Getting Started
New to home loans? Start here. Plain-English guides to deposits, pre-approval, LVR, government schemes and the first steps of buying property in Australia.
Featured in Getting Started
Our most comprehensive and valuable resources in this category
First Home Buyer's Complete Guide to Australian Property 2026
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in Australia — from understanding your financial position, navigating deposit options and government schemes, through to pre-approval and settlement.
How Much Deposit Do You Actually Need to Buy in Australia?
The 20% deposit rule is not the only path to homeownership in Australia. This guide explains the real deposit options available — from 2% to 20% — and what each one actually costs you.
Understanding Home Loan Pre-Approval: What It Is and Why You Need It
Pre-approval is your ticket to making competitive offers in Australia's property market. Here's exactly what it is, how to get it, and what it doesn't guarantee.
All Getting Started Content
15 articles available
First Home Buyer Grants and Incentives in Every Australian State (2026 Complete Guide)
Every Australian state and territory offers different grants, concessions, and incentives for first home buyers — from $10,000 to $30,000 in cash grants plus stamp duty waivers worth tens of thousands more. This guide covers every scheme in every state.
Stamp Duty in Every Australian State and Territory: Rates, Exemptions, and Concessions (2026)
Stamp duty varies dramatically between states — from zero for eligible first home buyers in some states to $40,000+ for established homes in others. This state-by-state guide covers every rate, exemption, and concession.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): How to Use Your Super to Buy a Home in Australia
The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets you salary sacrifice into super and withdraw up to $50,000 to buy your first home — with significant tax savings along the way. This guide explains exactly how to use it.
Guarantor Home Loans in Australia: How Parents Can Help You Buy a Home in 2026
A guarantor home loan lets you buy with as little as 0–5% deposit by using a family member's property as additional security — avoiding LMI entirely. This guide explains how guarantor loans work, the risks for guarantors, and how to release the guarantee.
Buying Off the Plan in Australia: Risks, Benefits, and Finance Considerations in 2026
Buying off the plan means purchasing a property before it is built — often at today's price with settlement 1–3 years away. The stamp duty savings can be significant, but the risks are real. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Buying Property at Auction in Australia: Finance, Pre-Approval, and What You Must Know
Buying at auction means no cooling-off period, no finance clause, and an immediate 10% deposit. If your finance falls through, you lose the deposit. This guide explains how to prepare your finance before auction day.
First Home Buyer's Complete Guide to Australian Property 2026
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in Australia — from understanding your financial position, navigating deposit options and government schemes, through to pre-approval and settlement.
Downsizing Your Home in Australia: Financial Benefits, Super Contributions, and Tax
Thinking about downsizing in retirement? This guide covers the financial benefits, the downsizer super contribution, stamp duty considerations, and age pension implications for Australian homeowners.
Australian Mortgage Glossary: 80+ Terms Every Borrower Should Know
From LVR and LMI to offset accounts and comparison rates — this comprehensive glossary explains every Australian mortgage term in plain language. Bookmark this page for quick reference.
How Much Deposit Do You Actually Need to Buy in Australia?
The 20% deposit rule is not the only path to homeownership in Australia. This guide explains the real deposit options available — from 2% to 20% — and what each one actually costs you.
Guarantor Home Loans in Australia: How They Work and What to Watch Out For
A guarantor loan lets you borrow with little or no deposit by using a family member's property as additional security. Here is how it works, the risks, and how to structure it properly.
Buying Property at Auction in Australia: Complete Preparation Guide
Auctions account for over 30% of property sales in Sydney and Melbourne. Understanding the rules, preparation requirements, and finance implications is essential before you bid.
Understanding Home Loan Pre-Approval: What It Is and Why You Need It
Pre-approval is your ticket to making competitive offers in Australia's property market. Here's exactly what it is, how to get it, and what it doesn't guarantee.
Stamp Duty in Australia: State-by-State Guide for 2026
Stamp duty — now called transfer duty in most states — is one of the largest upfront costs of buying property in Australia. This guide explains how it's calculated, what first home buyer concessions apply, and how to budget for it.
The First Home Guarantee Explained: Buy with 5% Deposit and No LMI
The First Home Guarantee is one of the most valuable schemes available to Australian first home buyers in 2026 — allowing eligible buyers to purchase with just 5% deposit without paying LMI. Here's everything you need to know.
Need Personalised Advice?
Our experienced mortgage brokers can help you apply these insights to your specific situation.