Your first home shouldn’t feel like a second job. We’ll handle the heavy lifting.
he gap between “saving for a deposit” and “holding the keys” is filled with a lot of issues. Between the shifting interest rates, the aggressive auction culture in Melbourne, and the endless paperwork, it’s easy to feel like the dream is getting further away. At VaultFin, we cut through those problems. We’re here to make sure your first entry into the property market is a strategic move that sets you up for the long term.
Overview
Most first home buyers we talk to are feeling two things: excitement and total overwhelm. The market moves fast, and the rules for first-timers change even faster. You’re likely looking at a mountain of paperwork while trying to figure out if you actually qualify for those government grants everyone keeps talking about.
The biggest challenge isn’t just finding a house but also finding a lender that doesn’t treat you like a risk just because you haven’t done this before. Banks are tightening their belts, and “serviceability” (your ability to pay back the loan) is being scrutinized more than ever.
In order to simplify things, we give you a roadmap. We sit down with you to look at your “real world” budget, and not just a bank spreadsheet. We help you identify which grants you’re actually eligible for, like the First Home Guarantee or stamp duty concessions and we structure your application so the bank sees a reliable borrower, not a question mark.
The 8-Step Journey
Borrowing Capacity
Before you fall in love with a three-bedroom villa, we need to talk cold, hard numbers. We aren’t just looking at a basic online calculator. We’ll dive into your income, your actual living expenses, your current deposit, and your credit history. Our goal is to determine what you can comfortably afford, ensuring you are ready the moment you move in
Deposit Strategy
You don’t always need a 20% deposit to get into the market. We break down the different pathways available, whether that’s a 5%, 10%, or 20% deposit. We’ll explain how Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) works and, more importantly, how to get it waived if you’re an eligible professional (like a nurse, accountant, or lawyer). We also look at stamp duty concessions to see how much extra cash we can keep in your pocket.
Government Scheme Check
There are more “first home” programs out there than most people realize. We check your eligibility for things like the First Home Guarantee (FHBG) and various state-based incentives. These can be the difference between buying this year or waiting another three years to save. We make sure you don’t leave any money on the table.
Pre-Approval
This is your “license to hunt.” We handle the heavy lifting here, collecting your documents, preparing the application, and securing a formal pre-approval from a lender. Walking into an inspection with a pre-approval in your pocket gives you the confidence to talk seriously with agents.
Property Search Support
We’re right there with you during the house hunt. We’ll also pull the ‘real’ sales data for the street, not just the agent’s optimistic quote so you don’t overbid. Plus, we’ll tell you exactly which red flags to keep an eye out for during an inspection so you don’t get blinded by a fresh coat of paint.
Offer or Auction
This is the part where the nerves kick in. Auctions are high-pressure, and private sales move fast. We help you evaluate your limits before the hammer falls. We’ll talk about your “walk-away price” so you don’t get swept up in the emotion and bid more than you should. We look at the contract risks and decide on a clear strategy before you even show up.
Final Approval
You’ve found the place! Now, we move fast. We manage the bank’s valuation of the property, confirm any remaining conditions with the lender, and push the paperwork through to finalise the loan. We stay on top of the bank so you can focus on packing your boxes.
Settlement
The finish line. We coordinate directly with your conveyancer or solicitor to make sure the funds are ready and the legal transfer is set. We support you right through to the moment the money changes hands and you finally have the keys in your hand.
Tools for First Home Buyers
Borrowing Power Calculator
Repayment Calculator
Stamp Duty Calculator
Deposit Planner
Ready to get started?
Let’s get your strategy sorted so you know exactly where you stand.