Start with the funds you have
Understand available funds, deposit requirements and costs outside the purchase price.
First home buyers
Your first home loan starts
before the property search.
Understand your deposit, borrowing capacity, purchase costs and timing with guidance from a Sydney-based mortgage broker supporting first home buyers across Australia.
Homebuyer
readiness map
readiness map
YourFirst home→
01Understand your position02Prepare with clarity03Move forward supported
01
Before the property search
Know the moving parts.
Then make the move.
A first home purchase involves more than finding a property. A clear view of your funds, commitments, costs and timing can make later decisions more deliberate.
First home buyer loan essentials
What should you prepare
before applying?
A useful starting point is a complete view of your finances—not only a property price. Preparing the information below can make a lending conversation clearer and help identify questions before you make an offer.
Deposit and purchase costs
Review your available savings, the deposit you may contribute and costs such as conveyancing, inspections, government charges and lender fees. The amount required depends on the property, lender and any support for which you qualify.
Income and commitments
Bring details of your income, employment, living expenses, existing loans, credit limits and dependants. These factors can influence borrowing capacity and which lender criteria may be relevant.
Repayments and structure
Consider a repayment level that remains comfortable alongside your other goals. Interest rates, loan term and whether a loan is fixed, variable or split can change both repayments and flexibility.
Timing and pre-approval
Discuss when you hope to buy and whether conditional pre-approval may help before serious property offers. Final approval still depends on lender checks, the selected property and current circumstances.
Explore the home-loan calculators, browse the Falcon lending guides, or discuss your position with Prasanth.
Borrowing capacity
More than
one number.
Borrowing capacity is shaped by your complete position, not an isolated estimate.
Position01Income02Expenses03Commitments04Deposit05Criteria06Structure
01Income and employment02Living expenses03Existing commitments04Available deposit05Lender requirements06Loan structure
First-home support
Useful when relevant.
Never assumed.
Programs, concessions and lender pathways may be worth discussing, but eligibility and rules can change.
Check what may apply →- 01IdentifyWhich programs may be relevant?
- 02CheckWhat rules apply?
- 03IntegrateHow does support fit the wider position?
A practical sequence
From early questions
to a clear next step.
Prepare
Bring the position you know today.
Understand
Clarify capacity, costs and considerations.
Search
Look with a more informed range.
Proceed
Move through approval supported.
First home buyer questions
Clear answers
before you apply.
These general answers provide a starting point. Your suitable pathway depends on your circumstances and current lender and government requirements.
How much deposit does a first home buyer need?
The deposit required depends on the property price, lender policy, loan structure and whether an eligible support program applies. It is also important to allow for purchase costs rather than treating every available dollar as the deposit.
What affects first home buyer borrowing capacity?
Lenders commonly consider income, employment, living expenses, existing debts, credit limits, dependants, deposit size and their own assessment criteria. A borrowing estimate is a starting point, not a guarantee of approval.
When should I seek home loan pre-approval?
Many buyers discuss pre-approval before making serious property offers so they can understand an indicative price range and any conditions. Pre-approval is generally conditional and does not guarantee final approval.
Can first home buyer grants or schemes reduce the amount I need?
Government grants, concessions and guarantee schemes may help eligible buyers, but availability and rules vary by location and can change. Current eligibility should be checked against your circumstances before relying on any benefit.
This information is general and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, fees, rates and government support can change.
Direct access
Your first step does not need
to be a property inspection.
Start with a direct conversation about your position.