For First Home Buyers in Australia

Get the keys to your first home sooner. Find out what you can actually afford, not what an online bank calculator or ChatGPT says!

Apply now for my first home buyer game plan

5.0

from 106 reviews

Pay off your home loan in as little as 6 years
Here's why so many First Home Buyers feel stuck

Here's why so many First Home Buyers feel stuck (and it’s not because you’re behind)

❌ You assume your HECS debt is going to hold you back, so you don’t even check what’s actually possible.

❌ You don’t know what grants, guarantees, or schemes you might be eligible for, because no one has broken it down in simple terms.

❌ You spend hours googling, scrolling, only to end up more confused than when you started.

❌ You keep thinking you need to “have it all figured out first” before speaking to someone… so you never take action.

❌ You keep putting it off, while property prices keep climbing and the gap just keeps getting harder to close.

You don't need more research. You need one conversation with someone who does this every single day and can show you exactly where you stand.

Government schemes most first home buyers don't know they qualify for.

Most first home buyers assume they don't qualify for anything. You'd be surprised.

First Home Guarantee
Buy with as little as 5% deposit and pay zero Lenders Mortgage Insurance. That's potentially tens of thousands back in your pocket.

First Home Owner Grant
Cash toward your purchase, just for being a first home buyer buying a new property. Amount depends on your state and property type.

Stamp Duty Concessions
Most states offer significant concessions or full exemptions for first home buyers. This alone can save you tens of thousands.

Help to Buy Scheme
Government co-contributes up to 40% of your purchase price. A genuine game-changer for the right buyer. There's so many variables on what you qualify for. That's exactly why we talk first.

Every one of these has eligibility conditions and most people don't know which ones apply to them until they actually ask. That's what the call is for.

Patrick M Zara
Patrick M

Patrick came to me after his bank told him his borrowing capacity was a lot lower than he expected, due to his large HECS debt.

I found a lender with a policy that allowed us to exclude his HECS debt from the serviceability calculation. That one move increased his borrowing capacity by $132K, and he was able to buy his dream home!

Jake is now a proud first home buyer, in a home in his ideal suburb that he never thought he could afford.

Jim P Zara
Jim P

Jim was overwhelmed by the home buying process and confused about which option was best for him. After speaking with several brokers, he still didn't feel confident moving forward.

I simplified the process, explained his options clearly, and helped him choose the best strategy using his eligibility for a professional Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI) waiver and the Government Guarantee Scheme. We also secured a fully assessed pre-approval quickly so he could bid at auction with confidence.

Jim successfully purchased his first home at his very first auction and is now the proud owner of his own little piece of paradise north of the river.

Discovery & Strategy
Discovery & Strategy

I kick things off with a proper chat; getting to know your goals, your finances, and what homeownership actually looks like for you.

From there, I build a lending strategy around your situation, not a cookie-cutter one.

Research & Application
Research & Application

With access to 40+ lenders, I do the research, the comparing, and the paperwork, so you don't have to.

You'll walk away with a pre-approval, a clear budget, and serious negotiating power when you find the one.

Settlement & Support
Settlement & Support

Found your place? I take it from there.

I manage the full application, valuation, and all the moving parts right through to settlement.

I stick around long after, because buying your first home is just the beginning.

We work with Australia's biggest lenders

Stephanie Jordan

Founder & Mortgage Broker

Stephanie Jordan is the Founder and Mortgage Broker behind ZARALEND, a strategy-led brokerage for people who want more from their money than just a loan.

With over seven years’ experience in lending, she’s known for simplifying complex finance and designing smart loan structures that support long-term property wealth.

A property investor herself, Stephanie built a three-property portfolio by age 25, giving her real-world insight into cash flow, strategy, and scaling sustainably.

At ZARALEND, she helps first home buyers and investors alike create lending solutions that align with where they’re headed, not just where they are today.

About ZARALEND

Our Latest Reviews

Grace Doherty

Steph and her team were an absolute pleasure to work with. They helped me purchase my first home as a single female and guided me through the entire process. No question was silly. Couldnt be any happier with the service provided, highly recommend!!

Alana Andrews

Stephanie and her team were able to arrange a better rate for our loans even though we already had a competitive rate. The transition to the new lender was smooth and Stephanie was prompt to assist with any enquiries and offered support whenever needed. Highly recommend.

Matt Fell

Cannot recommend highly enough. Stephanie is a champion!!

Michelle Price

Steph was incredibly helpful and attentive during a very difficult time and went above and beyond to get a great outcome. Her friendliness and professionalism at all stages in the process and willingness to answer any questions I had made the whole experience so easy and positive and I would highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a fantastic broker who truly has her clients' best interests at heart. Thank you Steph!

Kylie Davis

We’ve had such a great experience refinancing through ZARALEND. They were responsive, patient, and kept us updated every step of the way. The whole process has felt smooth and far less stressful than we expected. Really appreciate all the help and support!! highly recommend!!

Leigh Whittaker

Dealt with Steph to get the mortgage for my first property. Not knowing a lot she was always happy to answer any questions I had and was always prompt in her responses :) big thanks to you for everything. Was a pleasure and can’t wait to be in a position to do it all again

As featured in The Herald Sun & realestate.com.au

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Discover How Much You Can Borrow For Your First Home

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.