Dreaming of your first home? Look No Further
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, though it comes with certain challenges and complexities. At LoanBrix, we specialise in helping first home buyers navigate grants, schemes, and loan options so you can step into your new home with confidence.
Homeownership isn’t just about a loan; it’s about securing your future. At LoanBrix, we don’t just process applications. We partner with you to make the entire journey clearer, simpler and less stressful.
Looking for information on Government grants, regulatory changes and shared equity? Drop by our Home Guarantee Scheme Page for more info.
Already have a home loan and want to refinance to access equity? We’ve got you covered. Also, we can help if you are looking at turning your first home into a Melbourne investment property.
Let’s get started.
We See Your Unique Situation
Whether you’re saving solo, planning with a partner, or navigating a single-income household, your path to homeownership is personal. Our advisors take the time to understand your story, your goals, and even your worries.
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Overwhelmed by where to start? We’ll work with you to build a personalised roadmap.
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Worried about missing out on grants? We’ll find every dollar you’re entitled to.
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Confused by bank jargon? We speak plain English so that you better understand your options and responsibilities.
Here’s How We Walk With You, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Your Dream & Budget Chat (Free, No Obligation)
Let’s talk about what you want in a home and what your goals are. We’ll look at your savings, income, and spending to shape a budget that works for your lifestyle. This is a judgement-free zone.
Step 2: Unlock Your Buying Power with Pre-Approval
Get your Home Buyers Passport (our pre-approval). Pre-approval gives you the advantage of placing competitive offers, helps you search with confidence, and locks in your rate for up to 90 days in most cases.
Step 3: Hunt for Your Home & We’ll Crunch the Numbers
Found a place? Send us the contract. We’ll check it against the lender’s criteria and confirm your loan. We handle the stressful lender negotiations so you can focus on planning your move.
Step 4: All Systems Go to Settlement
Our team and your solicitor/conveyancer work together on the final details. We’re here to explain everything until the day you get the keys, and to ensure a smooth transition.
We’ll Help You Find Money You Didn’t Know You Had
The government has put schemes in place to assist people to buy their first home. Let us figure out exactly what you qualify for.
- First Home Guarantee: Buy with a 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Yes, it’s possible.
- First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): A cash boost towards your purchase. Eligibility varies between states (up to $10k-$20k depending on your state).
- Stamp Duty Savings: Potentially save tens of thousands. In some cases, you might pay $0.
- Family Home Guarantee: For single parents – you could buy with a deposit as low as 2% without having to pay LMI.
👉 Unsure what you’re eligible for? Take a look at our information page on Home Guarantee and Government Schemes
Why First Home Buyers Choose LoanBrix?
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Your Personal Guide: A dedicated advisor from start to finish.
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Clarity, Not Confusion: We explain your options until you feel 100% confident.
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Power of Choice: We compare 50+ lenders to find the best rate and the right fit for your unique circumstances.
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Here for the Long Run: We’ll check in after you move in to make sure your loan still fits your life.
2026 Update: The "Metro Effect": Transforming Sunbury, Pakenham, and Clyde
As of February 2026, the Melbourne Metro Tunnel is no longer a future project, it is a live economic driver. By untangling the City Loop and creating a dedicated line from Sunbury in the west to Pakenham in the southeast, the project has fundamentally altered the “commuter maths” for first home buyers and investors.
The impact on these specific growth corridors is distinct and significant:
1. Sunbury: The West’s New “Turn-Up-and-Go” Hub
Historically seen as a distant satellite town, Sunbury has been reclassified by the market as a premium “connected” suburb.
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The Connectivity Shift: With the “Big Switch” in early 2026, Sunbury line trains now run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel. Commuters now have direct, subterranean access to Parkville (Medical/UniMelb precinct) and State Library (CBD North) without changing at Southern Cross.
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Property Impact: We are seeing a “frequency premium” in Sunbury and Diggers Rest. Now that trains run every 5–10 minutes during peak periods, the suburb is attracting white-collar professionals who previously only considered middle-ring suburbs like Sunshine or Footscray.
2. Pakenham: From Fringe to “Super-Connected” Corridor
Pakenham is the biggest beneficiary of the High-Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) and the new East Pakenham Station.
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The Capacity Boost: By removing the Pakenham line from the City Loop bottlenecks, the 2026 timetable has added over 120,000 extra seats per week. This has effectively solved the “crush capacity” issues that plagued the southeast for a decade.
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Investment Outlook: Pakenham house prices have seen a sharp 2026 uptick. Investors are targeting the region because the “commute-to-yield” ratio is now highly favourable, offering a sub-60-minute trip to the CBD while maintaining a median house price significantly lower than the Melbourne average.
3. Clyde & Clyde North: The “Ripple Effect” of the Cranbourne Upgrade
While Clyde does not yet have its own station, it is feeling the “halo effect” of the Metro Tunnel via the Cranbourne Line Upgrade.
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The Infrastructure Link: The duplication of the track between Cranbourne and Dandenong (completed as part of the wider Metro Tunnel works) allows for a train every 10 minutes. For residents in Clyde North, the 10-minute drive to Cranbourne Station now guarantees a faster, more reliable journey into the CBD via the new tunnel.
