koala financialBook a free discovery call
For first home buyers and first-time investors

The mortgage broker for your first step into property

Helping you take your first step onto the property ladder

First home or first investment, you deal directly with Scott from your first question to settlement.

Scott, founder of koala financial
Rated 5.0 on Google🏦 Lenders compared for your situation🏠 Focused on first homes and first investments🇦🇺 Helping clients Australia-wide
Thinking about your first property?

You don’t need to be wealthy to start.
Just well guided.

Borrowing power, deposit, costs, loan structure and timing all matter, whether you are buying a home to live in or your first investment. We help you make sense of the moving parts and choose a next step that supports both this purchase and what may come after it.

Google Reviews

What clients say about us

Rated 5.0 on Google
Ankur Ahluwalia
Ankur Ahluwalia

“We had an exceptional experience with Scott for our SMSF loan. From start to finish, he was quick in responding, had great attitude and attention to detail. I would highly recommend Scott!”

cas p
cas p

“Scott was absolutely amazing to work with. Always there whenever we needed just a phone call or message away, nothing was ever too hard for him. I would highly recommend him to anybody looking to buy a house. I would give him 10 stars if I could!”

A.S
A.S

“Scott at Koala Financial has been awesome and incredibly helpful throughout my property and loan journey. There were a few times when I was considering purchasing a property without doing enough research, and Scott took the time to give me honest advice on what to avoid and what I should be looking out for. I really appreciated his guidance — it helped me make more informed decisions and avoid potential mistakes. I’d definitely recommend Scott to anyone looking for someone knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely looking out for their best interests. When I need another loan in the future, I’ll definitely be going back to Scott.”

sean
sean

“Scott has been fantastic from the beginning. He answered every call, helped me with what felt like a 1000 questions, and supported me through every step of the process. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and his guidance made everything so much easier. I highly recommend Scott and truly appreciate all his help.”

Osmane Jalloh
Osmane Jalloh

“Scott was amazing very professional and patient with me throughout my this process I couldn’t have done it without him I will definitely recommend him to all my family and friends thank you so very much Scott”

See all reviews on Google →
How we can help

Which first step are you taking?

Some people want a home to live in. Others start with an investment and keep renting where they love living (that is rentvesting). Both are a first step into property, and both need the lending set up properly from day one.

A home to live in

Your first home

Know what you can borrow, which grants and schemes you may qualify for, and how to get from pre-approval to keys with the lending set up properly.

Explore first home loans
An investment, including rentvesting

Your first investment property

Understand your borrowing power, deposit and loan structure, and set the lending up with your next purchase in mind, whether you buy where you live or rentvest.

Explore first investment loans

Not sure which first step is yours? Compare rentvesting with buying your first home

Also here for what comes next

Next home and refinance

Upsizing, downsizing or getting a better deal on the loan you have.

Home loans

Investment refinance and equity

Restructure your investment lending or use equity for the next purchase.

Investment loans

SMSF commercial and refinance

Clear lending support for existing SMSF refinances and commercial property purchases.

SMSF loans

See every loan type we arrange

How it works

A clear plan from your first conversation to settlement

1

Understand what’s possible

We’ll discuss your goals, borrowing power and whether you’re ready to buy now or would benefit from a plan first.

2

Build the right lending strategy

We work out your buying position, compare suitable lenders and structure your loan around this purchase and your future property goals.

3

Move forward with confidence

We manage the application, keep you informed through to settlement, and continue supporting you as your plans evolve.

See the full process
2027 CGT changes

Which ownership structure
leaves you with more?

The rules around investment property tax have changed. Compare personal, discretionary trust and company ownership using the new negative gearing and capital gains tax rules to see how much you could keep after tax.

Open the Trust vs Company vs Personal Calculator

Educational estimates only. Ownership structure is a tax and legal decision that should be made with your accountant or solicitor.

Property calculators

Run the numbers before you make a move.

Estimate your borrowing power, costs and repayments, then explore property scenarios using your own figures.

Why start here?

Your borrowing power shapes everything that follows: your budget, your loan structure, and whether your next purchase stays within reach. The dial gives you a rough idea; your real number comes from a proper look at your full situation.

Deposit & Budget Planner
Investment Property Cash Flow
Rent vs Buy
Stamp Duty
+8more
Explore the property calculators

Indicative estimates only. Calculator results are not financial, tax, legal or credit advice.

Free investor guide

5 finance decisions to get right before buying your first investment property

A free, plain-English guide to the five money decisions that make or break your first investment purchase.

  • Build your first investment with a long-term property strategy.
  • Understand the finance decisions that shape your borrowing power and future options.
  • Make smarter decisions around your deposit, cash flow and loan structure before you sign a contract.

