Starting your home ownership journey?
It all begins with an idea.
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. From saving your deposit to choosing the right loan, there’s a lot to think about. At AMI Home Loans, we specialise in helping first home buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Here are our top tips for making your first home purchase as smooth and successful as possible:
1. Know Your Budget (And Stick to It)
Before you fall in love with a property, get a clear understanding of how much you can borrow — and what repayments will look like. A good broker (like us!) will help you work out a realistic borrowing range based on your income, expenses, and goals.
2. Get Pre-Approval Early
Loan pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your borrowing power and shows sellers you’re serious. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a smart early step that can save time and help you bid with confidence.
3. Understand the First Home Buyer Schemes
There are several government incentives available to help first home buyers, including:
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Stamp Duty Concessions
First Home Guarantee (low deposit options)
We’ll walk you through what you’re eligible for and help you apply — so you don’t leave money on the table.
4. Think Long-Term, Not Just First Step
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying, but try to choose a property that fits your needs for the next 5+ years. Think about growth areas, proximity to work, schools, and lifestyle. Think about your personal circumstances, do you have large expenditure goals on the horizon (marriage, holidays, children), they don’t have to be show stoppers, we just need to create the right strategy to make it happen!
5. Consider All Costs (Not Just the Mortgage)
Owning a home comes with ongoing costs like council rates, insurance, strata fees (for units), and maintenance. Make sure your budget allows for these extras — not just the loan repayment.
6. Don’t Shop Alone — Use a Broker
Comparing loans across dozens of lenders, understanding fixed vs variable, offset accounts, LMI — it’s a lot. We break it down for you, find competitive options, and handle the paperwork.
And yes — our service is 100% free. We’re paid by the lender once your loan settles.
7. Stay Calm, Be Prepared
Markets can move fast, and emotions run high — especially at auctions. With the right plan and the right support team behind you, you’ll be able to make confident, informed decisions.
What Is DHOAS?
It all begins with an idea.
A Simple Guide to the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme
If you’re serving — or have served — in the Australian Defence Force (ADF, Navy, Army or Air Force), you may be eligible for DHOAS, the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme. It’s a benefit designed to help current and former ADF members and their families get into the property market sooner, with financial support from the government.
At AMI Home Loans, we’re proud to assist Defence members in accessing their DHOAS entitlements and navigating the home loan process with confidence. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is DHOAS?
DHOAS is a government-backed scheme that helps eligible ADF personnel and veterans buy their own home. It works by providing monthly subsidy payments toward the interest on your home loan, reducing the amount you need to pay out of pocket.
Think of it as home loan assistance for your service — one that continues to support you even after you've left the Defence Force.
How Does DHOAS Work?
The scheme pays a monthly subsidy directly to your participating lender, based on:
Your service history
The loan amount
The current ADF median interest rate (updated quarterly)
The longer you’ve served, the larger your entitlement — and the longer you can receive the benefit. You can use it for:
Buying an established home
Building a new home
Refinancing an existing loan (if switching to a DHOAS loan)
Which Lenders Offer DHOAS Loans?
Only a few lenders are approved under the scheme, and each has its own products, interest rates, and loan conditions. We’ll help you compare your options and find the right DHOAS loan to suit your needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Generally, you may be eligible if:
You’ve completed a qualifying period of service
You’re an active ADF member or separated under honourable conditions
You’ve not already used your full DHOAS entitlement
For full eligibility criteria, visit https://www.dhoas.gov.au/
Can I Use DHOAS With My Partner?
Yes, as long as the loan is in your name and you're living in the home. In most cases, your spouse or partner can be included on the loan application too.
How We Help at AMI Home Loans
We work with current and former ADF members across Australia to:
Explain DHOAS entitlements in plain English
Compare participating lender options
Handle the paperwork and application process
Structure your loan so you get the maximum benefit
And remember — our service is completely free. We’re paid by the lender when your loan settles.