Shared equity schemes are becoming more common across Australia, offering first home buyers the chance to purchase with a smaller deposit and lower repayments. But what do they actually mean for your long-term wealth and ownership?

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain how shared equity works, where the government or another partner contributes a percentage of the purchase, and what that really means for buyers over time. They break down the benefits, risks, and key trade-offs compared to alternatives like the First Home Guarantee.

You’ll learn about the obligations while you’re in a scheme, the exit pathways to remove government ownership, and who this option may suit best.

This episode gives a general overview of shared equity. Each state has its own version (and not every state offers one), so over the coming weeks we’ll dive deeper into the state-based schemes to help you understand what applies where you’re buying.

In this episode:

🔑 What shared equity schemes are and how they work

🔑 The benefits, risks, and common traps to avoid

🔑 Your obligations while using a shared equity scheme

🔑 Exit pathways to remove government ownership

🔑 How shared equity compares to the First Home Guarantee and other options

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: What are shared equity schemes?

01:53 – What to expect in this episode

03:17 – Before you buy: should you use shared equity?

06:18 – Why choose shared equity instead of the First Home Guarantee?

08:04 – Living with shared equity: rules and restrictions

09:55 – Ongoing reviews, renovation approvals, and refinancing limits

11:05 – Removing shared equity: how do you buy back or exit?

14:18 – The impact on equity and upgrading in the future

15:57 – Final thoughts: is shared equity worth it?

Unlock your Free Resources

Shared Equity Scheme Resource

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

Saving for a deposit can be one of the biggest challenges of buying your first home. The First Home Guarantee Scheme helps by making it possible with as little as 5%.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and the key benefits and trade-offs to be aware of. They also cover the Family Home Guarantee, giving you a full picture of the options available.

You’ll learn about property price caps, income limits, and the important changes coming in October 2025.

This scheme is one of the strongest pathways available for first home buyers. We’ll show you how it works and how it could help you step into your home sooner.

In this episode:

🔑 How the First Home Guarantee works

🔑 Who’s eligible and what types of properties qualify

🔑 The Family Home Guarantee explained

🔑 Property price caps, income limits, and the October 2025 changes

🔑 The benefits, risks, and how to decide if this scheme is right for you

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and overview of today’s topic

02:15 – What the First Home Guarantee actually is and how it works

03:44 – What the government guarantee does (and doesn’t) cover

04:25 – Why the scheme is a big deal for first home buyers

06:25 – Eligibility requirements for the First Home Guarantee

07:57 – Upcoming October 2025 changes: income caps removed

08:38 – Market impacts of the upcoming changes

10:38 – Refinancing rules under the scheme

13:03 – Deposit requirements and genuine savings rules

14:05 – Other upfront costs beyond the deposit (stamp duty, fees, inspections)

15:31 – Should you contribute more than 5% or hold back a buffer?

17:03 – How lenders view extra cash and buffers

18:12 – Reserving and holding your scheme spot with pre-approval

19:11 – What types of properties qualify and price cap rules

20:15 – Price cap increases from October 2025 and what that means

22:56 – The Family Home Guarantee explained (2% deposit for single parents/guardians)

24:37 – Key insights from the 2023–24 Housing Australia Scheme Report

25:28 – Major changes coming in 2026: income caps, price caps, and place limits

25:55 – Final advice for buyers considering the scheme

26:31 – Wrap-up and next week’s preview: shared equity schemes

Unlock your Free Resources

First Home Guarantee Scheme Resource

Property Price Cap Tool

Price Cap Changes Resource

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest challenges for first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme is designed to help, but the rules can feel confusing.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and the steps to contribute and withdraw. They also cover the potential tax benefits, timing traps to watch out for, and common mistakes first home buyers should avoid.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key benefits and risks and whether the scheme could play a part in your deposit strategy.

