Buying your first home is a milestone, not a battle. We guide you from first inspection to settlement, so you buy well and buy with confidence.
By Alana Prideaux, Co-Founder and Licensed Estate AgentA first home buyers agent is a buyer's advocate dedicated to first-time buyers. Unlike the selling agent, who works for the vendor, we work only for you, finding the right property and securing it at the right price.
That covers every stage: sourcing suitable homes (including off-market), inspections and due diligence, and contract review and negotiation, so nothing important slips past you on your first purchase.
Buying your first home shouldn't mean going up against the market on your own.
We keep the process clear and calm, and handle the parts that catch first-time buyers out.
We start by understanding your goals, budget and must-haves, so the search is shaped around you.
We run a thorough search and shortlist properties that genuinely fit your criteria, location and budget.
We inspect and evaluate each option so you have a clear, honest picture of its value and condition.
We handle the negotiation, at auction or private sale, to secure the best price and terms without the stress.
We guide you through contracts and financing, and stay with you through to settlement day.
You get our full senior team on your purchase, with decades in Melbourne's market and clear, step-by-step guidance through the parts that feel overwhelming the first time.
We manage every detail, from search to the legalities, and keep going after the purchase, right through to settlement.
Strong agent relationships open up off-market opportunities that most first-time buyers never get to see.
Buying your first home in Melbourne comes with a handful of government schemes that can cut your upfront costs or reduce the deposit you need. The rules change and the detail matters, so here is where things stand as at July 2026. We confirm exactly what applies to your situation as part of your strategy session.
If it is your first home and you buy for $600,000 or less, you pay no stamp duty at all, a saving that can run into the tens of thousands. Between $600,001 and $750,000 you pay a reduced rate that tapers as the price rises. You need to move in within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least a year, and your conveyancer usually claims it as part of the transfer.
A one-off $10,000 grant if you buy or build a brand-new home valued up to $750,000, meaning one that has not been sold or lived in as a residence before. Established homes do not qualify, so this one is most relevant if you are looking at new apartments, townhouses or house-and-land.
This lets you save your deposit inside your super, where it is taxed more lightly. You can contribute up to $15,000 a year in voluntary contributions and release up to $50,000 in total, plus earnings, toward your first home. It rewards planning ahead, so it is worth setting up early.
The federal Help to Buy shared equity scheme launched in December 2025 and replaced the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, which is now closed to new applicants. The government takes an equity share of up to 40% on a new home or 30% on an existing one, which lowers what you need to borrow. In Victoria the price cap is $950,000 for Melbourne and Geelong and $650,000 elsewhere. From 1 July 2026 the income caps are $103,000 for individuals and $165,000 for couples and single parents, and they are indexed each year, and you apply through a participating lender.
This is the scheme that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a deposit of just 5 per cent and no lenders mortgage insurance, because the government guarantees part of the loan. Since 1 October 2025 there are no income caps and no limit on places, and the property price cap for Melbourne and Geelong is $950,000. For many first home buyers it is now the fastest way in. The trade-off is that a smaller deposit means a larger loan and higher repayments, so it buys you time rather than money.
Some of these can be combined, and the right mix depends on your income, whether you buy new or established, and your timeline. We map this out with you so you buy with the full picture, not a guess.
Figures current as at July 2026. Eligibility rules apply. Confirm your position with the State Revenue Office, the ATO, Housing Australia or your conveyancer.
Google reviews
Recent purchases
Also relevant: Family Homes and Interstate & International.
The three questions we are asked most, answered in full.
Best inner Melbourne suburbs under $850k · Victorian grants and stamp duty concessions · How much you need to earn to buy
Book a no-obligation call and we'll talk through your goals, your budget and the smartest way to start.
Book a free strategy call Or call 03 9498 3131Tell us what you're looking for and we'll come back to you within one business day.
Independent property advice you can trust.
Whether you are buying a home or investment, we help you assess value, reduce risk and negotiate with confidence before you make a move.
Pre-market and off-market opportunities through established agent relationships.
Comparable sales, pricing analysis and negotiation strategy before you act.
Suburb and property guidance tailored to your goals, budget and timeframe.
Guidance from licensed estate agents with campaign and negotiation expertise.
Not ready to book? Send us your enquiry
