First Home Buyers

At ZARALEND, we're Mortgage Brokers helping clients Australia-wide access Home Loan Options, First Home Owner Grants and Incentives

5.0

from 93 reviews

First Home Buyers

Get your First Home Loan plus understand any First Home Buyer Grants & Incentives

Buying your first home is an exciting journey, and at ZARALEND, we are here to empower you every step of the way. We understand that first home buyers, rentvestors, and first-time property investors are looking to make informed decisions that can build long-term wealth. Our services are designed to help you access Home Loan options from banks and lenders across Australia. With a keen eye on interest rates and financial strategies, we ensure that you start this journey with confidence and clarity.

When buying your first home, understanding the options available can make all the difference. From exploring the various Home Loan products to identifying interest rate discounts, ZARALEND provides the expertise needed to make smart choices. Whether you're interested in a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate, we help you evaluate which option best suits your financial situation. We also guide you through checking eligibility to access lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers and first home owner grants (FHOG), which can significantly reduce initial costs. Our team assists you in understanding the implications of stamp duty, loan amounts, and how these factors influence your loan to value ratio (LVR).

For those who are eager to get started, applying for a home loan with ZARALEND is a streamlined experience. We assist in gathering essential documents like bank statements and assessing borrowing capacity, ensuring that your application process is smooth and efficient. Our modern approach leverages technology to give you access to banks and lenders nationwide, offering a diverse range of choices tailored specifically for first home buyers. By analysing your credit history, we identify the best possible interest rate discounts and loan options that align with your goals.

If you're planning to invest in property, our expertise extends beyond buying a home. We cater to rentvestors and first-time property investors by providing investment loan options that are crafted to maximise returns. Applying for an investment loan is made simpler with our guidance on the investment loan application process. We focus on helping you understand how to leverage your first investment property to build a robust property portfolio. By getting pre-approved, you gain a competitive edge in the property market, allowing you to act quickly on desirable opportunities.

ZARALEND is committed to making buying your first home a rewarding experience. From discussing how an offset account can save you money over time to preparing you for each step of the application process, our professional yet approachable service makes all the difference. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and support that turn aspirations into reality.

Join us at ZARALEND and take the first step towards owning your dream home or building your investment portfolio. Our team is ready to offer personalised advice tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get pre-approved and explore the exciting possibilities of buying your first home with confidence.

ZARALEND

Buying your First Home with a Home Loan

Initial Consultation

We start with a comprehensive chat about your financial goals and property dreams. Whether you're buying your first home or expanding your investment portfolio, we'll assess your current situation, income, expenses, and long-term objectives. This helps us understand exactly what you need and creates the foundation for your personalised lending strategy.

Financial Assessment and Strategy

Next, we dive deep into your financials to maximise your borrowing capacity. We'll review your income sources, existing debts, savings, and credit history. Our team will also explore different loan structures and strategies that could boost your wealth-building potential, including offset accounts, investment loan benefits, and tax-effective structures.

Loan Product Research and Comparison

With access to over 40 lenders, we research and compare hundreds of loan products to find your perfect match. We consider interest rates, fees, features, and flexibility to ensure the loan aligns with your investment strategy. Our expertise means we can spot opportunities and products you might miss when going direct to banks.

Pre-Approval Application

We prepare and submit your pre-approval application with supporting documentation. This gives you a clear budget and stronger negotiating position when you find the right property. We handle all the paperwork and liaise with lenders on your behalf, keeping you updated throughout the process.

Property Evaluation and Final Application

Once you've found your property, we coordinate the formal loan application and property valuation. We ensure all conditions are met and work closely with your solicitor, real estate agent, and the lender to keep everything on track for settlement.

Loan Approval and Documentation

When your loan is approved, we review all loan documents with you to ensure everything matches what we discussed. We explain any conditions and coordinate with all parties to prepare for settlement. Our attention to detail ensures no surprises at the final hurdle.

