Buy your first home with a clear borrowing plan, the right loan setup, and fewer surprises from offer to settlement.
Buying your first home is exciting, but it’s also where small mistakes can cost big money — choosing the wrong loan, missing hidden costs, or signing a contract you don’t fully understand. We help first home buyers get clear on their borrowing capacity, set up the loan properly, and navigate the purchase process with confidence. You’ll understand what you can afford, what you need to prepare, and what to watch out for before you commit.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
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You’re unsure how much you can actually borrow (once a lender factors in living expenses, credit limits, and HECS/HELP).
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You’ve saved a deposit but you’re not sure if it counts as genuine savings, or how gifted funds are assessed.
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You’re comparing low deposit options, LMI, and guarantor strategies and want the real trade-offs.
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You’re worried about buying the “wrong” property type for lending (apartment size, off-the-plan, unusual properties, etc.).
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You want clarity on the full cost to buy (deposit, fees, inspections, settlement costs).
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You want to buy now, but keep flexibility for future plans like upgrading or investing later.
HOW IT WORKS
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Strategy Session (get clear fast)
We map your goals, timeline, deposit position, and any risks that could block approval. -
Borrowing Capacity + Loan Options
We assess your income, debts, expenses, and credit profile, then show you realistic price ranges and lender options. -
Deposit + Cost Planning
We calculate your “all-in” buying costs, confirm how your deposit will be assessed, and plan buffers so you’re not short at settlement. -
Pre-Approval + Purchase Guidance
We organise a strong pre-approval and guide you through common contract and timing risks (finance clauses, valuation issues, settlement periods). -
Application to Settlement (done with you)
Once you find a property, we manage the loan submission, conditions, valuation, and settlement steps — keeping it simple and transparent.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
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Advice-first lending → not just a rate quote
We focus on the best fit lender and structure for your situation, not just the lowest headline rate. -
Clear, practical guidance → you stay in control
You’ll understand what the bank is assessing, what documents matter, and what actions improve your position. -
Risk management built in → fewer deal-breakers
We proactively manage common issues like valuation shortfalls, property restrictions, deposit rules, and conditional approval hurdles. -
End-to-end support → from first chat to settlement
We coordinate the moving parts with your lender and help keep the process on track right through to settlement day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need pre-approval before I start looking?
You can start inspecting anytime, but pre-approval gives you a real budget and reduces stress when it’s time to make an offer. It also helps you avoid falling in love with a property that doesn’t fit lender rules.
What first home buyer incentives might apply to me?
Depending on your state/territory, you may be eligible for incentives like stamp duty concessions/exemptions, first home buyer grants, or shared equity-style programs. These usually have price caps, property-type rules, and “live in” requirements. We’ll help you understand what you may qualify for and how it changes your upfront costs and deposit strategy.
What are the main upfront costs when buying a first home?
Usually: deposit, stamp duty (if applicable), conveyancing/legal fees, building/pest inspections, lender fees, and moving/setup costs. We help you work out a realistic total and make sure you’re not short at settlement.
How long does pre-approval take?
If your documents are ready, it can often be done in 1–2 weeks. Timing depends on lender workload, income type (PAYG vs self-employed), and whether anything needs to be cleaned up (credit file, account conduct, statements).
What’s the difference between LMI and a guarantor?
LMI is a premium that may let you buy with a smaller deposit (it protects the lender, not you). A guarantor can reduce or avoid LMI, but it exposes a family member’s property to risk, so it needs careful boundaries and proper advice.
Do you charge a fee?
Often, no — the lender pays us if your loan proceeds. If your situation needs extra work (complex income, unusual property, tight timelines), we’ll explain it upfront so you can decide.
Next Step
If you want clarity before you start making offers, book a strategy session. We’ll confirm your borrowing capacity, map out your best loan options, and show you what to watch for so you can buy with confidence.
Chat with DFG today
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