*iSelect is the trading name of iSelect Mortgages Pty Ltd (ABN 86 148 217 181). iSelect Mortgages Pty Ltd is a credit representative (Credit Representative 400540) of Auscred Services Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 442372). iSelect provides a referral to Lendi Pty Ltd ACN 611 161 856 (Lendi) who provides credit assistance. Lendi is a credit representative of Auscred Services Pty Ltd (ACN 164 638 171) (Licensee). iSelect Mortgages Pty Ltd receives a commission from the Licensee for each new customer account created and for each home loan submitted through this service.
We partnered with Lendi* to help you compare home loans from over 25 lenders and over 2,500 home loan products.
Here we’ve laid out what you need to know when it comes to finding the property of your dreams, and the right home loan to go with it.
One of the most important first steps when you’re looking to buy a home is knowing what you can afford. Use iSelect’s Borrowing Power Calculator to work out an approximate figure based on your income, regular expenses and how many dependents you have.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)Â is a one-off, tax-free grant paid to Australian citizens or permanent residents who are buying their first home in Australia. It can be very useful in covering some of the cost of stamp duty. Each state and territory has their own cap on the maximum house price for FHOG eligibility.
The First Home Owner Grant was brought in on 1 July 2000 to offset the cost of the GST. Although it’s a national scheme, each state and territory offers different bonuses and incentives, and has different eligibility rules to receive the grant.
This, combined with the fact that the First Home Owner Grant has changed a lot since it was first introduced, means it can be hard to keep track of what’s on offer.
If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible for the First Home Owner Grant, and what you could potentially get back, here’s a state-by-state guide to how it works.
To be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant, you must:
Last but not least, the total purchase price of the property must not exceed the capped amount in your state or territory.
As mentioned, the First Home Owner Grant varies across Australia.
Make sure you learn about Stamp Duty - you can get an indication of the government fees and grants or concessions in your state or territory.
Another important first step in the home-buying process is saving for a deposit. Generally, the more money you’re able to put down the better, but you may be able to fast-track your dreams of home ownership through a low deposit home loan.
Alternatively, you may be able to purchase a property with no deposit and without having to pay LMI if you have someone to act as guarantor on your home loan. In this case, your guarantor would be liable for an agreed, guaranteed amount in the event that you default on the loan.
However, the guarantor would need to have sufficient equity in their home loan so they don’t incur LMI when supporting the guarantee. Learn more about no deposit home loans.
To apply for the First Home Owner Grant, visit the relevant revenue office in your state or territory:
Our team at iSelect have partnered with Lendi*, so we can help you compare a range of different providers on the market. Use our online tool to compare home loans, or give Lendi a call on 1300 186 260 (08:30-18:30).