Assess Your Position
Discuss your income, expenses, savings, liabilities and property goals. We can then estimate your borrowing capacity and identify suitable next steps.
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Start Your Property Journey with Confidence
First Home Buyer Loans in Adelaide and Across Australia
Buying your first home is exciting, but understanding deposits, borrowing power, government support, lender requirements and property costs can feel overwhelming. Capital Connections Finance helps make the process simpler, clearer and easier to manage from your first discussion through to settlement.
Understand your borrowing capacity
Explore grants and deposit schemes
Receive support through settlement
Access to 40+ lenders
Adelaide-based, Australia-wide support
Personalised loan guidance
Your First Home Starts with a Plan
Your First Home Buyer Roadmap
- 1 Assess your finances and borrowing capacity
- 2 Review grants, schemes and deposit options
- 3 Seek pre-approval and begin your property search
- 4 Obtain valuation and formal loan approval
- 5 Sign documents and complete settlement
Start with a Clear Understanding of Your Home-Buying Position
Before inspecting properties or making an offer, it is important to understand your available deposit, likely borrowing capacity, expected repayments and additional purchasing costs.
Gearing Up for Home Ownership
Your first discussion with a mortgage broker should help you identify what may be achievable and what steps are needed before applying. Capital Connections Finance can help you review:
- Your deposit, savings history and available purchasing funds.
- Your income, regular expenses, existing debts and credit limits.
- Your estimated borrowing capacity and manageable repayments.
- Loan eligibility, supporting documents and lender requirements.
- Government support, concessions and low-deposit pathways that may apply to your circumstances.
Borrowing Power Calculator
Estimate how much you may be able to borrow.
Stamp Duty Calculator
Estimate stamp duty and government purchasing costs.
Loan Repayment Calculator
Compare estimated repayments across different scenarios.
Request a Free Property Report
Access helpful information before making a property decision.
The First Home Buyer Loan Process
Our structured process helps you understand what happens next, which documents are required and how your application progresses from an initial assessment to ownership.
Review Available Support
Check whether you may qualify for a deposit scheme, first home owner grant, stamp duty relief, shared-equity support or another government initiative.
Explore buyer supportSeek Pre-Approval
Prepare identification, income evidence, account statements, liabilities and deposit evidence before submitting a pre-approval application.
View approval guidanceObtain Formal Approval
Once you find a property, the lender may arrange a valuation and complete a detailed assessment before issuing formal approval.
Discuss your applicationComplete Settlement
Review and sign your loan documents, satisfy any remaining lender conditions and work with your conveyancer as settlement is prepared and completed.
Start your home loan planGovernment Schemes, Grants and First Home Buyer Support
Eligibility depends on your circumstances, property, location, lender and the rules applying when you purchase. The options below may help eligible buyers reduce upfront costs or enter the property market sooner.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Eligible first home buyers may be able to purchase with a minimum 5% deposit and government backing, without paying lenders mortgage insurance.
- Minimum 5% deposit for eligible first home buyers.
- No income caps, no scheme waiting list and no LMI.
- Location-specific property price caps and lender criteria apply.
South Australian Grant and Stamp Duty Relief
Eligible South Australian first home buyers may qualify for the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty relief when purchasing an eligible new home, off-the-plan apartment or vacant land on which a new home will be built.
- The grant and stamp duty relief have separate eligibility tests.
- Residence, property ownership and citizenship criteria may apply.
First Home Super Saver Scheme
The First Home Super Saver Scheme may allow eligible buyers to use certain voluntary super contributions toward purchasing or constructing their first home.
- A determination and release request must generally be completed under ATO requirements.
- Timing and eligibility should be checked before signing a contract.
Australian Government Help to Buy
Help to Buy is a shared-equity pathway under which eligible buyers may purchase with a minimum deposit while the Australian Government contributes part of the property purchase price.
- Income limits, property caps and ongoing obligations apply.
- The government shares proportionally in future gains or losses.
Look Beyond the Deposit and Advertised Interest Rate
A sustainable first home purchase should account for upfront costs, ongoing ownership expenses, loan flexibility and how repayments may change over time.
