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FIRST HOME BUYERS · MELBOURNE & GEELONG

Your first home.
Start with a clearer plan.

You can picture life there. Let’s work out what could make it possible, with room for the life you want after moving day.

Talk about my first home ↗Get the free planning sheet ↓

Phone, video or office appointment. You can start with questions.

Trusted advice since 2011.Client experiences →Our recognition →

Where are you up to?

EXPLOREI’m still exploringMake sense of the budget, deposit and support options. PREPAREI’m getting ready to buyKnow what to prepare before an offer or application.

IF YOU’RE RESEARCHING

Start with life. Then the loan.

You don’t need a property picked out to begin. These three checks give your search a useful starting point.

  1. A repayment you can live with

    Think about everyday spending, family plans and the savings you want to keep. A comfortable budget and a lender’s borrowing limit answer different questions.

    Explore repayment estimates →

  2. More than the deposit

    Allow for duty where applicable, conveyancing, inspections, lender costs and moving. Keep a buffer separate from the money you intend to spend.

    Build a buying-cost picture →

  3. A way in that suits you

    Your savings, property choice and eligibility can affect the options. Compare support without assuming a smaller deposit makes every purchase affordable.

    Explore first-home support →

DEPOSIT & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

What might help you get started?

Open the option that interests you. Eligibility, property limits and lender assessment apply; we can help you check what fits your circumstances.

Victorian stamp duty relief

Eligible first-home buyers can receive a duty exemption for a home with a dutiable value up to $600,000, or a concession from $600,001 to $750,000. New and established homes may qualify. Occupancy and other conditions apply.

State Revenue Office Victoria: first-home duty relief ↗
First Home Owner Grant

Victoria’s $10,000 grant may apply to an eligible new home valued at $750,000 or less. An ordinary established-home purchase does not qualify. Check the property and applicant rules before including it in your budget.

State Revenue Office Victoria: First Home Owner Grant ↗
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme

Eligible first-home buyers may purchase with a deposit from 5% without lenders mortgage insurance. A 2% minimum may apply to eligible single parents or legal guardians. This is a government guarantee, not a cash grant; purchase costs, price caps and lender checks still matter.

Housing Australia: Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme ↗
Help to Buy: shared equity

Eligible buyers may contribute a minimum 2% deposit, with a government equity contribution of up to 30% for an existing home or 40% for a new home. The government shares in changes in value, and ongoing conditions apply. Compare the long-term implications as well as the smaller loan.

Housing Australia: Help to Buy ↗
First Home Super Saver Scheme

This scheme may let eligible buyers release certain voluntary super contributions and associated earnings towards a first home. Check the contribution, release and purchase sequence before relying on it.

Australian Government: First Home Super Saver Scheme ↗

WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TAKE A STEP

Closer to a property? Put these in order.

Tell us your timeframe early, especially if an auction or offer is coming up. We can explain the finance steps while your conveyancer handles the contract.

  1. Bring the useful basics

    A picture of income, savings, debts and regular spending is enough to start a conversation. We’ll agree which documents are needed and how to share them securely.

    Prepare for your conversation →

  2. Understand any pre-approval

    Ask what has been checked, what remains conditional and when it expires. Pre-approval is not a final promise to fund a particular property.

    Understand pre-approval →

  3. Check before you commit

    Have your conveyancer review the contract and arrange appropriate property checks. Confirm the deposit, finance conditions and lender requirements before bidding or signing.

    See the property checks →
Preview of the first-home planning sheet

A USEFUL FIRST STEP · FREE DOWNLOAD

First-home planning sheet

Put your goals, four discussion numbers and questions in one place. Print it, jot down what you know and leave the rest for our conversation.

  • Your budget and cash buffer
  • Checks before an offer or auction
  • Questions to ask Chris
Download the planning sheet ↓

2-page PDF · 183 KB · No email required. Print and complete by hand.

A FEW QUICK ANSWERS

Good questions.
Clearer next steps.

Understand fees and commissions →

★★★★★

“He guided us through every stage, and no question was ever too big or too small.”

J & G · First home · Ringwood
Google review excerpt supplied by FRF. Individual experiences differ.

Is it too early to talk?

No. You can start while you’re researching or saving. Tell us where you are now and what you hope to do; we can identify the information and next steps that would help.

Do I always need a 20% deposit?

No. Some lending and government-support options allow smaller deposits. Eligibility, lender assessment, possible lenders mortgage insurance and purchase costs all affect the overall picture.

What does working with a broker cost?

We explain any applicable fees and lender commissions before you proceed. You can read how FRF is paid and bring any questions to the conversation.

Explore all FAQs →

LET’S TALK IT THROUGH

Your first step can be a conversation.

Bring the question that’s on your mind. We’ll help you turn it into a practical next step for your first home.

Ringwood / Melbourne · Geelong · Phone & video

Talk about my first home ↗Or call Chris on 0448 010 999What to expect at your appointment →

General information only, not an approval or a recommendation for your circumstances. Lending criteria, terms, fees and eligibility apply. Seek appropriate legal, tax and financial advice for your decisions.

Sources and information checked · 14 October 2026

Rules and products can change. Confirm current requirements before acting. Lender examples explain features and are not product recommendations.

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YOUR FIRST CONVERSATION

A conversation about
your next step.

Talk with Chris about your plans and the questions that matter to your household or business.

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