YOUR HOME LOAN.
MADE SIMPLE.

In these short videos, we're mapping out the home buying journey and what you need to know as a first home buyer. Let's start with stamp duty concessions. So, what is stamp duty? It's a government fee you pay when buying a property. Here's the good news – if you're a first-time home buyer, you may pay no stamp duty at all if the property is under a certain threshold. If the value is above that level but still within the concessional range, a lower duty amount may apply. Each state has its own rules, and if you're buying vacant land to build your first home, separate concession limits apply – but only to the land value. This is one of the biggest cost-saving opportunities for first home buyers, so check what you're entitled to early. In the next video, we'll cover the Home Guarantee scheme and how it can help you get into your first property sooner.

Could you buy a home with just 5% deposit? Here's how the Home Guarantee scheme makes it possible. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au This is a government initiative that lets first-time home buyers get into a property with as little as a 5% deposit. The big benefit? You can avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance, or LMI – which is an insurance that protects the bank, not you, if you can't repay your loan. With the Home Guarantee scheme, the government steps in to guarantee your loan, so you don't have to pay LMI. That can save you a significant amount upfront and lets you access the same interest rates as someone who has a 20% deposit. It's a huge advantage for first home buyers, helping you get into your first property sooner without paying extra fees. In the next video, we'll cover the First Homeowner Grant and how it can give you a boost for your deposit. Your home loan. Made simple.

Looking for a cash boost for your first home? Let's talk about the First Home Owner Grant. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au This is a one-off cash boost from the government for first-time home buyers. It only applies if you're buying a brand-new or substantially renovated property, or if you're buying land to build your own home. The property value thresholds differ depending on which option you choose. The grant can help with your deposit or other upfront costs, giving you a bit of extra financial breathing room and making it easier to get into your first property. In the next video, we'll talk about the Shared Equity Scheme and how the government can help you buy by contributing to your home's value.

What if the government helped you buy a home by owning a share with you? This is exactly what the Shared Equity Scheme offers. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au It lets eligible buyers purchase a home with a smaller deposit because the government contributes towards the price and owns a share alongside you. Their contribution limit depends on whether you're buying a new property or an existing one, but either way, it reduces your loan size and means lower repayments from day one. You don't pay rent on their portion, and over time, you can buy back their share and own more of your home. Eligibility includes income caps, property price limits, and the requirement to live in the home yourself. In the next video, we'll talk about the First Home Super Saver Scheme and how voluntary super contributions can give you a head start.

Want to use your super to help buy your first home? Here's how the First Home Super Saver Scheme works. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au This scheme lets first-time home buyers use voluntary contributions you've made to your superannuation to help buy your first property. It's important to note that this is not your compulsory super contributions, but extra contributions you've chosen to make on top of that. You can withdraw these voluntary contributions and put towards your deposit, giving you a head start on your first home. In the next video, we'll explore borrowing capacity and how to know what you can realistically afford.

How much home can you really afford? Let's work out your borrowing capacity. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au This calculation takes into account your income, expenses, deposit, and any additional costs, like stamp duty if applicable. It also factors in any benefits you're eligible for, such as the First Homeowner Grant, the Home Guarantee scheme, and the First Home Super Saver Scheme – since you can often use all of these together to boost your deposit, reduce upfront costs, and even increase your borrowing capacity. By understanding your borrowing capacity upfront, you'll know exactly what you can afford before you start looking at properties, helping you plan smarter and avoid surprises along the way. In the next video, we'll cover pre-approval and why it's an important step before you start your property hunt.

Want confidence before making an offer? Let's talk about pre-approval. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au A pre-approval is basically a conditional promise from a lender that they are willing to lend you a certain amount. Pre-approvals are generally valid for around 90 days, and if your financial situation changes during that time, we'll need to review it to make sure nothing affects your loan. It's important to remember that all pre-approvals are subject to property valuations and any conditions the bank sets, so it's not a final loan approval yet. Getting pre-approved gives you a clear budget and confidence when you start looking for your new home. In the next video, we'll start your property hunt and explain property valuations.

Found a property you love? Here's what happens next with valuations. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au Part of the purchase process involves a property valuation. This is when the bank checks that the property is worth what you're paying for it. Banks have different rules depending on property type and postcode, so they may require a valuation to make sure the property meets their lending criteria. The bank can only arrange a valuation once there's a signed and dated contract of sale. This applies whether you're buying under private treaty, a 66W, or at auction. In the next video, we'll talk about gauging the right price to pay for a property and using data from property reports. Your home loan. Made simple.

How do you know if a property is priced right? Here's a smart approach. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au After you've inspected a property, it's recommended to request a property report. While this isn't a formal bank valuation, it provides important information, such as the sale history of the property, estimated value range, and nearby property sales. Make sure to check recently sold properties, look at their photos, property condition, location, and compare the sale prices. It's also a good idea to inspect at least three to five similar properties and even check nearby rental properties. Even if you plan to live in the home yourself, understanding the local rental market can give you insight into future value, potential returns, and overall market trends. In the next video, we'll cover buying property and the cooling-off period. Your home loan. Made simple.

Did you know there's a period to back out of a property purchase? Let's talk about the cooling-off period. Not financial advice. General information only. More details at buyvest.com.au In a standard private treaty, you usually have a cooling-off period. This gives you time to complete final checks before the contract becomes legally binding. With a 66W certificate, you sign a legal certificate waiving this cooling-off period, which makes your offer immediately binding. For auctions, there is no cooling-off period at all. Once the hammer falls, you're legally committed to the purchase, and the bank can only start the valuation process after contracts are exchanged. For purchases under 66W or auctions, it's crucial that your contract review is complete and that you have contingencies in place, as valuations can only be ordered after exchange. For off-the-plan properties, the valuation can only take place once the property is ready – usually at registration or near full completion. In the next video, we'll cover what to do before signing a contract, including inspections and reviewing contract terms.