First Home Buyer Brokers in Brisbane
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It can feel exciting one minute and completely overwhelming the next, especially when you start deciphering loan types, deposit requirements, lender policies, and all the government schemes you might be eligible for.
That’s where a first home buyer mortgage broker comes in. At Woodrow Finance, our dedicated team of Brisbane mortgage brokers specialises in guiding first home buyers from that very first “where do I even start?” conversation right through to picking up the keys. We make the complicated simple, and we do it at no cost to you in the vast majority of cases.
If you’re ready to stop renting and start owning, let’s talk.
We compare across 50+ lenders to get you the best rates
What Does a First Home Buyer Broker Do?
A mortgage broker for first home buyers does a lot more than just find you a loan. We act as your guide, your advocate, and your sounding board throughout the entire process.
Here’s what working with a first home buyer broker at Woodrow Finance looks like:
- Understanding your goals: We sit down with you (or hop on a call) to understand what you’re looking for, what your finances look like, and what’s realistic right now.
- Comparing 50+ lenders: Instead of walking into one bank and accepting whatever they offer, we compare products across a panel of over 50 lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders.
- Navigating grants and schemes: Queensland and the federal government offer significant financial support for first-home buyers. We help you understand what you qualify for and how to stack benefits.
- Getting you pre-approved: We gather your financial information and secure a pre-approval, so you know exactly how much you can borrow before you start making offers.
- Supporting you through settlement: Once your offer is accepted, we manage the finance side and liaise with your conveyancer so you can focus on the exciting part.
Queensland First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes
First home buyers in Queensland have access to an impressive range of support, but the rules, deadlines, and eligibility criteria can be confusing. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what’s available right now.
Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): Up to $30,000
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home.
Right now, the grant is $30,000 for contracts signed before 30 June 2026 on new homes valued under $750,000. After that date, it reverts to $15,000. If you’re thinking about building or buying new, acting sooner rather than later could put an extra $15,000 in your pocket.
The FHOG applies to new builds, off-the-plan purchases, and substantially renovated properties. It does not apply to established homes. Eligibility is subject to conditions, including Australian residency, age requirements, and living in the property as your principal place of residence.
Stamp Duty Concessions: Real Savings on Your Upfront Costs
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is one of the biggest upfront costs in a property purchase. Queensland offers meaningful concessions for first-home buyers.
- Established homes: Full stamp duty concession on properties valued under $700,000. A partial concession applies for properties valued between $700,000 and $800,000.
- New builds and vacant land: Stamp duty has been abolished on new builds and vacant land purchases from 1 May 2025. That’s a significant saving that stacks on top of the FHOG if you’re building.
As a broker for first home buyers, we factor these savings into your overall affordability picture from the very first conversation.
Federal Government Schemes: Deposit Support and Shared Equity
The federal government also runs several schemes designed to help first-home buyers get into the market sooner with a smaller deposit.
First Home Guarantee (formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme)
The First Home Guarantee allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees the remaining portion of the deposit with participating lenders.
LMI
This is an insurance policy that protects the lender (not you) when you borrow more than 80% of a property’s value. It can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of a loan, so avoiding it with a 5% deposit is a significant advantage.
Family Home Guarantee
Designed for single parents and single legal guardians, the Family Home Guarantee allows eligible applicants to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit, with no LMI. This scheme recognises the challenges single-income households face when trying to save a traditional deposit.
Help to Buy (Shared Equity Scheme)
The Help to Buy scheme is a shared equity arrangement in which the federal government co-purchases a portion of your property, reducing the amount you need to borrow. This lowers your repayments and the deposit required. Eligibility conditions apply.
For the most current information on eligibility for these federal schemes, visit the Housing Australia website.
Can You Stack Multiple Grants and Schemes?
In many cases, you can combine benefits. For example, eligible buyers may be able to access both the Queensland FHOG ($30,000 on new builds) and the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) at the same time.
Whether you can stack benefits depends on your individual circumstances, the property you’re buying, and which schemes you qualify for. This is exactly the kind of detail our team of first home buyer mortgage brokers work through with you in your initial consultation.
Do You Need a 20% Deposit to Buy Your First Home?
No, and this is one of the biggest myths that keeps first home buyers waiting on the sidelines longer than necessary. While a 20% deposit means you avoid LMI and borrow less overall, many first home buyers purchase with 5%, 10%, or 15% deposits.
Our mortgage brokers for first home buyers will map out which approach makes the most sense for your situation.
Buying New vs Established: Which Is Right for You?
This decision has a bigger financial impact for first-home buyers in Queensland right now than at almost any other time, thanks to the current grant structure.
New builds and off-the-plan purchases
- Eligible for the $30,000 FHOG (until 30 June 2026, then $15,000)
- Stamp duty abolished on new builds and vacant land (from 1 May 2025)
- Subject to construction timelines and builder reliability
- May involve a construction loan with a progressive drawdown structure
Established homes
- Not eligible for the FHOG
- Stamp duty concession up to $700,000 (full); partial concession to $800,000
- Typically faster to settle, so no build wait
- Broader market choice
If you're considering building, our team can connect you with our construction loan broker service, which specialises in land and construction finance.
