First Home Buyers | Premium Select Finance

First Home Buyers in Australia

First Home Buyers (FHBs) in Australia refer to individuals or families who are purchasing their first residential property. To assist FHBs in entering the property market, the Australian government and various financial institutions offer a range of incentives, products, and support. Here, we will explore the product features, loan rates and fees, and potential disadvantages associated with First Home Buyer programs in Australia.

Product Features for First Home Buyers

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)Many Australian states and territories offer a FHOG, which is a one-time cash grant to assist FHBs in purchasing their first property. The amount varies by location and property value.

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS)This scheme helps eligible FHBs buy a home with a deposit as low as 5% without needing to pay Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI). It is available for a limited number of properties and income thresholds apply.

Stamp Duty ConcessionsSome states offer concessions or exemptions on stamp duty for FHBs. This can result in significant savings during the property purchase.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)This scheme allows FHBs to save for a home deposit within their superannuation fund, taking advantage of tax benefits.

Home Builder GrantWhile not specific to FHBs, this grant offers financial assistance to eligible individuals building a new home or renovating their existing property.

First Home Buyer Loan Rates and Fees

Loan rates and fees for FHBs can vary depending on the lender and the specific loan product chosen. However, some common aspects to consider include:
Interest Rates FHBs can access a variety of interest rate options, including fixed and variable rates. Fixed rates offer stability, while variable rates may change with market conditions.
Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) If the deposit is less than 20% of the property’s purchase price, FHBs typically need to pay LMI. Some government schemes, like the FHLDS, waive LMI for eligible borrowers.
Application Fees Lenders may charge an upfront fee for processing the loan application.
Legal and Valuation Fees Costs associated with property valuations and legal services should be considered.

Repayment OptionsFHBs can choose between interest-only or principal and interest repayment plans. The latter helps in paying down the loan faster.

Variable Loans

Variable home loans are a popular type of mortgage in Australia. Unlike fixed-rate home loans, where the interest rate remains constant for a specific period, variable home loans have interest rates that can fluctuate based on market conditions. These loans offer borrowers more flexibility, as the rate can change in response to shifts in the official cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia and other economic factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Variable Home Loans

What are the features of variable home loans?

Interest Rate Variability The interest rate can change over the life of the loan based on market conditions.
Flexibility Variable loans typically offer more flexible features such as the ability to make extra repayments or redraw funds.
Potential for Savings If interest rates decrease, borrowers may benefit from lower repayments.

What types of variable home loans are available?

Basic Variable A no-frills option with a lower interest rate and fewer features.
Standard Variable A flexible loan with a range of features, such as redraw facilities and offset accounts.
Package Variable Offers additional features like credit cards and fee waivers in exchange for an annual fee.

How are variable loan rates determined?

Variable loan rates are influenced by factors such as the Reserve Bank’s cash rate, lender’s funding costs, and market competition.

Are there any fees associated with variable home loans?

Fees vary by lender but may include application fees, ongoing fees, and exit fees.

What are the disadvantages of variable home loans?

Rate Fluctuations Interest rates can increase, leading to higher repayments.
Budget Uncertainty Changes in repayments can make budgeting challenging.
Market Risks Borrowers may face uncertainty if rates rise unexpectedly.