First Home Buyer Loans in Gladstone

Your First Home in Gladstone Starts Here

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. From understanding grants to figuring out deposits and navigating the buying process, there’s a lot to take in.

That’s where we come in. As local Gladstone mortgage brokers, we’ve helped hundreds of first home buyers turn their property dreams into reality. We’ll guide you through every step, explain things in plain English, and make sure you don’t miss out on any money you’re entitled to.

Queensland First Home Owner Grant - Up to $30,000

Here’s something many first home buyers don’t realise: buying a new home in regional Queensland (which includes Gladstone) could get you up to $30,000 from the government.

The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG):

• $30,000 for new homes in regional areas (including Gladstone)
• $15,000 for new homes in South East Queensland
• Applies to new builds, off-the-plan purchases, and substantially renovated homes
• Home value must be less than $750,000
• You must live in the property for at least 6 months

To qualify, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have never owned property in Australia before
• Be buying or building to live in (not rent out)

We’ll help you understand if you qualify and guide you through the application process.

Low Deposit Options for First Home Buyers

Don’t have a 20% deposit? You’re not alone. Many first home buyers get into the market with much less thanks to government schemes and lender flexibility.

First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit, No LMI)

The federal government’s First Home Guarantee lets you buy with just 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees the remaining 15% to the lender.

Eligibility:

• Australian citizen or permanent resident
• At least 18 years old
• First home buyer (never owned property)
• Income under $125,000 (singles) or $200,000 (couples)
• Buying to live in (not investment)

Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee

Specifically for regional areas like Gladstone, this scheme also allows 5% deposit with no LMI, with additional places available for regional buyers.

Family Home Guarantee (Single Parents)

Single parents can buy with as little as 2% deposit under this scheme, whether you’re a first home buyer or have owned property before.

Stamp Duty Concessions in Queensland

Stamp duty (transfer duty) is one of the biggest costs when buying a home. First home buyers in Queensland get significant concessions:

Home Value	Standard Duty	First Home Buyer Pays
$500,000	~$15,925	$0 (full concession)
$600,000	~$19,600	$0 (full concession)
$700,000	~$23,275	$0 (full concession)
$750,000	~$25,113	~$6,278 (partial)
$800,000	~$26,950	~$13,475 (partial)

Approximate figures - we’ll calculate your exact costs.

How Much Deposit Do You Really Need?

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what first home buyers typically need in Gladstone:

For a $500,000 home:

• With First Home Guarantee: $25,000 deposit (5%) + ~$15,000 costs = ~$40,000
• Without schemes: $100,000 deposit (20%) + ~$5,000 costs = ~$105,000

Those government schemes make a massive difference to how quickly you can get into your first home.

The First Home Buying Process

Here’s what to expect when buying your first home:

1. Get Your Finances Sorted (Week 1-2) We meet to understand your situation, check what grants and schemes you qualify for, and get your pre-approval sorted.

2. House Hunting (Weeks 2-8) With pre-approval in hand, you know exactly what you can afford. Search confidently knowing your finance is likely to be approved.

3. Make an Offer (When Ready) Found “the one”? We’ll guide you through making an offer and getting your formal approval.

4. Building & Pest Inspections For established homes, get these done during your cooling-off period (usually 5 business days in Queensland).

5. Settlement (4-6 Weeks After Contract) The big day! Ownership transfers to you, and you get the keys to your first home.

Common First Home Buyer Questions

Can FIFO workers buy a first home?

Absolutely. Many of our first home buyer clients are FIFO workers from the Gladstone region. We know which lenders accept shift work income and how to present your application.

Should I buy new or established?

New homes give you access to the full $30,000 FHOG, but established homes are often more affordable and move-in ready. We can help you weigh up the pros and cons for your situation.

How much should I save before starting?

As a minimum: 5% deposit + 3-5% for costs (stamp duty, legal fees, inspections). In Gladstone, this typically means $40,000-$50,000 for an average first home.

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

The best time to start planning is now. Even if you’re 6-12 months away from buying, an early consultation helps you understand exactly what you need to save and what steps to take.

Book a free, no-obligation chat with us. We’ll assess your situation, check what grants you qualify for, and create a roadmap to your first home.