First Home Buyer Agency
Your Journey to Homeownership Starts Here
Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. JTerra walks alongside you — from your very first question to the day you get your keys.
Why Buy?
Own Instead of Rent
Renting has its place — but for most Australians, owning a home remains the single most powerful wealth-building move they'll ever make.
Build Equity
Every mortgage repayment increases your ownership stake. Rent builds nothing — your home builds wealth.
Capital Growth
Historically, Australian property appreciates over time. Buying now locks in today's price and lets growth work for you.
Stability & Security
No more rent increases or sudden lease endings. Your home is yours — a stable foundation for your life and family.
Freedom to Personalise
Paint the walls, renovate, landscape. Ownership gives you the freedom to make a house a home on your own terms.
Your Roadmap
Four Steps to Your First Home
The path to ownership is clearer than you think. Here's how we guide you through it.
Discovery
We sit down to understand your goals, lifestyle, budget, and timeline. No jargon — just an honest conversation about what's possible for you.
Finance
We connect you with a trusted broker to establish your borrowing capacity, identify grants you're entitled to, and structure your finance correctly from the start.
Property Search
We search, shortlist, and walk you through properties that fit your criteria — taking the guesswork out of a crowded market.
Purchase & Settlement
From offer to contract, building inspections to conveyancing, we coordinate every party so nothing falls through the cracks on the way to your keys.
Discovery
We sit down to understand your goals, lifestyle, budget, and timeline. No jargon — just an honest conversation about what's possible for you.
We connect you with a trusted broker to establish your borrowing capacity, identify grants you're entitled to, and structure your finance correctly from the start.
We search, shortlist, and walk you through properties that fit your criteria — taking the guesswork out of a crowded market.
From offer to contract, building inspections to conveyancing, we coordinate every party so nothing falls through the cracks on the way to your keys.
How We Help
What JTerra Does for First Home Buyers
Our role goes well beyond finding a property. We're your advocate, coordinator, and educator from first conversation to settlement.
Finance Readiness
We prepare you before you even speak to a bank. Understanding your borrowing capacity, credit position, and deposit requirements early means no nasty surprises — and a stronger negotiating position when you find the right property.
Government Grants & Incentives
First home buyers in Victoria are entitled to significant grants and concessions. We identify every scheme you qualify for and guide you through the application process — so you capture every dollar available to you.
End-to-End Support
We don't hand you off once the search begins. JTerra coordinates with your broker, solicitor/conveyancer, and builder throughout the entire transaction — keeping everything moving and keeping you informed.
Grants & Incentives
Victorian Government Support for First Home Buyers
The Victorian and Federal governments offer significant financial support to help first home buyers enter the market. We identify every scheme you qualify for and help you apply — so you don't leave money on the table.
Eligibility criteria, income caps, and property price thresholds apply. We help you navigate all of them.
The Full Picture
Your Complete 12-Step Journey
From your first call with us to the day you move in — here's exactly what to expect at every stage.
Initial Consultation
We understand your goals, timeline, and financial position in a no-obligation discovery session.
Finance Pre-Approval
We connect you with a trusted mortgage broker to establish borrowing capacity and obtain a pre-approval.
Grant Applications
We identify and submit every applicable grant and government incentive on your behalf.
Property Search & Shortlisting
We source and present properties matching your criteria, location preferences, and price range.
Inspection & Due Diligence
We coordinate building and pest inspections, review contracts, and ensure you have complete information before proceeding.
Offer & Negotiation
We negotiate on your behalf to secure the best price and terms — protecting your interests throughout.
Contract Signing
We walk you through the contract of sale, answer every question, and liaise with your conveyancer or solicitor.
Deposit & Finance Confirmation
We coordinate your deposit lodgement and ensure your formal finance approval is in place before the cooling-off period ends.
Pre-Settlement Inspection
We accompany you to the final inspection to ensure the property is in the agreed condition before settlement.
Settlement Day
Your conveyancer handles the final transfer. We confirm everything is in order so settlement goes through without a hitch.
Key Handover
You receive the keys to your first home. We're there to celebrate with you.
Post-Settlement Care
We follow up after settlement to ensure everything is in order and you're settled into your new home.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for first home buyers in Victoria?
In Victoria, first home buyers may access the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) of $10,000 for new builds valued under $750,000. The First Home Buyer Duty Exemption/Concession (FHBAS) provides a full stamp duty exemption for properties under $600,000 and a concession for properties between $600,000 and $750,000. The federal First Home Guarantee (FHBG) lets eligible buyers purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance. JTerra helps you identify which grants apply to your situation.
How much deposit do I need to buy my first home in Victoria?
Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit, though you'll pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) on deposits under 20%. The federal First Home Guarantee scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with just 5% deposit with no LMI — the government guarantees the remaining 15%. You can also boost your deposit savings using the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme. JTerra connects you with mortgage brokers who specialise in first home buyer lending.
What is a house and land package and is it good for first home buyers?
A house and land package involves two separate contracts: one for the land (with the estate developer) and one for construction (with the builder). First home buyers benefit because stamp duty is paid only on the land value (not the construction cost), significantly reducing upfront costs. New builds also qualify for the FHOG $10,000 grant. As your buyers agent, JTerra manages both contracts on your behalf — you deal with one team, not two — across Melbourne's growth corridors and regional Victoria.
How long does the first home buying process take in Melbourne?
The timeline varies by pathway. For established homes, from finance approval to settlement is typically 30–90 days. For a house and land package, land settlement takes 3–12 months depending on the estate's stage of development, followed by a construction period of 12–18 months. JTerra guides you through every stage so you always know what's coming and when.
Can I get a stamp duty exemption as a first home buyer in Victoria?
Yes. Under the First Home Buyer Duty Exemption, Concession and Reduction (FHBAS), first home buyers in Victoria pay zero stamp duty on purchases up to $600,000 and a partial concession on purchases between $600,000 and $750,000. For properties priced above $750,000, full stamp duty applies. Importantly, for house and land packages, stamp duty is calculated only on the land contract value, which can represent significant savings.
No obligation — 30 minutes to understand your situation and map your options.