First Home Buyer Loans Sydney

First home loans explained clearly

Grants, deposits, stamp duty, borrowing capacity: we walk you through it all

We help first home buyers make sense of it all. We explain what you are actually eligible for, what you can realistically borrow, and guide you through each step from pre-approval to settlement.

We understand where you are starting from

Most first home buyers we work with share similar concerns

Information overload.

You have researched online, talked to friends, and now have more questions than answers. Every source seems to say something different.

Fear of making a costly mistake.

This is likely the biggest financial decision of your life. Getting the wrong loan or missing out on a grant you were entitled to feels like a risk you cannot afford.

Uncertainty about what you can actually borrow.

Online calculators give you a number, but is it realistic? Will a bank actually approve that amount for your situation?

Confusion about the process.

Pre-approval, conditional approval, unconditional approval, settlement. What happens when, and what do you need to do at each stage?

These concerns are completely normal. The good news is that with the right guidance, the process becomes much clearer.

First home buyer grants and schemes

Several government schemes exist to help first home buyers enter the property market. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, the property you are buying, and when you apply.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

A one-off payment for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. The grant amount and eligibility criteria vary by state. In NSW, the grant is currently available for new homes up to a certain value.

Eligibility requirements apply. We confirm current details when assessing your situation.

Eligibility requirements apply. We confirm current details when assessing your situation.

Stamp duty concessions

First home buyers may be eligible for reduced stamp duty or full exemptions depending on the property value and type. In NSW, concessions apply to both new and established homes below certain price thresholds.

Thresholds and concession rates can change. We calculate what applies to your specific purchase.

Thresholds and concession rates can change. We calculate what applies to your specific purchase.

First Home Guarantee

A federal government scheme allowing eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees the difference between your deposit and the standard 20%.

Places are limited each financial year. We assess whether you may be eligible.

Places are limited each financial year. We assess whether you may be eligible.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

Save for a home deposit inside your superannuation fund, potentially with tax advantages. Voluntary contributions can be withdrawn for a first home purchase, subject to limits and conditions.

We recommend speaking with a financial adviser about the tax implications.

We recommend speaking with a financial adviser about the tax implications.

Family Home Guarantee

A scheme supporting eligible single parents or single legal guardians to buy a home with as little as 2% deposit. Income limits and property price caps apply.

First Home Buyers Calculators

Our calculators give you a clear picture of what you can afford, your estimated repayments, and how much deposit you’ll need so you can move forward with confidence.

Explore Our Calculators

Here's what actually happens

The typical finance process from first conversation to settlement.

Discovery
Session

We discuss what you’re trying to achieve and your current financial position. No paperwork needed yet, just a conversation. It takes about 30 minutes.

Information Gathering

We work out what documents we need and explain why banks need them. You gather information while we assess your borrowing capacity.

Analysis & Recommendations

We analyse your position, present you with options that actually fit, and explain which lenders suit your situation and why.

Application
& Approval

We handle the paperwork, bank conversations, and keep you updated through each stage. You stay informed throughout.

Documentation
& Settlement

We coordinate with solicitors, manage the documentation process, and see your loan through to settlement. Usually 3-4 weeks from application to settlement, depending on complexity.

What clients say

Jonathan Streater is an outstanding mortgage broker. He helped me secure finance for an investment property and made the entire lending process smooth and stress-free. His knowledge of investment property finance, clear communication, and ability to deliver within tight timeframes was exceptional. I would highly recommend Jonathan to anyone looking for expert mortgage or investment lending advice.

Michael Reid

March 16th, 2026

I can’t speak highly enough of Jonathan and the incredible service he provided. From day one, he went above and beyond to make the entire process smooth, stress-free, and easy to understand. His knowledge, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping us achieve the best outcome were clear at every step. His communication was outstanding, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. We truly felt supported and confident knowing he was in our corner. We’re incredibly grateful and highly recommend Jonathan.