Why First Home Buyers Choose Woodrow Finance
There are plenty of brokers for first home buyers in Brisbane. Here's why first home buyers keep choosing us and referring their friends.
A dedicated broker from start to finish.
You work with one person throughout your entire journey, not a rotating cast of agents. You can call them directly. They know your situation inside out.
No cost in most cases.
Our first home buyer broker service is free to you in the vast majority of situations. We're paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles, and if any fees apply, they're clearly communicated.
50+ lenders and independent.
We're not tied to any bank or lender. We compare options across the market and recommend what's right for you.
Grants and scheme expertise.
We stay on top of QLD and federal first home buyer support, so you don't have to. We'll make sure you're not leaving money on the table.
We speak plain English.
No jargon, no acronyms without explanation, no assuming you already know how this works. Our first home buyer brokers meet you where you are.
Beyond first home buying, our team also supports clients with refinancing, investment property loans, self-employed home loans, home loans for doctors, SMSF lending, asset finance Brisbane, and the full suite of brokerage services.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Buying your first home is a big deal, and you deserve a broker who treats it that way.
Book a no-obligation call with our first home buyer mortgage broker team today. We'll run through your situation, outline what you're eligible for, and give you a clear roadmap to getting into your first property.
Call us on (07) 2111 1294 or submit your details below and we'll be in touch.
Grant eligibility is subject to individual circumstances. Please refer to the Queensland Revenue Office and Housing Australia for full eligibility criteria. This content is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice.
Our Team
Get to know the qualified brokers and finance specialists behind Woodrow Finance. We help everyday Australians understand their lending options and feel confident about the home loan and finance journey.
Daniel
Founder & Mortgage Broker
Founder of Woodrow Finance, delivering tailored advice with transparency and fast, personalised service.
Baxter
Mortgage Broker
Seven-plus years' experience, specialising in self-employed and investment lending plus first-home and construction loans.
Nathaniel
Finance Specialist
Qualified Finance Specialist helping first-home buyers, investors and refinancers find tailored finance solutions.
200+ 5-Star Google Reviews
"Dealing with Woodrow Finance was an exceptional experience that presented non-stop outstanding service.
Special mention to Mr Baxter Hill, I was very nervous about purchasing my first home however he made the whole process a breeze. Baxter was friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
When I am in need of a broker again I shall definitely be proceeding with Woodrow Finance - Thank you Baxter & Team!
Lucas
"Dan and his team went above and beyond what anyone should to secure us a great home loan within a very short period of time. We were originally misled by another broker which led to us almost losing our land that we had secured.
Dan jumped onto our case straight away and within two weeks we had everything signed and secured. Dan spoke with everyone involved and provided reassurance the whole way. He secured us an extension on our land finance date as well to ensure we got what we wanted. Dan was available at all hours and made time outside of hours to help us sign our documents. I can’t recommend Dan and Woodrow Finance enough."
Jarred
As a first time buyer, he certainly made the process worth it and got a great home loan.
So incredibly thankful. 10/10 would recommend."
Brianne
Let’s Get Started — Your New Property Is Waiting
Start with a no-obligation call with one of our Brisbane home loan brokers to explore how we can help you get the best deal on your next property purchase. Submit your details and our team will be in touch.
FAQs
How much deposit do I actually need?
It depends on your situation and which schemes you qualify for. You could purchase with as little as 2% (Family Home Guarantee) or 5% (First Home Guarantee) without paying LMI if eligible. In other cases, a 10-20% deposit gives you more lender options and potentially better rates. Our brokers for first home buyers run through your numbers in your first consultation.
Can I combine the Queensland FHOG with the First Home Guarantee?
In many cases, yes. The FHOG is a state grant, and the First Home Guarantee is a federal scheme, so they operate through different channels. Stacking them is possible for eligible applicants buying or building new.
How long does pre-approval take?
Pre-approval typically takes one to two weeks once we have your documents together. It’s generally valid for three months, giving you a clear budget window while you search for the right property.
Do I pay stamp duty as a first-home buyer in Queensland?
For established homes, you may receive a full concession (under $700,000) or partial concession (up to $800,000). For new builds and vacant land, stamp duty has been abolished from 1 May 2025. Your exact liability depends on the purchase price and property type; our mortgage brokers for first home buyers factor this into your planning from day one.
Can I use a guarantor instead of a full deposit?
Yes. A guarantor loan allows a family member to use equity in their own property to support your borrowing, which can help you enter the market with a smaller deposit and potentially avoid LMI.
What's the difference between pre-approval and formal approval?
Pre-approval gives you a borrowing capacity estimate and makes your offers more competitive. Formal approval happens after you’ve had an offer accepted, and your lender formally approves the loan for that specific property after a valuation and final assessment.