Insights.
Plain-English guides to buying, borrowing and refinancing in Sydney, written by Charles Touma, mortgage broker.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme, Explained
Save your deposit inside super, pay less tax and release it when you buy. How the FHSSS works and who it suits.
Read the guideHelp to Buy in NSW: The Shared Equity Scheme
The Australian Government co-owns up to 40% of your home from a 2% deposit. How Help to Buy works and how it differs from…
Read the guideThe Real Costs of Buying Your First Home in Sydney
Beyond the deposit: stamp duty, legals, inspections, lender fees and moving costs, with realistic Sydney figures.
Read the guideThe First Home Buyer Checklist
From first conversation to keys: every step in order, what to gather, and the traps to avoid on the way.
Read the guideShould I Get Pre-Approval Before an Auction?
Auction contracts are unconditional. Why bidding without pre-approval is a risk Sydney buyers should not take.
Read the guideHow Much Income Do I Need to Buy an $800,000 Property?
A worked example for Sydney first home buyers: the deposit, the loan and the household income that typically supports an $800k purchase.
Read the guide5% Deposit vs 20% Deposit: The Real Trade-Offs
Buy years sooner with 5%, or wait for 20% and a smaller loan? The honest comparison for Sydney first home buyers.
Read the guide