In this episode:

🔑 What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works

🔑 Eligibility criteria and contribution limits

🔑 How to withdraw your savings and what to expect at tax time

🔑 The benefits and risks of using super to save for your deposit

🔑 Why timing matters before making contributions

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Talking all things First Home Super Saver

01:53 – What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works

02:54 – Key benefits and trade-offs of the scheme

04:32 – Eligibility rules: who can use the scheme

07:06 – Step 1: Making contributions

12:28 – Step 2: Releasing funds

13:37 – Withdrawal process: requesting a determination and release

16:25 – Common mistakes to avoid (timing, contributions, contracts)

18:49 – What’s next in the Grants & Schemes series

🎧 Listen now to understand how the Super Saver Scheme could support your deposit goals.

Unlock your Free Resources

ATO First Home Super Saver Website

First Home Super Saver Calculator

First Home Super Saver Scheme Resource

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

You’ve made your offer, it’s been accepted, and the contracts are signed, now what?

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates walk you through the final stage of the buying process, from formal loan approval to collecting your keys on settlement day. They explain the role of your broker and conveyancer, how valuations work, and what to expect at each step so you can finish the process feeling calm and confident.

You’ll also hear a real case study comparing a preapproved buyer with one who skipped this step, and how it changed their experience.

Wherever you are in your buying journey, this episode will help you get settlement-ready.

In this episode:

🔑 What happens after your offer is accepted

🔑 How valuations work

🔑 The broker and conveyancer’s role in getting to settlement

🔑 Key steps between formal approval and settlement day

🔑 Real case study: preapproved vs no preapproval

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and what we’ll cover

02:24 – What happens once your offer is accepted

03:25 – Two types of valuations: desktop vs in-person

09:08 – Formal approval: what it is and why it matters

09:47 – Pre-approved vs no pre-approval: how the process changes

14:16 – What happens after formal approval? Steps to settlement

15:56 – How to ensure a smooth settlement process

17:26 – What actually happens on settlement day

19:13 – Getting prepared early (and how your broker should help)

19:51 – Key takeaways and what’s next for First Home Unlocked

🎧 Listen now to feel prepared and confident when it’s time to settle on your first home.

Unlock your Free Resources

Get Your Settlement Ready Guide

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

Making an offer on your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when every agent handles things differently, and there are no standard rules.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down exactly how to approach the offer process with clarity and confidence. They explain the different types of sales (private sale vs auction), how to structure a strong offer, and the key questions to ask the agent before putting pen to paper.

You’ll learn what conditions can protect you, what happens once your offer is accepted, and how to avoid common traps that catch first home buyers out.

Whether you're weeks away from making an offer or just starting to look, this episode gives you the tools to make a smart move when the time comes.

In this episode:

🔑 What to ask the agent before making an offer

🔑 The difference between private sales and auctions

🔑 How to assess what a property is really worth (price guides are just a guide)

🔑 How to structure a strong offer (it’s not always about price)

🔑 Conditions that protect you and when to use them

00:00 – Every agent handles offers differently

02:08 – Why you should engage your conveyancer early

04:47 – Understanding sale types: private sale vs auction

09:02 – Biggest mistakes buyers make at auction

11:56 – What is the property actually worth?

15:43 – What’s included in a written offer?

17:09 – When do you actually pay your deposit?

19:20 – Conditions that protect you: finance, cooling-off, building & pest

24:45 – Finalising contracts: what to confirm before signing

26:01 – Key takeaways and what’s coming next

🎧 Listen now to feel prepared and confident when it’s time to make your first offer.

Unlock your Free Resources

Get Your Making An Offer Resource:

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

Buying your first home isn’t just about getting into the market, it’s about making a smart choice that supports your goals now and sets you up for what comes next.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down what makes a property high-quality and why the right home should work for you today and hold value for the future.

They walk you through a clear, top-down approach to evaluating asset quality, starting at the macro level with location, supply, and demand, then zooming in to the street, the home itself, layout, and land.

You’ll learn what to avoid (like new development areas or off-the-plan apartments), how to identify rare or high-demand homes, and how to balance lifestyle with long-term value.

Whether you're buying to stay long-term or planning to upgrade in a few years, this episode will help you avoid emotional buying and make a smart, strategic decision.

