The amount of deposit you'll need depends on the property you're buying, your financial position and the lender you choose.

While many people aim for a 20% deposit, it's not always necessary. Some buyers are able to purchase with a smaller deposit by using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) or by accessing eligible government schemes.

Every situation is different, so before you start looking at homes, I'll help you understand how much deposit you may need and what options are available.

Your borrowing capacity is based on much more than just your income.

Lenders also consider your living expenses, existing debts, savings, employment, credit history and current interest rates when assessing your application.

Before you begin house hunting, I'll calculate your borrowing capacity and explain what price range is likely to suit your circumstances, giving you confidence to search within your budget.

In most cases, yes.

Pre-approval gives you an indication of how much you may be able to borrow before you've found a property. It can help you shop with confidence, understand your budget and move quickly when you find the right home.

While pre-approval isn't a guarantee of final approval, it's often an important first step in the home buying process.

Your deposit is only one part of the overall cost of buying a home.

Depending on your purchase, you may also need to budget for costs such as:

- Settlement agent fees

- Registration fees

- Building and pest inspections

- Home and contents insurance

- Stamp duty (if applicable)

- Loan application charges, depending on the lender and property

Before you start looking, I'll help you estimate these costs so you have a clear understanding of what you'll need to budget for.

There are a number of grants and government schemes available to eligible first home buyers, but what you qualify for depends on your circumstances and the property you're purchasing.

This may include the First Home Owner Grant, the First Home Guarantee or state-based concessions.

I'll explain which options may apply to you and how they could help reduce the amount you need to save or the costs involved in buying your first home.

Once your offer has been accepted, there's still a number of important steps before you receive the keys.

Your lender will complete the final assessment of your application and, if approved, issue your loan documents for signing. During this time, your settlement agent will begin preparing for settlement, and you'll also need to arrange any remaining requirements, such as home insurance.

I'll work closely with your lender, settlement agent and real estate agent throughout the process, keeping you updated every step of the way and making sure everything stays on track for settlement.