New South Wales First Home Buyers Guide

Building your first home is one of life's biggest milestones but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. From saving a deposit and securing finance to understanding government assistance and selecting the right home design, there are many decisions to make along the way. Whether you're still researching your options or ready to start your building journey, this guide has been created to help New South Wales First Home Buyers navigate the process with greater confidence. You'll find practical insights and an overview of the support available to help make your dream of home ownership a reality
 
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New South Wales First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes

First home buyers in New South Wales may be able to access government support that can reduce upfront costs and make it easier to enter the property market. The assistance available depends on your personal circumstances, the type of property you are building, and the eligibility rules that apply at the time. Explore the support options and articles below to understand how each program may apply to your first home journey in NSW.

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What is a First Home Buyer?

A first home buyer is usually someone purchasing or building their first residential property in Australia. For many, it is the first real step towards independence, extra space, a growing family, or simply the comfort of having a place that feels completely your own.

In New South Wales, first home buyers may be able to explore grants, concessions or government-backed support programs designed to make ownership more achievable. These benefits vary based on eligibility, location, property type and purchase value, so it’s important to check the details before you commit.

Understanding what you may qualify for early can help with planning your deposit, comparing finance options and to make informed choices as you move from research to building.

What are the steps in building a First Home?

Work Out What You Can Comfortably Spend

Before you start comparing homes, take a close look at your income, savings, expenses and deposit goal. Having a clear financial plan makes it easier to choose a home design that suits your needs and your budget.

Check NSW Grants and Support Options

Look into the grants, concessions and first home buyer schemes that areon offer in New South Wales. Understanding the grants you qualify for early, can help you plan your upfront costs and the upport that could make building your first home more affordable.

Speak with a Lender or Broker

Finance pre-approval can give you a clearer view of your borrowing power before you commit to buying land or choosing a home design. Burbank can connect you with our trusted lending partners Livi Lending, to help you explore your options.

Choose the Right Location or Block

Think about what matters now, and your future plans, when choosing where you want to live. Being close to transport, schools, parks, shops and community facilities are all important considerations. The right block is more than a place to build, it’s the setting for your everyday life.

Select a Home Design That Fits

Choose a design that works with your block, budget and lifestyle. Common considerations include the number of bedrooms you need, storage, connection to the outdoors, future flexibility and shared spaces.

Build with Guidance

Once your approval and contract are in place, your build begins. Burbank will help you understand each stage of the construction journey, from site start through to handover, so you’re informed every step of the way.

Start Living in Your First Home

Once construction is complete and we hand over the keys to your new home, the real excitement begins.

It’s here that your house becomes your home. It’s where you’ll create weekday routines, plans for the weekend, celebrate family milestones and make every day memories that will last a lifetime.

How much can I borrow as a First Home Buyer?

Your borrowing capacity depends on factors like income, savings, expenses, existing debt, credit history and lender requirements. A lender or mortgage broker can assess your situation and help you understand what you can comfortably repay.

Getting a clear view of your budget early makes it easier to compare home designs, land options and house and land packages that suit your lifestyle and family.

Understand Your Borrowing Capacity

Am I eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

Eligibility for first home buyer support varies by state and program. In New South Wales, you need to meet requirements relating to residency or citizenship, previous property ownership, the type of home you are building, and property value thresholds.

Because rules can change, it is important to check the latest NSW requirements or speak with the Burbank team before making decisions. If you are not sure where to begin, we can help you understand the grants, concessions and schemes that relevant to your first home.

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First Home Buyer Frequently Asked Questions

Building your first home comes with questions about finance, grants, deposits, approvals and the cost of getting started. These FAQs answer common first home buyer questions to help you feel more prepared before you take the next step.

You may be considered an eligible first home buyer if you are building your first residential property and meet the requirements for the relevant NSW or Australian Government program. Eligibility can depend on your age, residency or citizenship status, property history, property type and value limits.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance is a cost that may apply when you borrow with a smaller deposit. It protects the lender, not the borrower. Some eligible first home buyers may be able to access government-backed pathways that reduce or remove the need for LMI, depending on the scheme and lender requirements.

Not always. Some first home buyers in New South Wales may be eligible for transfer duty exemptions or concessions, depending on the property type, property value and current program rules. Check the latest NSW requirements before purchasing land or signing a contract.

Each lender has its own assessment criteria. Your credit score is one part of the picture, along with income, savings, employment, living expenses, existing debts and your ability to make repayments. Speaking with a lender or broker can help you understand where you stand.

Approvals can depend on your land, design, council area and planning requirements. When you build with Burbank, our team will guide you through the required approvals, so the process feels clearer and easier to manage.

Depending on your situation, additional costs may include lender fees, government charges, conveyancing, site-related costs, utility connections, moving expenses and settlement costs. Burbank will clearly communicate build-related costs at the start of your journey, and your lender will outline loan establishment costs.

Learn More About First Home Buyers

If you are exploring whether building your first home with Burbank is the right move, our first home buyer articles can help you compare grants, understand finance basics and feel more confident about what comes next.