In this episode:

🔑 What asset quality really means (and why it matters)

🔑 Why you should zoom out before falling in love with a property

🔑 How to assess location, supply and demand

🔑 What to look for in a suburb, street, and specific home

🔑 The difference between land value and building value

🔑 Key red flags and signs of long-term value

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why asset quality is so important for first home buyers

04:18 – Start by zooming out. Don’t get emotionally attached too early

08:18 – Macro-level: Understanding supply and demand

14:39 – Buying with future buyers in mind

17:19 – Zooming into suburb and location quality

19:00 – What important factors to look for on the street?

26:47 – What about the property itself? What to look for at inspections?

32:58 – The importance of Asset Quality for First Home Buyers

34:19 – The importance of land vs the building

35:02 – Key takeaways

🎧 Listen now and learn how to buy with confidence, not just convenience.

Unlock your Free Resources

Download your Asset Quality Checklist

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

Getting pre-approved isn’t just about ticking a box, it's about buying with clarity, confidence, and control.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates unpack what a fully assessed pre-approval actually is, why it matters, and how it puts you in a stronger position when it’s time to make an offer.

They break down the difference between a computer-generated approval and one that’s properly reviewed by a credit assessor, and how that impacts your ability to move quickly when the right property comes up.

You’ll learn how pre-approval fits into your buying timeline, how it can help uncover roadblocks early (like credit issues or complex income), and why starting the process 6–12 months out can make all the difference.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of buying, or ready to get serious, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with more confidence and clarity.

In this episode:

🔑 What a pre-approval actually is

🔑 Fully assessed vs online pre-approvals

🔑 How pre-approval helps you avoid costly delays

🔑 Why your broker’s process makes a big difference

🔑 Ideal timing for getting pre-approved

Timestamps:

00:00 – What’s in store for this episode?

01:41 – What is a pre-approval, and why does it matter?

04:30 – The process to get a pre-approval

05:29 – Fully assessed vs computer-generated: what’s the difference?

08:40 – Ideal timing for pre-approval

09:01 – How long does a pre-approval last, and what happens if it expires?

09:25 – How pre-approval speeds up the formal approval process

10:34 – Your broker’s role: strategy, not just paperwork

12:50 – Top tips for a strong pre-approval

13:48 – The value of going through the pre-approval process

15:38 – What’s to come on next week's episode?

🎧 Listen now and learn how to take control of your buying journey.

Unlock your Free Resources

Get Your Power of Pre-Approval Guide

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

One of the biggest myths in home buying is that you need a 20% deposit. While it can help avoid some costs, it’s not a requirement, and focusing only on that number could be holding you back.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down the real deposit options available for first home buyers, including how much you actually need, how to avoid unnecessary delays, and what smarter alternatives exist if a 20% deposit feels out of reach.

You’ll explore practical ways to think about saving, understand options like the First Home Guarantee Scheme and family guarantor loans, and hear simple tips to build momentum, even if you’re just getting started.

Whether you’re early in your savings journey or already close to your goal, this episode will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode:

🔑 Do you really need a 20% deposit?

🔑 Deposit options from 2% to 20%, including the First Home Guarantee and family guarantor loans

🔑 Why buffers matter and how to set up your savings

🔑 Smart tips to build habits and practice future mortgage repayments

Timestamps:

00:00 – Do you really need a 20% deposit?

02:45 – Why 20% is such a common myth

05:08 – Your options with a 5%–10% deposit

07:37 – When it makes sense to pay LMI (and when to avoid it)

09:13 – What is the Family Home Guarantee Scheme?

09:46 – Other low-deposit options and what to consider

11:14 – How much do you really need to save?

11:50 – Client story: Buying with 5% instead of saving 15%

12:54 – Building a clear savings approach

🎧 Listen now and take the guesswork out of your deposit strategy.

Key Links from This Episode

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Family Home Guarantee Scheme

Unlock your Free Resources

Get your Unlocking Your Deposit Resource

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au