Stamp Duty and Transfer Fees
State or territory charges may apply unless you qualify for
available relief.
Conveyancing and Legal Costs
Obtain independent advice before signing a property contract.
Property Inspections
Building, pest and specialist inspections may identify risks
before settlement.
Insurance and Ownership Costs
Budget for insurance, council rates, utilities, maintenance and
emergency expenses.
Compare the Full Loan Structure
The lowest advertised rate is not always the most suitable option. A mortgage broker can help you compare the overall loan cost, features and lender requirements.
- Interest rate and comparison rate.
- Application, annual, package and discharge fees.
- Offset account and redraw availability.
- Fixed, variable or split-loan options.
- Additional repayment and refinancing flexibility.
- Repayment affordability if rates or expenses increase.
First Home Buyer Loan FAQs
Find straightforward answers to common questions about deposits, borrowing capacity, government assistance, loan selection and the first home purchase process.
What is a first home buyer loan?
A first home buyer loan is a home loan selected and structured for someone buying their first property. The loan may be a standard lender product, while eligible buyers may separately access government schemes, grants, concessions or low-deposit pathways.
Can I buy my first home with a 5% deposit?
Eligible buyers may be able to purchase with a minimum 5% deposit through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. Property price caps, owner-occupier requirements, lender criteria and other eligibility rules apply.
How do I choose a suitable home loan?
Compare more than the advertised interest rate. Consider the comparison rate, fees, offset and redraw features, repayment flexibility, fixed or variable options, lender policy and the total cost over your expected ownership period.
How can I improve my borrowing capacity?
Depending on your circumstances, it may help to reduce unsecured debts and unused credit limits, review regular expenses, maintain stable employment, build genuine savings and prepare complete financial documents.
What additional purchasing costs should I budget for?
Costs may include stamp duty, registration and transfer fees, conveyancing, property inspections, lender fees, insurance, moving expenses and immediate repairs or maintenance. Keep an emergency buffer after settlement where possible.
What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme?
The scheme may allow eligible buyers to use certain voluntary super contributions toward their first home deposit. You should review the current ATO requirements and complete the necessary determination and release process at the correct time.
What is lenders mortgage insurance?
Lenders mortgage insurance generally protects the lender when a borrower has a smaller deposit. It does not protect the borrower. Eligible scheme participants, guarantor borrowers or certain professionals may have alternatives depending on lender policy.
Should I buy a new or established property?
New properties may offer modern features and access to certain grants or relief, while established properties may provide a preferred location, larger land or existing amenities. Compare the total cost, condition, location and long-term suitability.
What are the steps to apply for a home loan?
- Assess your borrowing capacity and deposit.
- Prepare identification and financial documents.
- Apply for pre-approval where appropriate.
- Find a property and obtain contract advice.
- Complete valuation and formal approval.
- Sign loan documents and complete settlement.
Why work with a mortgage broker?
A mortgage broker can assess your position, explain lender requirements, compare available products, prepare the application and communicate with relevant parties throughout approval and settlement.
What is a cooling-off period?
A cooling-off period may allow a buyer to withdraw from a residential property contract within a limited period, often subject to conditions or a financial penalty. Rules differ between states, property types and auction purchases, so seek advice from a conveyancer or solicitor before signing.
Helpful First Home Buyer Resources
Continue your research with practical calculators, approval guidance, property information and government-support resources.
Home Loan Approval Guide
Understand documents, lender checks and the formal approval process.
First Home Owner Grant Guide
Learn how first home owner grants may support eligible purchases.
5% Deposit Scheme Guide
Review the opportunity, eligibility considerations and financial risks.
Free Property Report
Request useful property information before making a purchase decision.
Take the First Step Toward Buying Your First Home
Speak with Capital Connections Finance about your deposit, borrowing capacity, available government support and suitable first home buyer loan options.
General information only. This content does not consider your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Government schemes, grants, concessions, lender products and eligibility rules may change. Lending criteria, property limits, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Loan approval is subject to lender assessment. Obtain independent legal, taxation and financial advice where appropriate.