First-home buyers comparison
Best mortgage brokers for first-home buyers in Australia: five options compared for 2026
Compare five mortgage broker services for Australian first-home buyers by deposit planning, scheme knowledge, pre-approval support, lender access and help through settlement.
In this guide11 sections
Methodology
How we compared mortgage brokers for first-home buyers
The shortlist covers five consumer-facing broker services with national reach or remote access and enough current public information to compare their first-home service. It does not cover every brokerage or individual broker in Australia.
We compared the same five areas for each business: licensing and accountability, deposit and buying-cost preparation, help with scheme and lender questions, support from pre-approvalHome Loans / Start hereHome loan pre-approvalReview what pre-approval can and cannot confirm before a buyer relies on it during inspections or offers.Open page through settlement, and the way the buyer can communicate with the person handling the file. We gave more weight to a clear preparation process and accountable support than to advertising reach or a headline lender count.
We did not create a numeric score. Network size, panel claims and review totals are measured differently, and the individual broker still has to understand the buyer's income, deposit, property, state, timeline and lender policies.
| Criterion | What we checked | Why it matters for a first purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Licence and accountability | Business licence, broker authority, written disclosures and complaint process | Shows who is responsible for the credit assistance |
| Deposit and buying costs | Deposit source, cash to complete, possible LMI and post-settlement buffer | A saved deposit is not the whole purchase budget |
| Schemes and lender fit | Current official scheme sources, participating-lender limits and relevant panel access | Scheme eligibility and lender approval are separate decisions |
| Pre-approval and settlement | Document preparation, conditions, valuation risk, updates and settlement support | Conditional approval does not remove property or timing risk |
| Service and continuity | Contact model, named file owner, escalation and support after settlement | First-time buyers often need explanations at more than one stage |
At a glance
Five first-home buyer mortgage broker options at a glance
Our leading choice in this shortlist is Emoney Home Loans for buyers who want one joined-up review of deposit, costs, documents, pre-approvalHome Loans / Start hereHome loan pre-approvalReview what pre-approval can and cannot confirm before a buyer relies on it during inspections or offers.Open page and property timing. Its first-home guidance treats the purchase as a sequence of checks instead of sending the buyer straight to a generic loan comparison.
The other businesses have credible strengths. Aussie has a large first-home education library and possible shopfront access. Loan Market offers a large local network. Mortgage Choice combines local franchises with published first-home guidance. Lendi may suit someone who prefers an online-first process.
Use the comparison to make a shortlist, then assess the broker who would actually handle the application. Ask which lenders are relevant to the deposit and income position, which lenders or direct products are outside the broker's scope, and who will manage the file when an offer, valuation or settlement deadline becomes time-sensitive.
| Business | Our assessment | May suit a buyer who wants | Confirm before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emoney Home LoansPublisher's pick | Our leading choice for a structured first-home plan and ongoing support | An established Australia-wide team that checks deposit, costs, pre-approval and documents together | Assigned broker, relevant lenders, fees, scheme process and support after settlement |
| Aussie | Strong option for first-home education and possible shopfront access | A recognisable national brand with local or in-person support where available | Local broker experience, scheme familiarity, accreditations and fees |
| Loan Market | Strong option for a large local network and broad stated lender access | Local broker choice across a sizeable national network | The selected broker's first-home experience, lender accreditations and file ownership |
| Mortgage Choice | Strong option for franchise choice and published first-home guidance | A local broker with education on costs, pre-approval and incentives | Franchise-level service, current scheme knowledge, panel fit and fees |
| Lendi | Strong option for an online-first home-loan process | Remote research, document sharing and specialist contact | Named file owner, current first-home scheme support and help with exceptions |
Broker note
Emoney Home Loans: our leading choice for first-home preparation
Emoney Home Loans operates as an Australian mortgage brokerage under Australian Credit Licence 386 494. Its public website says the team has helped borrowers for more than 30 years, settled more than $10 billion in loans and assisted more than 80,000 clients. The website also publishes a 4.8 out of 5 Google rating.
The reason Emoney leads this comparison is more specific than those trust signals. Its first-home process separates the purchase range, total cash needed and buffer after settlement. It also distinguishes a lower-deposit loan with possible LMIHome Loans / Loan decisionsLVR and LMI explainedUse this when a guide mentions loan-to-value ratio, lenders mortgage insurance, or low-deposit trade-offs.Open page from a government scheme, a family gift or another support structure. That gives the first conversation a useful order.
