First Home Buyer Brokers in Brisbane
Buying your first home in Brisbane is an exciting step, but the process involves grants, schemes, and lender requirements that can feel overwhelming. Brisbane Home Loan Broker connects first home buyers with specialist brokers who understand the Queensland assistance programmes and lending landscape. Our introduction service is completely free.
Queensland First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes
Queensland offers some of the most generous first home buyer assistance in Australia. A specialist broker ensures you maximise every entitlement.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) — $30,000
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant provides $30,000 for eligible buyers purchasing or building a brand new home valued at less than $750,000. Key eligibility requirements:
- Must be a new home (not an established property)
- Must be your first home purchase anywhere in Australia
- You must live in the property for at least six continuous months
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
This grant is administered by the Queensland Revenue Office and can be used alongside other schemes.
First Home Guarantee (formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme)
The Australian Government’s First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). For Brisbane, the property price cap is $700,000 (Brisbane capital city region).
Family Home Guarantee
Single parents with dependents can purchase with as little as 2% deposit under the Family Home Guarantee scheme, with no LMI payable. This applies to both new and established homes.
Queensland Stamp Duty Concessions
First home buyers in Queensland receive stamp duty concessions:
- Full exemption on homes valued up to $500,000
- Reduced rates on homes valued between $500,000 and $550,000
- Applies to both new and established homes for first home buyers
Understanding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
If your deposit is less than 20% and you do not qualify for a government guarantee scheme, most lenders require LMI. This can add $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on the loan amount and deposit size. A broker can identify lenders with lower LMI premiums or help you access schemes that avoid LMI entirely.
First Home Buyer Process
A typical first home buyer journey with a broker:
- Initial consultation — Discuss your income, savings, goals, and timeline
- Pre-approval — Know your borrowing capacity before house hunting
- Property search — Look within your approved budget across Brisbane suburbs like West End and Woolloongabba
- Make an offer — Your broker provides appropriate finance clauses
- Formal approval — Lender assesses the specific property
- Settlement — Keys in hand, you are a homeowner
Brisbane Suburbs for First Home Buyers
Brisbane offers diverse options for first home buyers at various price points. Inner suburbs like Woolloongabba and Fortitude Valley offer apartment living with excellent amenities, while surrounding suburbs provide entry-level opportunities. Your broker can advise on lender appetite for different property types and suburbs.
Lenders for First Home Buyers
Not all lenders treat first home buyers equally. Some have specific first home buyer products with lower fees or flexible deposit requirements. Our brokers compare products from CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ, Suncorp, BOQ, Macquarie Bank, ING, and many more to find the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do I actually need?
With the First Home Guarantee, you may purchase with just 5% deposit and no LMI. Without the scheme, most lenders require 5% minimum, but LMI applies below 20%. The Family Home Guarantee allows 2% for eligible single parents.
Can I combine the FHOG with the First Home Guarantee?
Yes. If you are buying a new home under $700,000 (Brisbane region) and meet eligibility for both, you can receive $30,000 from the FHOG and purchase with just 5% deposit through the First Home Guarantee.
What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)?
You can withdraw voluntary super contributions of up to $50,000 to put towards your first home deposit. This can provide tax advantages as super contributions are taxed at 15% rather than your marginal rate. Your broker can explain how this integrates with your loan application.
Can I buy an existing home and still get assistance?
Yes, but the $30,000 FHOG only applies to new homes. You can still access the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) and stamp duty concessions for established properties.
How much can I borrow as a first home buyer?
Borrowing capacity depends on your income, existing debts, living expenses, and the lender’s serviceability assessment. A broker assesses your situation and identifies which lenders offer the most favourable borrowing capacity for your circumstances.
Connect with a First Home Buyer Specialist
Tell us about your situation and we will connect you with a broker who specialises in first home buyer lending. They will help you understand your options, maximise your grant entitlements, and guide you through to settlement.
Explore our home loans page for general lending information, or our construction loans page if you are considering building your first home.
Brisbane Home Loan Broker is a broker introduction service. We connect you with qualified mortgage brokers who hold Australian Credit Licences (ACL). All credit products are subject to lender assessment, terms, conditions, and fees. Government grant eligibility is determined by the relevant authority.