Buying a home to live in instead? See how we help first home buyers

Get the free guide

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We collect your name, contact details and information so we can reply, send what you've asked for, and share educational property and finance content. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

More than just loans

Every loan settled adopts a koala.

For every loan we settle, we adopt a koala in your name through an accredited koala conservation program - and a koala adoption pack arrives in your post.

The Adopt a Koala program helps protect these iconic Australian animals in the wild for future generations.

Scott - koala financial
First Home & Investment Specialist
Accredited Mortgage Broker
Meet Scott

You deal with Scott.
Start to finish.

koala financial was built to make property finance simpler, clearer and less overwhelming.

You’ll receive honest guidance, a lending strategy that’s built around your long-term goals, and support from your first enquiry through to settlement.

No being passed between departments. No conflicting advice. Just clear guidance when you need it most.

Guidance for first home buyers and first-time investors
Lending structure with your next property in mind
Lender options compared and explained in plain English
Direct support from your first question through to settlement
FBAA memberCredit Representative 567904Australian Credit Licence 486112 (PCFS)Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking
Frequently asked questions

Questions people ask before their first property

You do not need to know all the answers before speaking with a broker. These are some of the questions we can help you work through.

How much deposit do I need for my first home?

Most lenders want 5–20% of the purchase price plus costs. With the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible buyers can purchase with just 5% without paying Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI); a family guarantor can reduce the cash needed even further.

How much deposit do I need for my first investment property?

Many investors work towards a deposit of 10% to 20% of the purchase price, plus buying costs such as stamp duty and conveyancing. Some people can use equity in an existing home instead of relying entirely on cash savings. For a lower-deposit purchase, the sweet spot is a 12% deposit plus 5% for costs. This can help balance buying sooner with the cost of LMI, which is normally around 2% of the loan.

What’s the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme?

An Australian Government scheme (via Housing Australia) that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with as little as 5% deposit, with the government guaranteeing the rest so you avoid LMI. There is also a 2% Deposit Scheme for single parents. Eligibility criteria and property price caps apply. We check your eligibility as part of the assessment.

How much can I borrow?

Your borrowing power depends on your income, living expenses, existing debts, credit limits and, for an investment property, the expected rent. Lenders assess these factors differently and include buffers for higher interest rates. We can assess your position before you start looking so you have a more realistic buying range.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?

Often not, or less. Most states offer full exemptions below a price threshold and concessions above it. The thresholds vary a lot by state and change at budget time. Our property purchase costs calculator models the current first-home concessions for every state.

Should I rent where I live and buy elsewhere?

This is known as rentvesting. It can help you enter the property market while continuing to live in an area that suits your lifestyle. Whether it works for you depends on your deposit, borrowing power, cash flow and longer-term goals. We can compare the lending implications of each pathway without pressuring you towards either option.

Should I buy an investment property before buying my own home?

It can make sense for some people, particularly when buying where they want to live is currently out of reach. It also creates trade-offs involving borrowing power, cash flow, lifestyle and potential first-home buyer concessions. We can help you understand the lending options before you decide which path fits your goals.

What is the difference between an investment loan and a home loan?

They work in much the same way, but lender policies, pricing and available features can differ. Expected rent may be included in the assessment, and some investors consider options such as interest-only repayments. We compare suitable lender options and explain how each one could affect your broader plan.

What are the upfront and ongoing costs?

Upfront costs may include stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections and loan fees. Ongoing costs can include repayments, council rates, insurance, maintenance and property management. We help you map the likely costs before you commit so you can plan with a realistic buffer.

What’s a guarantor loan?

A family member (usually a parent) offers part of their own home’s equity as additional security, which can let you buy with little or no cash deposit and no LMI. The guarantee can typically be released once you’ve built enough equity. It’s a serious commitment for the guarantor, so we walk both parties through it properly.

Should I get pre-approval before I start looking?

Pre-approval is usually worth considering before you start making offers. It can give you a clearer buying range and identify potential lending issues early. It is still conditional rather than guaranteed approval, so the property and your circumstances will need to satisfy the lender’s final assessment.

Do I need a big income or to be wealthy to start?

No. You do not need to be wealthy to explore what may be possible. Your borrowing position will depend on your income, expenses, debts, deposit or equity and the property you are considering. The first step is to understand your numbers and choose a purchase that stays within your means and supports your longer-term goals.

How long does the process take?

It depends on whether you need pre-approval, whether you have already found a property and how quickly the selected lender can assess the application. Once we understand your situation, we will explain the likely steps and timing and keep you updated throughout the process.

Ready to take your first step into property?

Find out what is possible and take your next step with a clear plan. Your first discovery call is free and there is no pressure to proceed. You will speak directly with Scott.