First Home Buyers

Access Home Loan Options, First Home Owner Grants and Incentives while we guide you through the process. Get help from an experienced Finance & Mortgage Broker at Craft Financial today!

Rated 5 from 68 Reviews

Understand the loan types, grants and incentives to get into your First Home

Buying your first home is an exciting step for residents in every state. At Craft Financial, we specialise in helping you access Home Loan options from banks and lenders across Australia. Our expertise lies in understanding the unique challenges self-employed individuals face when applying for a home loan. Whether it is your first investment property or your first home, we are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you make informed decisions every step of the way.

When buying a home, understanding your borrowing capacity is crucial. We assist you in collecting the necessary financial documents, such as bank statements and credit history reports, to paint a clear picture of your financial situation. This information helps determine the loan amount for which you qualify, as well as whether you can check eligibility to access lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers. LMI can be a significant cost, and waivers can make a substantial difference in your upfront expenses.

Interest rates play a vital role in your home loan journey. Craft Financial offers insights into both variable interest rate and fixed interest rate options, helping you understand how each affects your long-term financial commitments. Additionally, we help you explore interest rate discounts that could be available to you based on your credit history and loan to value ratio (LVR). These discounts can make a significant impact over the life of your loan.

Another aspect we consider is how to maximise the benefits of first home owner grants (FHOG) and stamp duty concessions. These incentives can provide considerable savings when buying your first home. We guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process to ensure you receive all benefits for which you qualify. Our streamlined application process aims to simplify applying for a home loan, making it as stress-free as possible.

We help you get pre-approved, giving you the confidence to make offers within the property market. Understanding the nuances of an investment loan application, we ensure all aspects are covered, from assessing your financial situation to exploring features like an offset account that could save on interest payments. Our access to banks and lenders nationwide gives you a broad range of products to choose from.

Craft Financial is committed to making buying your first home a straightforward experience. By providing personalised service and expert advice, we aim to help you and your family achieve their homeownership goals with confidence. Whether it is accessing Home Loan options from banks and lenders across Australia or exploring various investment loan options, our team is here to support you.

Taking the first step towards buying your first home should be exciting, not overwhelming. Craft Financial is ready to assist you in every aspect of your journey. Contact us today to discuss how we can help make your dream of homeownership a reality. Let us guide you through the process of applying for a home loan and unlocking opportunities in the property market.

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Craft Financial

Getting a Home Loan with Craft Financial

1. Discovery Chat
We start with a quick call to get to know you, your goals, your income, your current setup, and where you want to head. At this stage, we will also collect the key documents we need so we can move quickly and avoid delays later. This is about making sure we understand your short term plans as well as your long term goals so we can map out the right path forward.

2. Strategy and Options
Once we have the full picture, we put together lending strategies tailored to you. We show you what you can borrow, how the repayments look, and which lenders fit best. The focus is not just on this loan, but also on how it positions you for the bigger picture and future opportunities. Where it adds value, we may also introduce you to our trusted network of accountants, buyers agents, and conveyancers who we believe are the best in the industry.

3. Application Made Simple
When you are ready, we take care of the paperwork and deal directly with the bank so you do not have to. Our team handles the heavy lifting while keeping you updated at every step. We make the process clear and stress free, so you can focus on what matters most.

4. Approval and Settlement
We work to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether that is pre approval, a refinance, or settlement on your new place. We guide you right through to the finish line, explaining everything along the way so you are never left in the dark. Our goal is to make it seamless from start to finish while making sure it aligns with your long term plans.

5. Ongoing Support
We do not disappear after the loan settles. We keep reviewing and repricing your loans so you are never paying more than you should. Think of us as your long term finance partner, checking in regularly to make sure your setup still works as your life and goals evolve. And when you need specialists around you, we can connect you with the right people at the right time.

Reviews for Craft Financial

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Shehan rfq98

Tom has been absolutely amazing! My partner and I just bought our first home together, and we honestly couldn’t have done it without Tom. From start to finish, Tom made everything feel so easy and stress-free. Tom always took the time to explain things, answered every question we had, and made sure we felt confident through the whole process. You can tell Tom really cares about helping people, not just getting the job done. We’re so grateful for all Tom’s help and support it truly meant a lot to us. If you’re looking for someone genuine who will go above and beyond, Tom’s your guy!

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kane benson

A friend recommended Craft Financial to me after a different broker couldn't get the job done. Craft provided a great service with minimal time. I couldn't suggest a better broker.

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Matt Valvo

Craft Financial did an outstanding job in helping me through the process of a loan consolidation and refinance, it went seamlessly. Their professional and prompt service was greatly appreciated. Craft Financial provided a high level of clear communication and explained the process at each step so there was no confusion. I will continue to work with Craft Financial and definitely recommend them to friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of investment properties can you arrange finance for?

