and stays available after.
Done
Key terms
Plain English glossary.
The terms you will encounter — explained simply, without jargon.
Glossary of key mortgage and property terms
LMI
Lenders Mortgage Insurance — protects the lender (not you) if you default. Typically applies when your deposit is under 20%. The cost varies by lender and loan amount and can be added to your loan.
Pre-approval
A conditional indication of lending from a lender based on your financials. Not a guarantee of formal approval. Typically valid for 3–6 months. Conditions and validity vary by lender.
Conveyancer
A licensed professional who handles the legal transfer of property from seller to buyer. You need one for every purchase. Costs vary by state and complexity.
Offset account
A savings account linked to your mortgage. Money in the offset reduces the balance on which interest is calculated — effectively reducing the interest you pay over time.
Comparison rate
A rate that includes the interest rate plus most ongoing fees — giving a more accurate picture of the true cost of a loan. Always compare this alongside the advertised rate.
Redraw
A feature on some loans allowing you to withdraw extra repayments you have made above the minimum. Subject to lender terms and conditions.
Settlement
The final step where legal ownership transfers, funds are exchanged, and you receive the keys. Typically occurs 30–90 days after contracts are exchanged, depending on the agreed timeframe.
Equity
The difference between your property's current value and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Equity grows as you repay your loan and/or as the property value changes over time.
Get ready
Pre-application checklist.
Have these ready before your call with Claudia — the more complete your documents, the smoother the process.
Documents to have ready
Bring what you have — Claudia will guide you through anything missing
Last 2 years of tax returns
Download from myGov. Self-employed? 2 years of business financials and assessments.
Last 3 payslips (PAYG)
Most recent payslips showing name, employer, income, and YTD figures.
3 months of bank statements
All accounts. Lenders assess savings pattern and regular expenses.
Photo ID
Drivers licence (both sides) and passport. Certified copies may be required.
List of all debts and liabilities
Credit cards (even unused), HECS, Afterpay, car loans. All reduce borrowing capacity.
Proof of deposit and genuine savings
Statements showing savings built over time. Gift letters required if applicable.