Settlement and Ongoing Support

We monitor your settlement process and remain available for any last-minute queries. After settlement, we continue supporting your wealth-building journey with regular loan reviews, market updates, and advice on future investment opportunities. Your success is our ongoing commitment.

Our Latest Reviews

hugo fernandez

We can’t recommend Stephanie and her team highly enough. Stephanie is incredibly kind and has a rare ability to explain numbers and financial processes in a way that feels close, caring, and human. She consistently finds the right words to break down complex topics into easily digestible pieces, which made a potentially stressful process feel manageable and reassuring. Her structure and clear game plan when applying for our loan gave us confidence at every step. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and we always felt informed, supported, and genuinely looked after. It truly felt like Stephanie and her team had our backs from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a mortgage broker who is not only highly effective, but also thoughtful, clear, and deeply supportive.

Sharon Carroll

I had a great experience working with my Stephanie Jordan. From start to finish, she was always transparent, respectful, and incredibly helpful. She took the time to explain every step of the process clearly, answered all my questions honestly, and made sure I felt informed and confident along the way. Her professionalism and genuine support really stood out, and I always felt that she had my best interests were the priority. I highly recommend Stephanie to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy mortgage advice.

Anche Geuze

Stephanie has been amazing in helping refinance our loan! We cannot recommend her enough! If you need a home loan, talk to her!

Gav Simpson

We had an absolutely amazing experience with our mortgage broker, Stephanie. From start to finish, she was professional, Positive, warm, responsive, and incredibly dedicated. We had a tricky situation that could’ve easily turned stressful, but Stephanie handled it with confidence and care. She went above and beyond at every step—constantly following up, keeping us updated, and making sure no detail was missed. Thanks to her persistence and knowledge, everything came together smoothly. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better broker. Highly recommend Stephanie to anyone needing expert help and exceptional service . Thank you Stephanie!

Lee Cleal

I can't say enough amazing things about the talented Steph and her team!! We have used the incredible team twice now this time to remortgage our loan we originally took out 2 years ago. The whole process is super easy, quick and stress free, I love how available Steph and her team is, they communicate with you at every stage so you know what's happening, The thing I really love is Steph goes out her way to find a solution even when everyone else says no, she won't give up exhausting every possible way for you (Now that's a Broker!!) Couldn't and wouldn't dream of working with anyone else she is the BEST!! Thanks again Steph!! Best wishes Lee & Matcho :-)

Thomas Hamilton

I can't say enough good things about Stephanie and her team. They made the refinance process effortless, guiding me every step of the way with their expertise and support. Their knowledge gave me complete confidence that I was in good hands, and even after everything was finalized, they continued to provide invaluable assistance. The level of care and professionalism they showed truly set them apart. Thank you again, Stephanie—I deeply appreciate all your help!

We work with Australia's biggest lenders

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to prepare for a home loan application?

Documentation requirements vary depending on your employment type and loan purpose, but generally include proof of identity, income verification, and asset statements. Employed borrowers typically need recent payslips, tax returns, and employment contracts. Self-employed applicants require business financial statements, tax returns, and accountant-prepared documents. You'll also need bank statements showing your deposit source and spending patterns, along with details of any existing debts or commitments. ZARALEND provides a personalised checklist based on your specific situation and the lender's requirements. We review your documents before submission to ensure everything is complete and presented in the most favourable way possible.

What is rentvesting and how can ZARALEND support this strategy?

Rentvesting involves purchasing an investment property while continuing to rent where you want to live. This strategy allows you to enter the property market sooner and potentially in locations with stronger growth prospects. ZARALEND helps rentvestors access investment property loans and structure their finances effectively. We explain the tax implications and connect you with suitable lending products for investment purposes. Our brokers understand the different lending criteria for investment properties compared to owner-occupied homes. We also provide guidance on selecting locations and property types that align with your investment objectives and lending capacity.

What ongoing support does ZARALEND provide after my loan settles?

