Buying your first home is an exciting, but big step to take and one that comes with many questions and decisions. The first big question is how much you can borrow and what your likely repayments will be.
That’s where an AFWM broker comes in. We will do all the legwork for you. An AFWM broker is be able to compare home loans across over 1500 products available from Australia’s leading lending institutions.
And because you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible for a first home buyer grant. This is a grant available to Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to buy or build their first home, which will be their principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement. As grant conditions vary from state to state, contact us to find out how much grant money you could receive.
If you need to know more please get in touch with us by phone or send an enquiry. We look forward to then walking you through your available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re all unique when it comes to our finances and borrowing needs. Get an idea of how much you could borrow and what your likely repayments would be with our online calculators. An AFWM broker will then help determine the next steps on your path to owning your own home.
Loan types and loan features will give you a good idea of the main options available, but because there are hundreds of different home loan products available, and individual circumstances are all different, contact us today to take a look at your options.
A deposit is usually between 5% – 10% of the value of a property, which you pay when signing a Contract of Sale. If you can’t organise a deposit in time, we as your broker may be able to arrange a deposit bond until settlement – although you’ll have to pay extra for this. If the deposit requested is 10%, your conveyancer may be able to negotiate this down to 5%.
Go to our Repayment Calculator for an overall idea of what your likely repayments may be, but because there are so many different loans available, some with lower introductory rates, an AFWM broker can help you navigate your options.
Most lenders offer flexible repayment options to suit your pay cycle. Aim for weekly or fortnightly repayments, instead of monthly, as you will make more payments in a year, which will reduce your loan balance considerably and also time off your loan.
This is a grant available to Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to buy or build their first home, which will be their principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement. As grant conditions vary from state to state, contact us to find out how much grant money you could receive.
There are a number of fees involved when buying a property. To avoid any surprises, the list below sets out all of the usual costs.
- Stamp Duty – This is the big one. All other costs are relatively small by comparison. Stamp duty rates vary between state and territory governments and also depend on the value of the property you buy. You may also have to pay stamp duty on the mortgage itself. To find out your total Stamp Duty charge, visit our Stamp Duty Calculator.
- Legal/conveyancing fees – Generally around $1,000 – $1500, these fees cover all the legal rigour around your property purchase, including title searches.
- Building inspection – This should be carried out by a qualified expert, such as a structural engineer, before you purchase the property. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the building inspection, so if there are any structural problems you have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. A building inspection and report can cost up to $1,000, depending on the size of the property. You can choose a reputed inspector to do so or get help from your broker or real estate agent.
- Pest inspection – Also to be carried out before purchase to ensure the property is free of problems, such as white ants. Your Contract of Sale should be subject to the pest inspection, so if any unwanted crawlies are found you may have the option to withdraw from the purchase without any significant financial penalties. Allow up to $500 depending on the size of the property. You or your real estate agent or conveyancer may arrange this inspection.
- Lender costs – Most lenders charge establishment fees to help cover the costs of their own valuation as well as administration fees. Your AFWM broker can let you know what your lender charges but allow about $600 to $800.At times we can get this waived.
- Moving costs – Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a removalist if you plan on using one.
- Mortgage Insurance costs – If you borrow more than 80% of the purchase price of the property, you’ll also need to pay Lender Mortgage Insurance. You may also choose to take out Mortgage Protection Insurance. If you buy a strata title, regular strata fees are payable.
- Ongoing costs – You will need to include council and water rates along with regular loan repayments. It is important to also take out building insurance and contents insurance. Your lender will probably require a minimum sum insured for the building to cover the loan, but make sure you actually take out enough building insurance to cover what it would cost if you had to rebuild. Likewise, make sure you have enough contents cover should you need to replace everything if the worst happens.