First Home Unlocked

The Northern Territory offers some of the most generous first home buyer incentives in Australia from full stamp duty exemptions for new builds, to grants worth up to $50,000. But understanding which ones truly support your long-term goals is key. In this episode, Jack Elliott breaks down what’s available as of October 2025, including the House and Land Package Exemption, HomeGrown Territory Grant...

Victoria offers a range of incentives to help first home buyers get into the market sooner, from full stamp duty exemptions to a $10,000 grant for new homes and major updates to the First Home Guarantee Scheme. In this episode, Jack Elliott breaks down what’s available as of October 2025, who’s eligible, and how to think strategically about each option. You’ll learn how the concessions and schemes...

Tasmania offers a mix of incentives that can help first home buyers cut upfront costs and get into the market sooner. From full stamp duty exemptions on established homes, to a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for new builds, the First Home Guarantee with higher price caps, and the MyHome shared equity scheme, there’s a lot to weigh up. In this episode, Jack Elliott walks you through what’s availabl...

The ACT takes a different approach to first home buyer support. There’s no First Home Owner Grant and no first home buyer specific stamp duty exemption instead, buyers get access to the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which provides full or partial stamp duty relief to anyone purchasing a home to live in. In this episode, Jack Elliott breaks down what’s available in the ACT as of September 2025, who...

New South Wales has a range of incentives designed to help first home buyers reduce upfront costs and enter the market sooner. From stamp duty concessions to the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, and the First Home Guarantee Scheme with rising price caps, there’s a lot to understand. In this episode, Jack Elliott walks you through what’s available in NSW as of September 2025, who’s eligible, and the...

Queensland has a range of incentives to help first home buyers enter the market sooner and reduce upfront costs. From stamp duty concessions to a $30,000 grant for new homes, and a new shared equity scheme launching soon, there’s a lot to navigate. In this episode, Jack Elliott walks you through what’s available as of September 2025, who’s eligible, and the key benefits and trade-offs to consider....

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 wha...

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 av...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 a...

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 revi...

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 alter...

When people think about the cost of buying their first home, they usually focus on the deposit. But the true cost includes a range of extra expenses, and if you're not prepared, they can catch you off guard. In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share a full breakdown of the real costs involved in buying your first home, from government charges and lender fees to legal costs, building and...

When’s the right time to speak to a mortgage broker? Most first home buyers think it’s once they’ve saved the full deposit or found the perfect property, but waiting can cost you time, money, and confidence. In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain why engaging a broker early (6–12 months out) can be a game-changer. You’ll learn how brokers help you plan strategically, ask the right q...

The first step in buying your home isn’t finance, it’s getting clear on your goals and vision. In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates talk about considering your future before property and why the best buying decisions start with understanding where you’re heading. Whether you're single, in a couple, planning a family, or wanting a balanced lifestyle, this conversation is about putting you...

Feeling overwhelmed by the process of buying your first home? You’re not alone, and you're in the right place. 🔑🏠 In this debut episode of First Home Unlocked, hosts Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and the kind of grounded support you can expect moving forward. If you're confused by all the information out there, this show is here to bring all the inform...