We arrange finance for a wide range of investment property types across Australia. This includes residential houses, units, townhouses, and apartments in metropolitan and regional areas. We also have access to lenders who finance unique properties like student accommodation, dual occupancy properties, and houses with minor non-conforming features. Whether you're purchasing established properties or off-the-plan developments, we can structure appropriate finance solutions. Some lenders have restrictions on certain property types or locations, but our extensive panel ensures we can usually find suitable options. We also help with commercial property purchases when they form part of your investment strategy, connecting you with specialist commercial lenders when required.

What makes Craft Financial different from other mortgage brokers for self-employed property investors?

As specialists in working with self-employed property investors, we understand the unique challenges you face when securing finance. Traditional lenders often struggle to assess self-employed income, which can make the mortgage application process more complex. Our team has extensive experience working with various income structures including sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. We know which lenders are most receptive to self-employed borrowers and how to present your financial position in the most favourable light. This specialised knowledge means we can often secure finance when others cannot, helping you build your property portfolio without unnecessary delays or rejections.

What documents do I need to provide for a property investment loan application?

The documentation requirements vary depending on your business structure and the lender's requirements. Generally, you'll need two years of tax returns including notices of assessment, recent business activity statements, and bank statements for both personal and business accounts. If you operate through a company or trust, we'll need financial statements and company documents. For your investment property, you'll need a contract of sale, rental appraisal, and property valuations. We provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific situation and help you gather everything efficiently. Our team reviews your documents before submission to ensure they present your application in the strongest possible manner to lenders.

How do you assess my borrowing capacity as a self-employed property investor?

Our assessment process looks beyond traditional employment income to understand your complete financial picture. We examine your tax returns, business activity statements, bank statements, and cash flow patterns to determine your genuine borrowing capacity. For self-employed clients, we consider factors like business consistency, industry trends, and seasonal variations in income. We also look at your existing property portfolio, rental income potential, and investment strategy. This comprehensive approach often reveals borrowing capacity that traditional assessments might miss, allowing you to maximise your investment opportunities while ensuring the loans remain serviceable within your financial circumstances.

Do you charge fees for your mortgage broking services?

Our mortgage broking services are typically funded through commissions paid by lenders, which means most clients don't pay direct fees for our standard services. However, for complex applications requiring significant additional work, or for certain specialised services, we may charge professional fees. These are always discussed and agreed upon upfront before any work commences. We believe in complete transparency about costs, so you'll always know exactly what you're paying for any services. Our focus is on providing value through our expertise and securing finance outcomes that justify any costs involved. Most clients find that the benefits we deliver through loan structuring and lender selection far outweigh any fees charged.

What happens if my loan application gets declined?

A declined application doesn't mean the end of your property investment plans. Our extensive lender panel means we often have alternative options when one lender says no. Different lenders have varying appetite for self-employed borrowers and different assessment criteria, so a decline from one doesn't predict outcomes with others. We analyse the reasons for any decline and adjust our approach accordingly, whether that means presenting information differently, choosing alternative lenders, or addressing specific concerns raised. Sometimes a decline indicates we need to strengthen your application by improving documentation or waiting for better financial results. We work with you to understand what's needed and develop a plan to achieve your financing goals, even if it takes longer than initially expected.

Can you help me refinance my existing investment properties?

Absolutely. Refinancing can be an excellent strategy for property investors to improve cash flow, access equity, or secure more favourable loan terms. We regularly help self-employed investors refinance their portfolios to take advantage of changing market conditions or their improved financial position. The process involves reviewing your current loans, assessing your financial situation, and identifying opportunities for improvement. This might include consolidating multiple loans, switching to interest-only payments, or accessing equity for your next purchase. We handle the entire refinancing process including valuations, legal documentation, and settlement coordination, ensuring minimal disruption to your investment strategy while maximising the financial benefits.

Can you help structure loans across multiple properties in my portfolio?

Portfolio structuring is one of our key strengths when working with property investors. We help you optimise your loan structure across multiple properties to maximise tax benefits, maintain flexibility, and prepare for future growth. This might involve using different loan products for different properties, structuring cross-collateralised facilities, or keeping properties in separate loan accounts for easier management. We consider factors like your entity structure, tax position, and future investment plans when recommending portfolio arrangements. Our approach ensures your finance structure supports your long-term investment strategy rather than creating limitations. We also review existing portfolios to identify restructuring opportunities that could improve your position or unlock additional borrowing capacity.

How long does the mortgage application process typically take?

The timeframe varies depending on several factors including the complexity of your financial situation, the lender chosen, and how quickly documentation is provided. For self-employed borrowers, the process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application to approval, though this can be longer during busy periods or if additional information is requested. Pre-approval can often be obtained within 1-2 weeks, which is valuable when making property offers. We work to expedite the process wherever possible by ensuring applications are complete and accurate from the start. Our established relationships with lenders often help speed up the assessment process, and we keep you informed of progress throughout to manage expectations and ensure smooth settlements.

Ready to get started?

Book a chat with a Finance & Mortgage Broker at Craft Financial today.