Jamie Kentwell

November 22nd, 2025

We had such a great experience with Jonathan from JEM Finance Group. Jonathan made the whole refinancing process so much easier than I expected, he took the time to really understand my situation and explain everything in simple terms.

Jonathan was always quick to reply and really went out of his way to find the best deal for us which made the whole process stress free. Jonathan explained everything clearly and kept us updated the whole time which in turn saved us $600 per month on our mortgage repayments.

Honestly couldn’t have asked for better service. If you need a mortgage broker who actually cares and makes things simple, JEM Finance Group is the way to go.

Kim Taylor

October 1st, 2025

Made life very easy and very helpful with any questions i had

Anthony Sfirse

September 24th, 2025

I would like to thank Jonathan at Jem Finance for the exceptional service and for going above and beyond to get us the outcome we desired.
Much appreciated.

Darren Vella

August 26th, 2025

We chose JEM after a friend’s recommendation, we found dealing with Jonathan very easy and always prompt to answer our queries. We are in the process of using JEM again now and could not be happier.

Jenene Johnson

July 7th, 2025

Things were handled for me, didn’t take much of my time as they did most of the work
Great service by Jonathan and the team, look forward to working with them again.

Nezar Hazim

March 31st, 2025

Great help, from beginning to end

Brendon Skinner

March 3rd, 2025

We recently chose to refinance both our home and investment loans, and we had the pleasure of working with JEM Finance Group. Jonathan took the time to thoroughly understand our needs and provided expert advice tailored to our situation. His extensive knowledge, skills, and experience were evident throughout the process, ensuring we secured our loans on the best possible terms. Jonathan was professional, efficient, and easy to work with. I highly recommend their services.

August 26th, 2024

Great service, professional, efficient, obtain best rates/deals, very transparent and informative. I will not hesitate to recommend JEM Finance Brokers to all my family, relatives and friends. Thank you Jonathan greatly appreciated.

Mark

August 9th, 2024

Questions we get asked

Ask Your Question

Do I need a 20% deposit to buy my first home?

No. Several lenders and government schemes allow smaller deposits. The First Home Guarantee lets eligible buyers purchase with 5% deposit without LMI, and some lenders accept deposits below 20% with Lenders Mortgage Insurance. We assess what applies to your situation and what the most realistic path looks like.

How do I know how much I can realistically borrow?

Online calculators give a rough figure, but your actual borrowing capacity depends on how your specific income, expenses, and debts are assessed by a lender. We give you a realistic, accurate picture based on your actual financial position — not a generic estimate.

What does the process look like from start to settlement?

It starts with a discovery conversation about your situation and goals. We then assess your borrowing capacity, help you understand your options and any applicable grants, assist with your pre-approval, and once you find a property, handle the full application through to settlement. Most standard home loans take 3 to 4 weeks from application to settlement.

What grants and schemes are available for first home buyers in NSW?

Several government programs exist to help first home buyers. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides a one-off payment for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home. Stamp duty concessions or exemptions apply to properties below certain value thresholds. The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The Family Home Guarantee supports eligible single parents with as little as 2% deposit. We confirm current eligibility and thresholds when assessing your specific situation, as these can change.

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and do I have to pay it?

LMI protects the lender (not you) if you default on a loan with a smaller deposit. It is typically required when your deposit is below 20%. The cost is added to your loan or paid upfront. Government guarantee schemes can allow eligible buyers to avoid LMI entirely with a smaller deposit.

What is the difference between pre-approval and unconditional approval?

Pre-approval (also called conditional approval) confirms you can borrow up to a certain amount, subject to verification of your information and the property you purchase. Unconditional approval is granted once you have a specific property under contract and the lender has completed its full assessment. We guide you through both stages.

First Home Buyers

Refinancing

Construction Loans

Investment Property

Invest Through Your SMSF with Confidence

Equipment Finance

Vehicle Finance

Medical Equipment

Construction Equipment

Second Mortgages

Bridging Finance

Caveat Loans

Commercial Property

Business Loans

Working Capital

Debtor Finance