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Guarantor assistance for first home buyers explained

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How does a Guarantor loan help a First Home Buyer?

Firstly, let’s look at why a Guarantor Loan has become more popular in recent years as a facility to assist First Home Buyers.

The lenders have changed their lending policies over the years and the cash in pocket government grants that have been abolished have also had a negative effect on some borrowers.


What has changed?

  • Since the Global Financial Crisis in 2007-2008, every lender decided to withdraw their 100% loan facilities. This means that every first home buyer now must have either a deposit, or extra security (via a Guarantors property)
  • Previously, clients could apply for a loan that covered their purchase price plus their fees to purchase the property. This is now not available, due to the changes we have seen - all lenders have an obligation to follow responsible lending guidelines, which are regulated by ASIC, who is the regulator of the mortgage industry in Australia. Banks and mortgage brokers alike are obligated to follow the rules. 

Why is it more difficult for a first home buyer now?

There can be several factors that can prevent a first home buyer from being able to save a deposit to purchase a home. 

Looking at the substantial increases in property values over the past 25 years, homes are more expensive, so a bigger deposit is now needed. In addition to this, the associated purchase costs, such as stamp duty, legal fees and in some cases lender fees, have also increased. 

If you are paying rent, personal loans, car loans, credit card debt or have any other regular payments to make, then you simply may not be able to save enough. This is where the guarantor type of assistance can help you.

Will it help me to have a family member guarantee my loan?

Possibly: The benefits of this type of loan are all based on the fact that your loan will be less than 80% of the combined security value between the home you are buying and your parents home. 

However, we will still need to assess your own circumstances to ensure that you have a good chance of having your finance approved. Once we know that your situation is viable, we can provide a recommendation to you, and then speak with the person that you wish to approach to be a guarantor.

Once the guarantor understands the process, and we have their permission to set up a guarantor home loan, then the bank would basically look at the value of the property that the applicant is buying and also the value of the property owned by the guarantor.

The bank calculates the combined property values and determines if the loan will be below 80% of these values. These calculations also take into account any loans that the guarantor themselves may have on their own property.

Providing that this criteria can be met, which we will establish when we do a preliminary assessment of the situation, then the loan application can now proceed.

This means that a lot of first home buyers who may not have been able to afford to build or buy a home, will now be able to look at purchasing a home.

The benefits are as follows:

  1. You would not need a deposit, which allows you to purchase a property sooner. Some lenders do require you to cover all fees as they will not want to lend you more than the value of the property you are purchasing.
  2. You will save money immediately because there will be no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) costs payable. LMI is an insurance that the lender takes out to protect itself when a loan is over 80%.

    You will also have a lower interest rate offered to you. Most loans at 80% will achieve a lower interest rate, than loans at 95%. You will more than likely be able to consolidate some minor debts if you have a guarantor. This is good for all concerned as you now have the ability to repay the home loan faster. This keeps the guarantor happy, because you are now only paying the home loan off faster and you also have your financial life on track. 
  1. We would be asking the lender for a Limited Guarantee. This releases the guarantor when your loan is down to 80% of your property value. 
  2. Refinancing your loan before it is at 80% of the property value can also allow the guarantor to be released.

How can I apply?

These are your simple steps to apply for a Guarantor Assistance Loan.

  • Contact us on 02 4257 5626 to speak to a mortgage broker, or complete our online enquiry form.
  • You will speak with a broker who will take into account your needs by discussing not only your requirements, but also any concerns you have, and offer you some possible strategies and ideas that you may not have thought about.
  • Once we know what you require, we will provide you with options regarding lenders that would be suitable for you – this will also be accompanied by a few loan options that are easy to understand.
  • Once you have had a chance to look at what options are available, you can decide what suits you best and go over any questions with us.
  • You can then decide if you wish to proceed.

What are my other options?

There are many options available:

Loan options will consist of the following loan types, and this is chosen by the clients based on their needs and objectives.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions answered

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How can I get started?

