I'm Jason Birks, a Brisbane mortgage broker. I spent over ten years lending at Westpac and NAB before starting Birks Financial Group, and I compare more than 60 lenders. For a step-by-step walk through the whole process, see my first home buyer roadmap. This page covers how I help and the support available as at October 2026.
The help available in Queensland
- The 5% Deposit Scheme. Eligible first home buyers can buy with a 5% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance. There are no income caps or limits on places. The property price cap is $1,000,000 in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, and $700,000 elsewhere in Queensland.
- Stamp duty concessions. Eligible first home buyers pay no transfer duty on a new home, or vacant land to build one, at any price. On an established home there's no duty up to $700,000, with a partial concession up to $800,000.
- The First Home Owner Grant. $30,000 towards a new home valued under $750,000, including land. See my First Home Owner Grant guide.
- Professional LMI waivers. Doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, accountants and other professionals can sometimes borrow 90% or more without LMI, with no government price cap. See home loans for professionals.
- The Family Home Guarantee for single parents. Eligible single parents and legal guardians can buy with a 2% deposit and no LMI. You don't have to be a first home buyer, as long as you don't currently own property. There's no income test, and the same price caps apply.
- Family guarantees. A parent can use equity in their home to cover part of your deposit. See my guarantor home loans guide.
Each of these has its own fine print, and some can be combined. The rules change with state and federal budgets, so I check them against your situation at the time.
How I help
- Work out your real borrowing power across more than 60 lenders, not just one bank's calculator
- Check which schemes, concessions and grants you qualify for, and which combination saves you the most
- Show you the cash you'll need on top of the deposit: stamp duty, legal costs and fees
- Check the property's flood risk and insurance before you commit. See my Brisbane flood check guide
- Get you pre-approved so you can make offers with confidence
- Handle the application, valuation and lender questions through to settlement
Questions people ask
How much deposit do I need for my first home?
With the 5% Deposit Scheme or a professional LMI waiver, as little as 5%. Without them, 20% avoids LMI, and you can buy with less if you pay it. You also need money for stamp duty (if it applies) and costs. My deposit guide goes through it.
Can I use the 5% Deposit Scheme for a new build?
Yes, as long as you and the property meet the scheme rules, including the price cap. You may also qualify for the First Home Owner Grant and the duty concession on a new home.
Do I have to use my own bank?
No. Only participating lenders offer the 5% Deposit Scheme, and each lender assesses borrowing power differently. Comparing them is my job, and it costs you nothing.
How long does pre-approval take?
Usually a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the lender. My pre-approval guide explains what's involved.
What is the 2% deposit scheme?
The Family Home Guarantee. Eligible single parents and legal guardians can buy with a 2% deposit and no LMI, within the same price caps as the 5% Deposit Scheme. There is no income test.