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The “Future-Proof” Buy: Clyde remains one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing population centers in 2026. Buyers are moving here with the expectation that the increased capacity provided by the Metro Tunnel is the first step toward the eventual Cranbourne-Clyde rail extension.
2026 Property Value Summary: Metro Tunnel Corridors
Expert Insight: In 2026, the “Metro Premium” is estimated to add between $30,000 and $55,000 to the value of homes within walking distance of stations on these lines, as buyers prioritize “transit-oriented” lifestyles to avoid rising petrol costs and road congestion.
As of February 2026, the Melbourne Metro Tunnel is no longer a future project, it is a live economic driver. By untangling the City Loop and creating a dedicated line from Sunbury in the west to Pakenham in the southeast, the project has fundamentally altered the “commuter maths” for first home buyers and investors.
The impact on these specific growth corridors is distinct and significant:
1. Sunbury: The West’s New “Turn-Up-and-Go” Hub
Historically seen as a distant satellite town, Sunbury has been reclassified by the market as a premium “connected” suburb.
-
The Connectivity Shift: With the “Big Switch” in early 2026, Sunbury line trains now run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel. Commuters now have direct, subterranean access to Parkville (Medical/UniMelb precinct) and State Library (CBD North) without changing at Southern Cross.
-
Property Impact: We are seeing a “frequency premium” in Sunbury and Diggers Rest. Now that trains run every 5–10 minutes during peak periods, the suburb is attracting white-collar professionals who previously only considered middle-ring suburbs like Sunshine or Footscray.
2. Pakenham: From Fringe to “Super-Connected” Corridor
Pakenham is the biggest beneficiary of the High-Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) and the new East Pakenham Station.
-
The Capacity Boost: By removing the Pakenham line from the City Loop bottlenecks, the 2026 timetable has added over 120,000 extra seats per week. This has effectively solved the “crush capacity” issues that plagued the southeast for a decade.
-
Investment Outlook: Pakenham house prices have seen a sharp 2026 uptick. Investors are targeting the region because the “commute-to-yield” ratio is now highly favourable, offering a sub-60-minute trip to the CBD while maintaining a median house price significantly lower than the Melbourne average.
3. Clyde & Clyde North: The “Ripple Effect” of the Cranbourne Upgrade
While Clyde does not yet have its own station, it is feeling the “halo effect” of the Metro Tunnel via the Cranbourne Line Upgrade.
-
The Infrastructure Link: The duplication of the track between Cranbourne and Dandenong (completed as part of the wider Metro Tunnel works) allows for a train every 10 minutes. For residents in Clyde North, the 10-minute drive to Cranbourne Station now guarantees a faster, more reliable journey into the CBD via the new tunnel.
-
The “Future-Proof” Buy: Clyde remains one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing population centers in 2026. Buyers are moving here with the expectation that the increased capacity provided by the Metro Tunnel is the first step toward the eventual Cranbourne-Clyde rail extension.
2026 Property Value Summary: Metro Tunnel Corridors
Expert Insight: In 2026, the “Metro Premium” is estimated to add between $30,000 and $55,000 to the value of homes within walking distance of stations on these lines, as buyers prioritize “transit-oriented” lifestyles to avoid rising petrol costs and road congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much deposit do I need for a first home in Melbourne?
While 20% is traditional, most Melbourne first home buyers can now use the Home Guarantee Scheme to buy with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
What is the Melbourne price cap for the First Home Guarantee?
The price cap for the First Home Guarantee in Metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong is currently (as of 2026) $950,000. In regional areas of Victoria, the price cap is $700,000.
Do I pay stamp duty on my first home in Victoria?
In Victoria, first home buyers are exempt from stamp duty on properties up to $600,000. Properties between $600,001 and $750,000 receive a sliding scale concession.
Find out how much you can borrow
54 Lending Partners
We have relationships with all the major financial institutions and are constantly reviewing new and innovative loans to help provide you with the best possible solution.
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We have over one hundred 5 Star ratings from clients on our Google business profile. We pride ourselves on customer service, and aim always to provide the best possible experience.
MFAA Member Since 2009
To become a member, individuals must meet specific requirements, including professional qualifications, a good character, and holding an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) or being a Credit Representative.
Can I use my home equity to buy an investment property?
Yes! You can use your home equity in place of a cash deposit to buy an investment property. If you have questions on how you can do this, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our brokers.
What costs are involved in an investment property loan?
For your investment property loans, you can expect costs that vary. You will need to save a deposit, which we recommend be at least 20% (avoiding the lender’s mortgage insurance), along with the repayments of the loan itself. This will depend on the lender you choose, but Mortgage Broker Melbourne is sure to get you the best deal on your loan. Additionally, there are often loan establishment fees that your lender will charge for processing the documentation. Ongoing loan fees and interest payments are also costs to consider, as they are the ongoing costs of loans. You should also look out for property loan break costs if you opt for a fixed loan; they only apply when leaving the loan before the fixed-rate term ends. However, we don’t charge any fees for our service! We will provide you with expert advice to ensure you get the most out of your investment property loan.