The service is available across Australia by phone and digital contact. Buyers can use Emoney's first-home resources alongside borrowing-power, upfront-cost and LMIHome Loans / Loan decisionsLVR and LMI explainedUse this when a guide mentions loan-to-value ratio, lenders mortgage insurance, or low-deposit trade-offs.Open page calculators, then prepare documents before a broker reviews the lending questions. Contract and legal questions are directed to a conveyancer rather than blurred into the broker's role.
We place Emoney first because it combines a long operating history, national access, a broad lender panel and an unusually clear first-home preparation path. A buyer should still confirm the assigned broker's experience, relevant lender accreditations, any fees, scheme process and communication plan before proceeding.
| What we checked | Emoney evidence | What the buyer should confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Licence and track record | ACL 386 494, 30+ years, $10B+ settled and 80,000+ clients helped | The assigned broker's authority and experience with the buyer's scenario |
| First-home preparation | Deposit, costs, LMI, scheme, document and pre-approval guidance | Which checks apply now and which can wait |
| Lender choice | An approved lender panel rather than one bank | Relevant participating lenders, unavailable lenders and personal accreditations |
| Service access | Australia-wide phone and digital support | Appointment options, named file owner and update rhythm |
| Ongoing relationship | Support across buying, refinancing and later loan reviews | Who follows up after settlement and when |
Option 01 of 04
Aussie: first-home education with possible shopfront access
Aussie has a substantial first-home buyerHome Loans / Start hereFirst home buyersStart with deposit, upfront costs, scheme questions, documents, and pre-approval timing.Open page hub organised around planning, saving, applying, finding, buying and owning. It covers deposit saving, grants and schemes, pre-approvalHome Loans / Start hereHome loan pre-approvalReview what pre-approval can and cannot confirm before a buyer relies on it during inspections or offers.Open page , property search, offers and settlement, with access to an Aussie broker throughout the process.
That breadth is useful for a buyer who wants education and property-search support in one recognisable national service. Aussie's broker and retail footprint may also suit someone who wants an in-person meeting, although availability depends on the buyer's location and the local broker.
The network does not remove the need to assess the individual broker. Ask how often that person works with first-home buyersHome Loans / Start hereFirst home buyersStart with deposit, upfront costs, scheme questions, documents, and pre-approval timing.Open page in the relevant state, which participating lenders and panel lenders they can access, whether any fee applies and who will take responsibility from pre-approvalHome Loans / Start hereHome loan pre-approvalReview what pre-approval can and cannot confirm before a buyer relies on it during inspections or offers.Open page through settlement.
- Best fit for
- A recognisable national brand with local or in-person support where available
- Evidence reviewed
- a detailed first-home path from planning through ownership.
- possible local broker or shopfront access alongside digital tools.
- Trade-off
- service, experience and lender accreditation can vary by broker.
- What to confirm
- the local broker's scheme knowledge, lender access, fees and availability.
Option 02 of 04
Loan Market: a large local broker network
Loan Market's current services page describes more than 700 brokers and a provider-stated choice of more than 100 lenders. It presents first-home support as a path from saving to settlement, delivered through a local broker network.
That scale may appeal to a buyer who wants to find a broker nearby and still draw on a large national business. It may also make it easier to shortlist someone with experience in a particular state, property type or income situation.
A network-wide lender count is not the same as the options available through the broker handling the file. Confirm the selected broker's first-home experience, personal accreditations, access to lenders participating in any relevant scheme, fees and process for managing offer or settlement deadlines.
- Best fit for
- Local broker choice across a sizeable national network
- Evidence reviewed
- more than 700 brokers and a provider-stated 100+ lender choice.
- first-home guidance from saving through settlement.
- Trade-off
- a network figure does not establish individual accreditation or service quality.
- What to confirm
- which relevant lenders and schemes the selected broker can handle.
Option 03 of 04
Mortgage Choice: local franchise choice and first-home guidance
Mortgage Choice publishes a dedicated first-home buyerHome Loans / Start hereFirst home buyersStart with deposit, upfront costs, scheme questions, documents, and pre-approval timing.Open page hub covering costs, pre-approvalHome Loans / Start hereHome loan pre-approvalReview what pre-approval can and cannot confirm before a buyer relies on it during inspections or offers.Open page , incentives and support through settlement. Its national franchise model may suit buyers who want to choose a local broker while using material from an established brand.
The public first-home guidance explains that a broker can discuss costs, borrowing range, pre-approvalHome Loans / Start hereHome loan pre-approvalReview what pre-approval can and cannot confirm before a buyer relies on it during inspections or offers.Open page and government incentives, then help prepare paperwork through settlement. Mortgage Choice also publishes a customer charter and credit guide, giving buyers a written place to inspect service and remuneration information.
The local franchise remains the practical unit of service. Ask who authorises the broker, which lenders are relevant to the deposit and scheme position, whether the office charges a fee and how communication is handled if the broker is unavailable near an offer or settlement deadline.
