First-Time Buyer
Your First Home, Your Biggest Step
Buying your first home is exciting and daunting. Our specialist first-time buyer advisers guide you through every step — from understanding how much you can borrow to handing over the keys.
3.5%APR from / year
5%Min. Deposit
35 yrsMax Term
FreeFTB Adviser
First-Time Buyer Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
🏠 How Much Can I Borrow?
Most lenders offer between 4–4.5x your annual income. Some specialist lenders can go up to 5.5x for professionals. Here are example amounts based on income:
| Annual Income | Max Borrow (4.5x) | With 10% deposit |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $180,000 | Home up to $200,000 |
| $60,000 | $270,000 | Home up to $300,000 |
| $80,000 | $360,000 | Home up to $400,000 |
| $100,000 | $450,000 | Home up to $500,000 |
💰 What Deposit Do I Need?
Minimum deposit5%
Better rate from10%
Best rates from25%+
🏭 Government Schemes Available
Cofinavit / Infonavit
Use your INFONAVIT or FOVISSSTE credits alongside a private mortgage to buy a larger property or reduce your deposit requirement.
Shared Ownership
Buy a share of a property (25–75%) and pay rent on the rest. A much lower deposit is required to get started.
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor
A parent or family member can be added to boost affordability without being on the title deeds.
🧮 FTB Calculator
Max. Borrowing (4.5x)
$270,000
Monthly Payment
$1,350
Max property: $285,000 · Representative 3.5% APR
📚 FTB Checklist
Common FTB Questions
Questions First-Time Buyers Ask Us Most
How long does getting a mortgage take?
From initial application to mortgage offer typically takes 3–6 weeks. The full process from offer to completion depends on the chain but is usually 8–16 weeks. Our advisers work to keep things moving as quickly as possible.
Will applying for a mortgage hurt my credit score?
Our initial eligibility check and Agreement in Principle use a soft search only, which leaves no trace on your credit file. A hard search only takes place when you make a full application to a specific lender — we always tell you before this happens.
Can I get a mortgage if I have student debt?
Yes. Student loan repayments are treated differently to other debts by most lenders. They reduce your net income slightly but do not disqualify you. Many of our clients buy their first home while still repaying student loans.
What other costs do I need to budget for?
Beyond your deposit, budget for: legal/conveyancing fees ($1,500–$3,000), property survey ($300–$1,500), mortgage arrangement fee (sometimes added to loan), moving costs, and any initial home improvements. Your adviser will give you a full cost breakdown.