Everyone talks about how hard it is to save a deposit. What often gets missed is the setup — your deposit size, loan type, and buffer (extra money kept aside for safety). That setup decides if your first home is a one-off, or the start of something bigger.
Most first-home-buyer chats focus only on saving a deposit. That matters, but it’s only one part of the picture. The loan type, whether you choose a fixed or variable rate, and how much buffer you keep all shape your finances a year or five years down the track.
Government schemes and lender rules change often. What a friend or family member did a few years ago might not apply to you today. We check the current rules for your situation, instead of guessing from old information.
We explain what counts as real savings, and how lenders actually look at your deposit — not just the percentage you see advertised.
We check if you qualify for deposit and guarantee schemes right now, based on your own situation.
We choose a loan type now that leaves room for you to refinance or invest again later.
Which one fits depends on your deposit, your income, and how much flexibility you want later.
The simplest path: build your deposit through savings. Lenders check this against their standard rules for what you can afford to repay (called serviceability).
Options for buyers with a smaller deposit. We explain how Lenders Mortgage Insurance, or LMI (a fee some lenders charge when your deposit is small), affects your total cost — so it’s never a surprise.
A guarantor (often a parent) offers part of their own property as extra security, so you need a smaller deposit. This can help, but it’s important to understand what the guarantor is risking before you go ahead.
Loans built around current government first-home-buyer schemes, for buyers who meet the rules at the time they apply.
Many of Blue Guide Finance’s first-home-buyer clients are early in their careers. That includes plenty of nurses and healthcare workers on shift-based or casual pay. Nathan is a full-time mortgage broker who still picks up casual nursing shifts today. He’s sat exactly where you are now — early career, an unpredictable roster, and not sure what a bank will actually offer. That firsthand, current experience shapes how we explain the numbers, not just how we calculate them.
A few things worth understanding before you fall in love with a property.
It depends on the lender and loan type, not just one flat percentage. We check what you’d need based on your income, the type of property, and any schemes you might qualify for.
Often, yes. A family member can use the equity (the value they already own) in their own home to help you. It’s important to understand exactly what they’re risking before you go ahead, and we’ll explain it clearly.
The rules and limits change over time. Instead of trusting what you’ve read online, we check your situation against the current rules directly.
There’s no single right answer. It depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with, how tight your budget is, and where rates are sitting. We’ll talk through the pros and cons for your situation.
Bring your income, your savings, and a rough idea of what you want. We’ll work out what you can realistically borrow before you start inspecting homes.