Your relationship with ZARALEND doesn't end at settlement - we provide ongoing support throughout your property ownership journey. We regularly review your loan structure to ensure it remains suitable as your circumstances change and can assist with refinancing if beneficial. When you're ready to expand your property portfolio, we're here to help structure additional borrowing. We also provide market updates and lending policy changes that might affect your situation. Our brokers remain available to answer questions about your existing loans and can facilitate discussions with your lender when needed. This ongoing relationship helps you make informed decisions about your property finance as you build wealth over time.

What services does ZARALEND offer to property investors and home buyers?

ZARALEND specialises in finance and mortgage broking services tailored for ambitious Australians looking to build wealth through property. We connect you with suitable lending options for first home purchases, investment properties, and portfolio expansion. Our brokers work with multiple lenders across Australia to find financing solutions that align with your property goals. Whether you're starting your property journey or adding to an existing portfolio, we provide expert guidance through the lending process. We also offer strategic advice on structuring your loans to support long-term wealth building objectives.

How much does it cost to use ZARALEND's mortgage broking services?

ZARALEND's mortgage broking services typically don't cost you anything upfront. We receive our remuneration from the lenders when your loan settles, which means you can access our expertise without paying broker fees. This commission structure is regulated and standardised across the industry, ensuring transparency in how we're compensated. The amount we receive doesn't influence the loan options we present to you - our obligation is to find suitable lending solutions based on your needs and circumstances. In some cases, particularly for complex commercial or unique residential situations, there may be application fees, but we'll always discuss any costs upfront before proceeding with your application.

Can ZARALEND help if I have bad credit or unusual income circumstances?

ZARALEND works with borrowers across various financial situations, including those with credit challenges or non-traditional income sources. We have access to specialist lenders who consider applications that major banks might decline. This includes self-employed borrowers, casual workers, those with previous credit defaults, or recent immigrants to Australia. Our brokers understand which lenders are more flexible with their lending criteria and can structure your application to highlight your strengths. While we can't guarantee approval for every situation, we'll provide honest advice about your prospects and suggest strategies to improve your borrowing position if needed.

How does ZARALEND help property investors build their portfolios?

Building a property portfolio requires strategic financial planning and access to appropriate lending products. ZARALEND helps investors structure their borrowing to maximise tax benefits and lending capacity for future purchases. We understand cross-collateralisation, offset accounts, and loan structuring strategies that support portfolio growth. Our brokers work with lenders who have appetite for multiple investment properties and understand the serviceability calculations for portfolio lending. We also provide guidance on timing purchases, using equity from existing properties, and maintaining adequate cash flow across your investments. Our goal is to help you build sustainable wealth through property while managing your financial risk appropriately.

Why should I use a mortgage broker instead of going directly to my bank?

Banks can only offer their own products, which limits your options significantly. ZARALEND mortgage brokers have access to multiple lenders across Australia, including major banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders. This means we can compare hundreds of loan products to find options that suit your specific circumstances. We also understand different lenders' policies and can direct your application to institutions most likely to approve your situation. Our brokers save you time by handling the application process and negotiations on your behalf. Additionally, we provide ongoing support throughout the settlement process and can assist with future refinancing or additional borrowing needs.

How long does the home loan approval process take with ZARALEND?

The approval timeline depends on several factors including your financial complexity, chosen lender, and current market conditions. Pre-approval can often be obtained within a few days to two weeks when all documentation is complete and accurate. Formal approval after finding a property typically takes two to four weeks, though this can vary. ZARALEND streamlines the process by ensuring your application is complete before submission and maintaining regular contact with lenders to expedite processing. We keep you informed throughout each stage and proactively address any lender queries. Our established relationships with multiple lenders often result in faster processing times compared to direct applications.

How can ZARALEND help first home buyers in Australia?

First home buyers face unique challenges in today's property market, and ZARALEND understands these hurdles. We guide you through available first home buyer schemes, grants, and lending options specific to your state or territory. Our brokers explain complex lending criteria in clear terms and help you understand what deposit and income requirements you'll need to meet. We work with lenders who support first home buyers and can often find solutions even when your financial situation isn't straightforward. Our goal is to turn your home ownership dreams into reality while setting you up for future wealth building opportunities.