Sitting Down with a Broker | Episode 1: First Home Buyer Grants, Deposits & Getting Into the Market

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Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Between saving a deposit, understanding government grants and trying to work out what's fact and what's fiction, it's easy to put your plans on hold.

That's exactly why we've launched our new video series, Sitting Down with a Broker.

In Episode 1, we sat down with Chris from VH Finance to answer some of the most common questions first home buyers ask. From government grants and deposit requirements to shared equity schemes and stamp duty concessions, we discuss practical advice to help buyers better understand what's available and how they may be able to enter the property market sooner than they think.

Do you really need a 20% deposit?

While having a larger deposit can have its advantages, it's no longer the only pathway into home ownership. Depending on your circumstances, there are government initiatives that may allow eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit - or even 2% in some cases.

What government assistance is available?

The conversation also covers the range of grants and schemes currently available to eligible first home buyers, including:

• First Home Owner Grant

• Home Guarantee (5% Deposit) Scheme

• Support available for eligible single parents

• Shared Equity Schemes

• Stamp duty concessions for eligible first home buyers

  
  

Why getting advice early matters

One of the key messages throughout the episode is the value of speaking with a mortgage broker early in the process. Many buyers assume they're still years away from purchasing, only to discover that they already qualify for grants or low-deposit schemes they didn't know existed.

By understanding your borrowing capacity, available government assistance and your individual options from the beginning, you can make informed decisions with confidence.

The biggest takeaway

Chris's advice is simple: don't let common misconceptions stop you from exploring your options.

There are more grants, incentives and assistance programs available for first home buyers today than ever before. While every buyer's situation is different, seeking professional advice could reveal opportunities that make buying your first home achievable much sooner than you expected.

Watch Episode 1

If you're thinking about buying your first home or you're simply curious about what's available - Episode 1 of Sitting Down with a Broker is a great place to start.

Watch the full conversation above to hear Chris from VH Finance answer some of the most frequently asked questions about deposits, grants, shared equity and getting into the property market.

Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with us or leave a comment on the video, and we'll do our best to answer it in an upcoming episode.