Home loans for first home buyers on the Sunshine Coast
Local, independent brokers who explain grants, deposits and loans in plain English. Free consultation, 60+ lenders compared.
If you are a first home buyer on the Sunshine Coast, Mason Finance Group helps you work out what you can borrow, which government schemes you qualify for, and which lender gives you the best shot at approval. We are an independent, award-winning brokerage in Maroochydore, we compare a panel of more than 60 banks and lenders, and we walk you through every step in plain English. No bank script, no jargon, no pressure.
- Access to 60+ lenders, including options you cannot get by walking into one bank
- Guidance on the QLD First Home Owner Grant, the First Home Guarantee and stamp duty concessions
- Low-deposit and guarantor loan options explained clearly, including the costs
- End-to-end support, from pre-approval to settlement, handled for you
- Local Sunshine Coast brokers, available in person in Maroochydore or by phone Australia-wide
How we help Sunshine Coast first home buyers
Buying your first home is a big step, and the loan part does not have to be the stressful bit. As brokers who work with Sunshine Coast first home buyers every week, we take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and do the legwork of comparing lenders so you do not have to.
Because we are independent, we work for you, not the banks. That means no sales targets and no pressure to take a product that is not right for you. We will give you an honest read on what you can realistically borrow, and what each path costs.
First home buyer grants and schemes in Queensland
There is real money on the table for first home buyers in Queensland right now, and the rules change often. Here is the plain-English version. Figures are current at the time of writing and worth confirming with us before you act, because schemes and amounts are reviewed regularly.
QLD First Home Owner Grant
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment for eligible buyers building or buying a brand-new home under $750,000. The grant is $30,000 for eligible contracts signed (or foundations laid) up to 30 June 2026, after which it is set to drop back to $15,000. If a new build is on your radar, the timing matters, so talk to us early.
The First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI)
The federal First Home Guarantee lets eligible first home buyers purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, with the government guaranteeing part of the loan. Recent changes removed the old income caps and place limits and lifted the property price caps, so far more buyers can use it. You apply through a participating lender or a broker like us, not directly to Housing Australia. You still need to meet the lender's serviceability checks.
Stamp duty for first home buyers
Queensland has made stamp duty far lighter for first home buyers. Since 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers buying a new home or vacant land to build on can pay no transfer (stamp) duty, with no price cap, and there are concessions for eligible established homes too. We will help you understand which concession applies to your purchase.
Your first home loan, step by step
- A free, no-pressure chat
We start by understanding your income, your savings, your goals and your timeline, then explain which loan types and schemes might suit you. In our Maroochydore office or over the phone, whichever is easier. - Compare and recommend
We compare suitable loans across our panel of 60+ lenders and present the options in plain English: rates, fees, features and what each one needs from you. - Pre-approval
We prepare and present your application to give it the best chance, and help you secure a pre-approval (typically valid for around three months) so you can house-hunt with confidence. - From offer to settlement
When you find the one, we manage the formal application and liaise with your lender through to settlement, keeping you in the loop the whole way. You can reach the team on 07 5211 0099, or at Primary Central, Level 1/61-63 Primary School Court, Maroochydore.
First home loan types and low-deposit options
There is more than one way into your first home. We will explain the trade-offs of each so the choice is yours, made with eyes open.
Variable rate loans
Flexible, often with offset and redraw, and usually no break costs if you refinance.
Fixed rate loans
Predictable repayments for a set period, useful for budgeting, with less flexibility.
Low-deposit loans
5% deposit options through the First Home Guarantee, with the LMI cost explained clearly where it applies.
Guarantor loans
A guarantor loan uses a family member's property as security to help you borrow with a smaller deposit.
Why first home buyers choose Mason Finance Group
- Backed by 900+ five-star Google reviews.
- Award-recognised: named in MPA's Top 24 Brokerages and a finalist at The Adviser Australian Broking Awards in 2024.
- Local Sunshine Coast knowledge, with brokers who understand the suburbs you are buying in.
- For most home loans there is no upfront cost to you; we are generally paid by the lender once your loan settles, and we explain exactly how before you commit.
Calculators
In the realm of financial empowerment and planning, knowledge is your greatest ally. Use these calculators to get an idea of how much you can borrow and how much your repayments might be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do I really need as a first home buyer on the Sunshine Coast?
Less than many people expect. Through the First Home Guarantee, eligible first home buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Outside that scheme, deposits typically range from 5% to 20%, with LMI usually applying under 20%. The right number depends on the property price, the lender and your situation, which is exactly what we help you work out.
Can I use the QLD First Home Owner Grant and the First Home Guarantee together?
Often, yes. The QLD First Home Owner Grant (for eligible new homes) and the federal First Home Guarantee are separate programs with separate rules, and many buyers use both. Grants generally count towards your deposit under most lender policies. We will check your eligibility for each and structure your application to make the most of what you qualify for.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in Queensland?
Many pay little or none. Since 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land to build on can pay no transfer duty, with no price cap, and concessions apply to eligible established homes. The exact saving depends on the property and your eligibility. We will help you understand which concession applies before you make an offer, and recommend confirming current rules, as they change.
What if I'm self-employed or my situation is unusual?
That is common, and it is not a dead end. We work with self-employed first home buyers and people whose income or credit history needs a more careful conversation. We approach it without judgment, match you with lenders who understand your circumstances, and present your application in its best light. We cannot promise approval, but we can give you a clear, honest picture of your options.
How long does it take to get a first home loan approved?
It varies by lender and how complete your application is, but a well-prepared pre-approval often comes through within a week or two, and full approval follows once you have a property. Getting your documents organised early speeds everything up. We will tell you exactly what each lender needs and chase the details so you do not have to.
Ready to start buying your first home?
Whether you're months away or want to test the water with a borrowing capacity check, we're happy to talk it through. Honest advice from a mortgage broker who works for you, not the bank.