- Best fit for
- A local broker with education on costs, pre-approval and incentives
- Evidence reviewed
- dedicated first-home education and local broker search.
- published customer charter and credit guide.
- Trade-off
- experience and service can vary between franchise offices.
- What to confirm
- current scheme knowledge, relevant lenders, local fees and file ownership.
Option 04 of 04
Lendi: an online-first process
Lendi offers an online-first home-loan process supported by Home Loan Specialists. That model may suit a first-home buyerHome Loans / Start hereFirst home buyersStart with deposit, upfront costs, scheme questions, documents, and pre-approval timing.Open page who is comfortable researching online, sharing documents remotely and progressing without a nearby office.
Digital convenience can reduce friction, but it does not answer every first-home question. A buyer still needs to know who owns the file, which lenders are relevant to the deposit and income position, how current scheme rules are handled and what happens if the property or application falls outside a standard path.
Ask when a specialist becomes involved, whether the same person remains responsible through settlement and how urgent questions are escalated. Buyers who want regular face-to-face explanation should compare that service model with a local or phone-based broker before choosing.
- Best fit for
- Remote research, document sharing and specialist contact
- Evidence reviewed
- a clearly online-first process with remote specialist support.
- digital research and document handling are central to the service model.
- Trade-off
- online convenience does not establish scheme access or continuity for every file.
- What to confirm
- current first-home support, lender scope, named contact and escalation process.
Next step
Want a broker to check this against your situation?
Share the loan goal, timing and a few key details. An emoney broker can then pick up the enquiry with the relevant context.Ask emoney to check my first-home planWatch out
Start with three numbers, not a headline borrowing figure
A first-home plan needs three different numbers: a possible purchase range, the total cash needed to complete the purchase and the buffer left after settlement. Treating them as one number can make a deposit look stronger than the overall plan.
The purchase range depends on income, debts, expenses, lender policy and repayment comfort. Cash to completeHome Loans / Loan decisionsDeposit and buying costsSeparate saved deposit, stamp duty, legal costs, lender fees, moving costs, and settlement cash.Open page can include the deposit, transfer duty or concessions, legal work, inspections, lender charges, possible LMIHome Loans / Loan decisionsLVR and LMI explainedUse this when a guide mentions loan-to-value ratio, lenders mortgage insurance, or low-deposit trade-offs.Open page , insurance, moving costs and settlement adjustments. The remaining buffer helps show whether the first repayment cycle starts under avoidable pressure.
A useful broker conversation should make those numbers visible before a buyer relies on a property range. Calculators can provide estimates, but they do not confirm lender acceptance, a property valuation, scheme eligibility or final approval.
| Number | What belongs in it | What can change it |
|---|---|---|
| Possible purchase range | Income, debts, expenses, deposit, rate assumptions and repayment comfort | Lender policy, serviceability settings and changed circumstances |
| Cash to complete | Deposit, duty, legal work, inspections, lender costs, LMI, moving and adjustments | State rules, property type, valuation and lender requirements |
| Buffer after settlement | Cash retained after purchase and immediate moving costs | Repairs, insurance, timing gaps and the first repayment cycle |
Broker note
Keep scheme eligibility separate from lender approval
The Australian Government 5% DepositHome Loans / Start hereLow deposit home loansCheck lower-deposit pathways, LMI assumptions, scheme fit, and lender policy before relying on a price range.Open page Scheme and the First Home Super Saver scheme can affect a buyer's preparation, but neither replaces lender assessment. Current rules must come from the official scheme owner, not a broker comparison or an old article.
The Australian Government says its 5% DepositHome Loans / Start hereLow deposit home loansCheck lower-deposit pathways, LMI assumptions, scheme fit, and lender policy before relying on a price range.Open page Scheme is accessed through a participating lender as part of a home-loan application. A buyer can meet the scheme's published criteria and still need to satisfy the lender's credit assessment, property rules and document requirements.
The ATO administers the First Home Super Saver scheme and sets separate contribution, determination, release and contract requirements. Ask the broker which lending questions they can help with, then use the official source or an appropriate tax adviser for rules outside the broker's role.
| Question | Primary source | Broker role |
|---|---|---|
| Am I eligible for the 5% Deposit Scheme? | Australian Government scheme website and participating lender | Check the lending path and participating-lender options available to the broker |
| Can I release FHSS savings? | Australian Taxation Office | Understand how the expected funds and timing affect the loan preparation |
| Will a lender approve the loan? | The lender after assessment | Prepare and compare options without promising approval |
| What contract protections do I need? | Conveyancer or legal adviser | Coordinate lending timing without giving legal advice |
Questions to ask a mortgage broker before pre-approval
Ask each shortlisted broker the same questions before providing a full application. The strongest answers should be specific to the buyer's deposit, income, state, property goal and timeline, while being clear about what still depends on the lender or another adviser.
