First home buyers

Buying your first home doesn't have to feel overwhelming

For most people, buying their first home is new territory. You’re working out what you can afford, how much you need, and how the whole process actually works. Respondr Finance helps you cut through that. You get clear guidance on where you stand, what your options look like, and how to set things up properly from the start.

It’s not just about getting approved

Getting a loan is one part of it. Understanding how everything fits together is what makes the difference.

You’re trying to figure out how much you can borrow, what deposit you need, what costs are involved, and how lenders assess your situation.

Without clear guidance, it’s easy to second guess your decisions or move forward without fully understanding what you’re signing up for.

Borrowing capacity
Deposit requirements
Pre-approval
First home buyer options

Your first home starts with getting the basics right

Buying your first home is new territory. It’s not just about finding a place, it’s about understanding how the numbers work and what lenders are looking for.

You might be working through your deposit, your borrowing position, and what needs to be in place before you can move forward. It’s a lot to take in, especially when you haven’t done it before.

Respondr Finance helps you make sense of it early, so you know where you stand, what your options look like, and how to move forward with more confidence.

Hear from our clients

"Jimmy has been accommodating and transparent throughout this process. His professional and personal attitude has made this a breeze for us. Highly recommend Jimmy and his team at Respondr Finance."
Brooke Logan
"Jimmy was patient, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer our questions. We really appreciated his support, professionalism, and genuine willingness to help every step of the way. We had a fantastic experience working with Jimmy and couldn’t recommend him highly enough."
Hannah Smith
"Jimmy’s communication was first class and he went above and beyond to deliver the best possible outcome in the quickest possible time. In over 40 years in business, Respondr Finance was the best finance brokerage experience I’ve enjoyed to date and I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Leo Young

What we help you get right from the start

Know what you can afford

We break down your income, expenses, and borrowing position so you have a clear idea of your range before you start looking.

Understand the full cost

It’s not just the deposit. We walk you through the upfront costs so there are no surprises along the way.

Get set up properly from the start

Your loan is structured to suit your situation now — with the detail handled properly from the beginning.

What this means for you

More clarity

You know what you can borrow, what you need to move forward, and what your next step looks like.

No surprises along the way

You know the upfront costs and what to expect, so nothing catches you off guard as you move through the process.

Set up properly from the start

Your loan is set up in a way that supports what you’re trying to achieve — not just getting approved.

Support the whole way through

You’re not left trying to figure things out on your own — you’ve got someone guiding you at each step.

Pre-approval gives you clarity from the start

Getting pre-approved helps you understand what you can borrow, what your repayments may look like, and how your loan can be structured — before you start looking.


It puts you in a stronger position when the right property comes up, with clarity around your budget and confidence to act when you’re ready.

Questions first home buyers ask

How much can I borrow as a first home buyer?

Your borrowing capacity depends on your income, expenses, deposit, and any existing debts, as well as the lender’s assessment criteria.
Different lenders can assess your situation differently, which can impact how much you can borrow. We help you understand your borrowing position early, so you know where you stand before you start looking.

How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?

In many cases, first home buyers can purchase with a deposit as low as 5%, depending on the lender and eligibility for government schemes. The right deposit amount depends on your situation, including your savings, costs, and the type of loan. We help you understand what you need and how your deposit impacts your overall loan.

Do I need pre-approval before buying my first home?

Getting pre-approval isn’t mandatory, but it’s one of the best first steps for first home buyers. It gives you a clear understanding of what you can borrow, what your repayments may look like, and how your home loan can be structured — before you start making offers. It also puts you in a stronger position when you find the right property, as you’re ready to move with confidence.

What costs should I expect as a first home buyer?

It’s not just the deposit — there are additional costs such as stamp duty (if applicable), legal fees, inspections, and lender-related costs. Understanding these upfront helps you avoid surprises and plan properly. We walk you through the full cost so you know exactly what to expect before you move forward.

What government grants are available for first home buyers?

First home buyers may be eligible for government incentives such as the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions, depending on the property and your eligibility. These can vary by state and change over time, so we help you understand what applies to your situation and how it fits into your overall plan.