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Your journey with us begins by completing our contact form or reaching out to us directly by phone. Our team is ready to assist you through the process. Please note that an initial phone call is required for all applicants regardless. This allows your mortgage broker to understand your needs and objectives and determine how we can best assist you. This call is also a valuable opportunity for you to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the process.

Why should I use a mortgage broker instead of doing it myself?

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You may be wondering why you should use a mortgage broker instead of going directly to a lender.

The main benefit of using a mortgage broker is that they can provide you with a wider range of options. This means you can choose a loan that is cheaper, has a better structure, or is from a lender who is more likely to approve your application.

Not all lenders are the same, and some are better than others in certain areas. A mortgage broker can help you find the best lender and loan for your specific needs. And, since there are no fees to you for using a mortgage broker for a standard home loan, it makes sense to have someone on your side to guide you through the process.

How do mortgage brokers get paid?

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We receive an upfront commission from lenders - only when a loan successfully settles. Additionally, we receive ongoing trail commissions for providing continued support to our clients.
To offer loans from a specific lender, we undergo lender accreditation training. This allows us to work directly with clients on the lender's behalf, completing the tasks that would typically be handled at a branch. We are responsible for sourcing our own clients and matching them with the lender that best suits their needs, and we also have a partnership with an aggregator as detailed below, which allows us to access dozens of lenders.

How does a Mortgage Broker access so many lenders?

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We partner with an aggregation group (Aggregator), a company that aligns itself with dozens of lenders and banks. Illawarra Mortgage brokers Aggregator partner is Connective Mortgage Aggregator. 

This aggregator gives us access to a wider range of lenders and advanced software, enabling us to serve our clients more effectively. The Aggregator receives a monthly payment taken directly from our commission income for each loan. Working with an Aggregator is standard practice for mortgage brokers and is a requirement in this industry.

What services do you offer?

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We offer comprehensive mortgage broker services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a home loan, a first home buyer loan, a loan for a second property or investment, an upgrade to your existing home, or refinancing options, we can help. 

We also work with lenders who offer guarantor options, allowing parents to assist their children in purchasing a property.
View our home loans.

What credentials and experience do our brokers have?

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Illawarra Mortgage Brokers holds an Australian Credit License (ACL Number 385841)and maintains full membership with the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia. Our brokers are required to complete 30 hours of professional development training each year to stay current on all lending practices. 

The minimum qualification for our brokers – They must have a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking and also have a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking​.

The business owner Peter Economos is our most senior broker. He became a mortgage broker in 1988. After working with another mortgage company for two years, he then established Illawarra Mortgage Brokers, in March 2000. 
Illawarra Mortgage Brokers has also been the recipient of industry excellence awards, including the 2019 Connective Home Loans, Mortgage Broker of the Year for NSW.
We hope that this information provides you with the assurance of our professionalism and expertise.

What types of clients do we work with?

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We assist a wide range of clients with their property finance needs. Whether you're looking to purchase a home or investment property, refinance an existing loan, or explore other property-related lending options, we are here to help.

We work with clients from all income backgrounds, including salary and wage earners, self-employed individuals, contractors, self-funded retirees, and more.

Please advise if you have any specific questions about our services. We would be happy to discuss your individual needs and circumstances.

What makes Illawarra Mortgage Brokers different from other brokers?

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Our access to dozens of lenders allows us to offer you a wider range of lending options than brokers with smaller lender panels and therefore limited lender options. With over 25 years of experience, we can also provide expert guidance on loan structuring and interest-saving strategies designed to save you money.

Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach, product expertise, and commitment to excellence. These qualities distinguish us from other mortgage brokers in the Illawarra.

Can you tell me if I will get a home loan approved?

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During our initial conversation, we can usually determine your likelihood of being approved for a home loan. However, please note that only the lender you choose to apply with can grant final approval. Our role is to present you with options that offer the strongest possibility of securing your home loan.

How often will you meet your broker once the loan has settled?

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Regarding our meeting frequency, we tailor that to your specific needs and preferences. We are always available to assist you, so please don't hesitate to reach out for any reason. Additionally, we do not charge any fees for ongoing support.

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