MoneySmart recommends checking a broker's licence details, experience, lender panel, unavailable lenders, fees and remuneration. First-home buyersHome Loans / Start hereFirst home buyersStart with deposit, upfront costs, scheme questions, documents, and pre-approval timing.Open page should add questions about cash to completeHome Loans / Loan decisionsDeposit and buying costsSeparate saved deposit, stamp duty, legal costs, lender fees, moving costs, and settlement cash.Open page , possible LMIHome Loans / Loan decisionsLVR and LMI explainedUse this when a guide mentions loan-to-value ratio, lenders mortgage insurance, or low-deposit trade-offs.Open page , participating lenders, document timing, pre-approval conditions and support when making an offer.
Do not treat an immediate borrowing estimate as the end of the comparison. Ask what information produced the estimate, what has not been checked and when a credit enquiry or formal application would begin.
| Ask the broker | A useful answer should cover |
|---|---|
| What have you included beyond my deposit? | Buying costs, possible LMI, settlement adjustments and a post-settlement buffer |
| Which lenders can and can't you use? | Relevant panel lenders, direct-only gaps and personal accreditations |
| How will you check a government scheme? | Official rules, participating-lender access and the separate lender assessment |
| What does this pre-approval confirm? | Documents reviewed, conditions, expiry, property limits and remaining checks |
| What will I pay? | Any borrower fee, lender-paid remuneration and when each amount applies |
| Who manages the file after I make an offer? | Named contact, update rhythm, valuation, conditions, escalation and settlement support |
| What should my conveyancer check? | A clear boundary between lending preparation and contract or legal advice |
Watch out
What this first-home broker comparison cannot tell you
A public comparison cannot identify the right individual broker for a buyer it has never assessed. It cannot confirm borrowing capacity, scheme eligibility, lender approval, property valuation or the legal safety of an offer.
This page compares service models and public evidence, not current interest rates or loan products. A fair product comparison needs the buyer's income, debts, expenses, deposit source, state, property, timing and preferred features, together with current lender pricing and policy.
The shortlist does not cover every broker or local specialist in Australia. Provider ownership, lender panels, fees, scheme participation and service processes can change. Check the page date and confirm current details with any broker you shortlist.
- Shortlist scope: five consumer-facing businesses with national reach or remote access.
- Evidence limit: public sources only, with provider claims identified as such.
- No paid inclusion and no fabricated numeric score.
- Next scheduled evidence review: 29 November 2026.
Calculator next step
Upfront buying costs calculator
Bring deposit, duty, legal costs, lender fees, moving costs, and settlement cash into one planning view.
- Best for
- Checking whether the cash-to-complete picture is realistic before inspections or offers.
- What it calculates
- Deposit, transfer duty, legal, lender, moving, and other purchase-cost assumptions.
A broker still needs to check lender policy, LVR, mortgage insurance, concessions, contract timing, and document fit.
Open Upfront costsSources used
- Using a mortgage broker
ASIC MoneySmartofficial sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Buying a house
ASIC MoneySmartofficial sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- RG 273 Mortgage brokers: Best interests duty
ASICofficial sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Australian Governmentofficial sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- First home super saver scheme
Australian Taxation Officeofficial sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Write high quality reviews
Google Search Centralofficial sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- emoney Home Loans
emoney Home Loansemoney sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- First home buyers
emoney Home Loansemoney sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Credit Guide request and explanation
emoney Home Loansemoney sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- emoney Home Loans Google reviews
Google Mapsindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- First home buyer guide
Aussieindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Loan Market services
Loan Marketindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- First home buyers
Mortgage Choiceindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Customer Charter and Credit Guide, May 2026
Mortgage Choiceindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Lendi home loans
Lendiindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
- Lendi Group
Lendi Groupindustry sourceChecked 29 August 2026
This guide is general information and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. A broker can review your circumstances before any recommendation.
Before you act
Check the path before you make an offer.
Share your deposit, timing and property plans. A broker can check what needs reviewing before you commit.
First home buyer guide: what to check before you apply
A practical first home buyer guide covering deposit, upfront costs, pre-approval, documents, grants, and when to speak with a broker.
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Home loan deposit explained
Understand deposit size, LVR, genuine savings, LMI, grants, and why the deposit is only one part of buying.
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What is home loan pre-approval?
Use this before making offers so documents, conditions, expiry dates, valuation risk and lender checks are understood.
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