Woodrow Finance
5.0 from 279 Google reviewsWestlake, QLD
Website verified
PAYGFirst home buyersSelf-employedGovernment
Mortgage brokers for first home buyers
A good mortgage broker can make your first home loan far less stressful. They’ll explain the grants and schemes you can use, compare lenders for you and handle the paperwork. Here’s what to know, and how to find a broker who works with first home buyers every day.
First home buyer mortgage brokers by city
SydneyMelbourneBrisbanePerthAdelaideGold CoastRegional New South WalesNewcastleSunshine CoastCanberraRegional VictoriaRegional QueenslandGeelongWollongong and IllawarraCentral CoastRegional Western AustraliaRegional South AustraliaHobartCairnsToowoombaDarwinTownsvilleBallaratLauncestonRegional TasmaniaBendigoRegional Northern Territory
What a mortgage broker does for a first home buyer
A broker works out how much you can borrow, compares loans across their lender panel, checks which grants and schemes you qualify for, and manages the application through to settlement. Most are paid a commission by the lender, so you usually don’t pay them directly. Ask them to explain how they’re paid before you start.
Get your paperwork ready
Lenders will want ID, recent payslips, bank statements showing your savings history, details of any debts (including credit cards and buy now pay later), and your last tax return if you’re self-employed. Having these ready speeds up pre-approval.
Pre-approval isn’t a promise
Pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious, but the lender still checks the property and your finances again before final approval. Avoid new debts or big purchases until you settle.
Questions worth asking a broker
How many first home buyers do you help each year? Which lenders on your panel suit my situation, and why? Which grants and schemes can I use? What fees will I pay, and how are you paid?
Grants and schemes for first home buyers
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
- Buy with as little as a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (2% for eligible single parents and legal guardians).
- No income caps and no limit on places since 1 October 2025.
- Property price caps apply and vary by area. Your broker or a participating lender can check the cap for your postcode.
New South Wales
- No transfer duty on new or existing homes up to $800,000, and reduced duty up to $1 million.
- No duty on vacant land up to $350,000, and reduced duty up to $450,000.
- A First Home Owner (New Homes) Grant is available for eligible new homes. Check Revenue NSW for the current amount and caps.
Victoria
- A First Home Owner Grant for eligible new homes.
- A full duty exemption or a duty concession for eligible first home buyers, depending on the property’s value.
- Check the State Revenue Office for current amounts and thresholds.
Queensland
- A First Home Owner Grant of up to $30,000 for eligible new homes valued under $750,000.
- A full transfer duty concession for eligible first home buyers buying or building a new home.
- A partial first home concession may apply to established homes.
Western Australia
- From 7 May 2026: no transfer duty on homes up to $600,000, with a concessional rate up to $800,000.
- No duty on vacant land up to $450,000, with a concessional rate up to $550,000.
- A First Home Owner Grant is available for eligible new homes.
South Australia
- A First Home Owner Grant for eligible new homes.
- Stamp duty relief for eligible first home buyers buying a new home or land to build on.
- Check RevenueSA for current amounts and conditions.
Tasmania
- A First Home Owner Grant of $20,000 for eligible new homes, for contracts in the 12 months from 1 July 2026.
- The duty exemption for first home buyers of established homes ended on 30 June 2026.
Australian Capital Territory
- From 1 July 2026, first home buyers, and people who haven’t owned property in the past five years, can pay no stamp duty, with no income test or price cap.
- The ACT no longer pays a First Home Owner Grant. Check eligibility with the ACT Revenue Office.
Northern Territory
- Grants and stamp duty concessions are available for eligible first home buyers.
- Amounts have changed often, so check Territory Revenue Office for what applies now.
General information only, last checked 9 October 2026. Grants and concessions change often and have eligibility rules, so confirm with the official source or a mortgage broker before you rely on them.
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“I had a great experience working with Mini throughout my home loan process. She was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about…” HANK