First Home Buyers

Your First Home — Made Simple

The government offers thousands of dollars in grants and savings for first home buyers. Sila navigates every scheme on your behalf — at no cost to you.

Your First Home — Made Simple

Getting Into Your First Home Shouldn't Feel This Hard

Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, and the finance side can feel genuinely overwhelming. At Seamless Edge, that's exactly where we come in. Sila has helped hundreds of first-time buyers across Australia cut through the confusion, access the right grants, and walk into their first home with real confidence.

Why Work With Sila

What Seamless Edge Does For You

Borrowing Capacity

Sila calculates your real borrowing power — accounting for income, expenses, debts, and lender-specific policies — so you shop with confidence.

Every Grant Identified

We map out every grant, scheme, and exemption you qualify for — FHOG, First Home Guarantee, stamp duty, FHSS — and handle all the paperwork.

50+ Lenders Compared

Not one bank — over fifty lenders. We find the loan product and rate structure that fits your situation, goals, and timeline best.

End-to-End Support

From the first call through to settlement day — and beyond. Sila is available evenings and Saturdays, and responds the same day.

Government Schemes

Every Scheme Explained

Many of these schemes can be combined — Sila will identify your complete entitlement in your first free consultation.

First Home Guarantee

The First Home Guarantee (formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme) is a federal government program that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan value.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Key Features

  • Buy with just 5% deposit — no LMI required
  • Government guarantees up to 15% of loan value
  • Saves up to $30,000+ in LMI costs
  • 10,000 places available each financial year
  • Must be owner-occupier, income caps apply

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The FHOG is a one-off cash payment from state governments for eligible first home buyers purchasing a new or substantially renovated home.

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Key Features

  • $10,000 to $20,000 grant depending on your state
  • Must be a newly built or substantially renovated home
  • Must move in within 12 months of settlement
  • Australian citizens or permanent residents only

Stamp Duty Exemptions

First home buyers across Australia can save thousands on stamp duty. Exemptions and concessions apply to properties at or below the price thresholds set by your state's revenue office.

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Key Features

  • Full or partial exemptions available in most states
  • Thresholds vary depending on your location
  • Additional concessions available for off-the-plan purchases
  • Applies to both new and established homes
  • Must be your first home in Australia

First Home Super Saver Scheme

The FHSS Scheme lets you save money for your first home inside your superannuation fund, where the concessional tax rate may help you save faster.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Key Features

  • Save up to $15,000 per year inside super
  • Maximum $50,000 total per person
  • Couples can access up to $100,000 combined
  • Potential tax advantages over standard savings
  • Can be used for any residential property

Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee

Similar to the First Home Guarantee but designed specifically for buyers purchasing in regional Australia. Allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI in designated regional areas.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Key Features

  • Available in regional locations across Australia
  • 5% deposit, no LMI required
  • 10,000 places each financial year
  • Must purchase in an eligible regional area
  • Income and property price caps apply

Family Home Guarantee

The Family Home Guarantee supports single parents with at least one dependent child to buy a home sooner, with an even lower deposit requirement.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Key Features

  • Purchase with just 2% deposit — no LMI
  • Available to single parents with dependents
  • 5,000 places per financial year
  • Can be a first home or previous owner-occupier
  • Income and property price caps apply
Common Questions

First Home Buyer FAQs

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

In most cases, lenders require a minimum 20% deposit to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). However, with government schemes like the First Home Guarantee, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as 5% deposit with no LMI. Single parents may qualify for just 2% deposit through the Family Home Guarantee. Sila will advise the minimum deposit required for your specific situation.

What is the First Home Guarantee?

The First Home Guarantee is a federal government program that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying LMI. The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan, meaning you avoid LMI — saving potentially $10,000–$30,000+. Sila will check your eligibility and apply on your behalf.

Can I combine multiple government schemes?

Yes — many schemes can be stacked. For example, you may be able to use the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) alongside the First Home Owner Grant and a state-specific stamp duty exemption at the same time. Sila maps out your complete entitlement in your first free consultation.

What is the First Home Owner Grant?

The FHOG is a one-off cash grant from state and territory governments for eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home. The grant amount varies by state (for example, between $10,000 and $20,000). The property must be newly built or substantially renovated. Sila handles the full application as part of your loan process no matter where you live.

Am I exempt from stamp duty as a first home buyer?

First home buyers across Australia may qualify for full stamp duty exemptions or partial concessions. The exact thresholds and rules depend on the state or territory in which you are purchasing. Additional concessions may also apply for off-the-plan purchases. Sila will calculate your exact saving upfront.

What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)?

The FHSS allows you to save up to $15,000 per year ($50,000 total) inside your superannuation as a deposit, with potential tax advantages. Couples buying together can each access up to $50,000, creating a combined deposit pool of $100,000.

How long does the home loan process take?

Pre-approval typically takes 3–7 business days once all documents are submitted. Full approval after finding a property takes another 3–10 business days depending on the lender. Settlement is usually 30–90 days after signing contracts. Sila manages the entire timeline and keeps you informed at every stage.

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Real Results

First Home Buyers Who Got There With Seamless Edge

"Sila explained everything so clearly from the very first call. We had no idea we qualified for the First Home Guarantee until she walked us through it. We were in our home within six weeks. She is absolutely amazing."

MF
Mele F. First Home Buyer, Sydney NSW

"Sila found a stamp duty exemption we didn't even know existed and saved us over $20,000. She was available every step of the way — even on weekends. The whole experience was calm, guided, and professional."

JP
James & Priya T. First Home Buyers, Brisbane QLD

"As a Pacific Islander it meant so much to work with someone who genuinely understood our community and our values. Sila spoke to us like family. From the first call to settlement day, the process felt guided and calm."

DK
Daniel K. First Home Buyer, Melbourne VIC

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

In your free consultation, Sila will map out every grant and scheme you are eligible for, your exact borrowing capacity, and the next steps to get you into your first home.

Book Free Consultation +61 488 886 189