Question 1

Do I have to go through your partner?

Accepted Answer

No - but we’ve partnered with AIA Australia because we trust their advice and service for our clients.

Question 2

Is life insurance expensive?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your age, health, and level of cover, but many people are surprised at how affordable it can be.

Question 3

What types of insurance should I consider?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your situation, but may include life cover, income protection, total and permanent disability (TPD), and trauma cover.

Question 4

Can I set this up through my super?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. But it’s important to understand the pros and limitations.

Question 5

How often should I review my home loan?

Accepted Answer

At least every 12–24 months, or sooner if your circumstances change.

Question 6

Is it worth refinancing for a slightly lower rate?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the loan size and costs involved, even small rate reductions can make a big difference over time.

Question 7

What are cashback offers?

Accepted Answer

Some lenders offer cash incentives when you refinance, these can help offset switching costs.

Question 8

Should I fix my rate or stay variable?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and where rates are at, there’s no one right answer.

Question 9

Can I use equity to buy an investment property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In many cases, your existing property can provide the deposit through equity, depending on your lending position.

Question 10

How much deposit do I need?

Accepted Answer

It varies, but many investors use equity instead of cash savings.

Question 11

Will the rental income help me borrow more?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lenders typically include a portion of expected rental income when assessing borrowing capacity.

Question 12

Is now a good time to invest?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your personal financial position more than the market alone.

Question 13

Can I use my home loan for renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have enough usable equity and borrowing capacity, you may be able to access funds through your home loan.

Question 14

Do I need quotes before applying?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but having a clear renovation plan helps structure the funding correctly.

Question 15

Is it better than a personal loan?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes, because home loan interest rates are typically lower, but it depends on your situation.

Question 16

Will this increase my repayments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because your loan balance increases, but the structure can be tailored to keep repayments manageable.

Question 17

Will consolidating my debt affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

It can have a short-term impact depending on the structure, but over time, simplifying and consistently managing one loan can support your credit position.

Question 18

Can I consolidate debt without owning a home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is where a personal debt consolidation loan may be used.

Question 19

Is it better to put debt into my home loan?

Accepted Answer

It can reduce interest and repayments, but it also extends the loan term. So it needs to be structured carefully.

Question 20

Will my repayments go down?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes, but the focus should be on sustainability, not just short-term relief.

Question 21

Can I buy before I sell my current home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a bridging loan in this scenario is the most useful option here. But that does depend on your equity and borrowing capacity. It needs to be structured correctly to avoid financial strain.

Question 22

Do I need a deposit for my next home if I already own one?

Accepted Answer

Often your existing equity can act as your deposit, but it depends on your loan structure.

Question 23

What is a bridging loan?

Accepted Answer

A bridging loan is a short-term loan that helps you buy your next home before you’ve sold your current one. It “bridges the gap” between the two properties by giving you access to temporary funding so you can secure your new home without having to wait for your sale to settle first. Once your existing home sells, the loan is typically paid down using the proceeds.

Question 24

What are the typical costs of a bridging loan?

Accepted Answer

Bridging loan costs vary depending on the lender and your situation. Interest rates generally range between 8–10%, depending on the lender and structure.

You’ll also typically see:
 • Application fees: around $300–$700
 • Ongoing facility/loan account fees: approximately $10 per month while the bridging loan is in place

Because you’re temporarily holding two loans, the structure needs to be carefully managed to ensure repayments remain affordable and the transition into your next home is financially safe and well planned.

Question 25

How much do I need for a deposit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your income, loan structure, and whether you’re eligible for grants or low-deposit options. Most first home buyers can now enter the market with less than 20%. Make sure to also check stamp duty costs when figuring out how much in savings you need.

Question 26

Can I buy with a low income?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. With many of my clients in this scenario we've been able to either get them a loan with Keystart, provide them with a 40 year loan term, or help them to access the Help to Buy Scheme - which reduces your loan repayments because the government has helped to contribute to the house purchase.

Question 27

What government grants are available?

Accepted Answer

First home buyers may be eligible for stamp duty concessions or grants depending on price and criteria.

Question 28

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on preparation and property search..

How Do I Buy My First Home in Perth?

Buying your first home can feel exciting… but also overwhelming.

Most first home buyers we speak to are juggling:

Buying your first home usually comes down to four core steps:

The process itself isn’t complicated, but the strategy behind it matters.

Am I Ready to Buy My First Home?

You may need more clarity first if:

How the First Home Buying Process Actually Works

What Most First Home Buyers Get Wrong

A lot of people think the hardest part is finding the right house. But the real issues usually come from:

not understanding borrowing capacity before house hunting

overestimating what they can comfortably afford

relying on online calculators that don’t reflect real lending criteria

missing out on grants or support they were eligible for

and rushing into decisions because of pressure or fear of missing out

Buying your first home is not just about getting approved, it’s about getting structured correctly from the start.

Risks You Need to Understand

Real-Life Example

A recent first home buyer came to me thinking they had “nowhere near enough” to buy. After reviewing their situation, we found:

they were eligible for a first home buyer grant

their borrowing capacity was higher than expected

a family member decided to gift them funds to assist them

and with proper structuring, they could comfortably enter the market sooner than they thought

Instead of waiting years to “feel ready,” they were able to move forward with clarity and confidence, and avoid overthinking their way out of opportunity.

Why This Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All Strategy

How We Help You Buy Your First Home

Frequently asked questions