Do you charge for your mortgage broking services?

At The Property Education Company, we do not usually charge clients for assisting with loans. We are paid commission by the lender you choose. When you take out a loan via a mortgage broker, it does not cost you any more, and sometimes costs less, than going directly to a bank. Brokers get paid commission by banks for bringing new business and continuing to look after clients for the bank.

How is my borrowing capacity determined?

Your borrowing capacity is determined by two key factors that lenders review: 1) Your income and how much you can afford in loan repayments, and 2) Your security - how much cash or equity from another property you have to put towards the deal. Both factors must be comprehensively assessed by a mortgage broking expert so you can be sure before you buy.

Do you work with clients outside of Melbourne?

Yes, we currently work with clients all over Australia from Darwin to Townsville, Sydney, and all over Victoria! We can meet in person at our Brighton office or via Zoom video call. We happily meet out of hours on weekends or in the evenings, but always in our offices for your safety and ours.

How many lenders are you accredited with?

We are accredited to access over 40 lenders. These include major banks like ANZ, Commonwealth Bank (CBA), NAB, Westpac, Bank of Melbourne, BankWest, ING, and Macquarie, as well as many second-tier lenders and credit unions. This gives us the ability to compare a wide range of loan products to find the best option for your specific needs.

What is your loan approval rate?

The Property Education Company has a 98% home loan approval rate, which is significantly higher than the industry average. This success rate comes from our thorough preparation, expert knowledge of lender requirements, and comprehensive support throughout the entire application process.

What makes The Property Education Company different from other mortgage brokers?

We focus on education and building long-term relationships with our clients. Unlike many brokers who only help when you're ready to buy, we will meet with you early in your journey to help you prepare, save your deposit, and understand the lending process. We provide regular check-ins, annual loan reviews to ensure competitive rates, and ongoing support throughout your property ownership journey. We also make the process fun and stress-free with a personal, caring approach.

How long does the home loan application process take?

The timeline varies depending on your individual circumstances and the lender, but our streamlined three-step process makes it as efficient as possible: 1) Book a home loan strategy call, 2) Let us review your documents, and 3) Choose your best loan option and submit. We work to get you pre-approved as quickly as possible, often within days, and then manage the full application through to settlement.

Can you help with investment property loans as well as home loans?

Absolutely! We specialize in both owner-occupier home loans and investment property finance. Our founder Louise Lucas has been mentoring property investors since 2007 and brings over 35 years of finance experience. We provide education on investment strategies, negative gearing, portfolio building, and connect you with the right finance solutions for your investment goals.

Do you offer refinancing services?

Yes, refinancing is one of our core services. We conduct annual loan reviews for our clients to ensure they always have competitive rates. We negotiate with your current lender to improve your rate, or help you refinance to a better lender if needed. Many of our clients have been with us for 10-15 years because we continuously look after their interests and help them save money over the long term.

What education and qualifications does your team have?

Our founder and CEO Louise Lucas has an MBA from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma of Tertiary Education from The University of Melbourne, and a Diploma of Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking). She has over 35 years of experience in finance and is an MFAA Accredited Mentor. Louise was also a member of the Victorian State Advisory Committee for the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) until 2015. Our team holds Australian Credit Representative licenses and is fully accredited under Australian Credit License 389328.

What awards has The Property Education Company won?

We are a multi-award-winning mortgage broking firm. Our recent awards include: 2024 Australian Achiever Award National Winner for Finance & Insurance Services, 2022 Connective Excellence Award - Empowerment Award Victoria, 2019 Connective Excellence Award Winner, 2018 Australian Achiever Award, 2017 Better Business Award Winner for Best Customer Service, and 2016 MFAA National Residential Mortgage Broker of the Year. These awards recognize our commitment to exceptional customer service and client outcomes.

What is B1G1 and how does it relate to my home loan?

B1G1 (Business for Good) is a global giving initiative that we partner with to create positive social impact. Every time we help you with your financial goals and you settle a home loan, we make a difference by giving back in meaningful ways - supporting educational causes around the world. This means your home loan not only changes your life but also helps others through our charitable giving program.

Can you help first home buyers who don't yet meet lending criteria?

Yes! Unlike many brokers who won't see clients until they're loan-ready, we will always meet with you and talk through your situation. We help you understand what you need to prepare for a loan, assist you with saving your deposit, provide education on the process, and give you a clear roadmap to home ownership. We often 'hold clients' hands' for months or even years while they work towards their property goals, with regular check-ins to keep you on track.

Do you provide calculators to help me understand my borrowing capacity?

Yes, we offer several free online calculators on our website including: Borrowing Capacity Calculator, Refinance Feasibility Calculator, Loan Repayment Calculator, Stamp Duty Calculator, and Purchasing Power Calculator. These tools help you understand your financial position before you meet with us. We also offer a First Home Buyer ScoreApp Quiz to assess your readiness for purchasing your first home.

What types of loans can you help with?

We can assist with a wide range of home loans including: first home buyer loans, investment property loans, refinancing, home loan pre-approvals, construction loans, bridging finance, and personal loans. We specialize in both simple and complex lending situations, including complex business structures, self-employed borrowers, and multi-property portfolios.

Home Loan Blog

Why Choose The Property Education Company to Help Secure Your First Home Loan

By James Gregors

Buying your first home is one of the most significant financial and emotional milestones you’ll experience. It’s exciting, daunting and often overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating lending rules, government schemes and a market that doesn’t always feel designed for first home buyers. It’s also a high-stakes moment because the decisions you make at this stage can shape your financial position for years to come.

That’s why choosing a mortgage broker for first home buyers carefully matters.
The Property Education Company is highly recommended, with over 140 five-star Google reviews from first home buyers and other clients. We are focused on so much more than simply arranging home loans. Because we care about education, guidance and long-term support, we take the time to help first home buyers understand the borrowing process, make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Here’s why so many first home buyers choose to work with mortgage brokers from The Property Education Company when securing their first home loan.

In short: Why choose The Property Education Company as your mortgage broker for first home buyers:

We are “hungry but humble”, which means we do everything we can to represent your best interests, while being committed to genuine customer care.
We help first home buyers to secure home loans, guiding them through the process so they feel well-informed at every stage.
We provide ongoing service to ensure our clients are paying a competitive rate and help them figure out their next steps on the property ladder.
We are approachable, friendly and always responsive, so you’re never left wondering what is going on.
We are award-winning and have helped dozens of first home buyers to secure property since first opening our doors in 2014.

Why choose The Property Education Company as your Mortgage Broker for First Home Buyers

1. A first home buyer journey that starts with education

For many first home buyers, the biggest challenge isn’t saving a deposit or finding a property, it’s not knowing what they don’t know. Buyers often begin their property journey believing they need a specific deposit amount, a perfect credit file, or to stay loyal to their current bank. The reality is far more nuanced.

At The Property Education Company, our focus is on helping home buyers understand the whole process before making big financial decisions. Rather than pushing a single loan, lender, or deal, our brokers take the time to explain how the system actually works so buyers can move forward with clarity.

Our education-first approach covers:

How the home loan and application process really works
What each credit provider and bank looks for
How borrowing capacity is assessed across different lenders
Where lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) and mortgage insurance fit in
How interest rates, ongoing fees, and loan structures affect long-term cost
What your borrowing limit means for your real-world budget and life

2. Mortgage brokers who specialise in helping first home buyers

As a mortgage broker for first home buyers, The Property Education Company works closely with clients who:

Have limited deposits and have never bought a home before
Are using parental gifts or family support to get into the market
Are navigating first home buyer incentives
Are unsure how much they should borrow or afford
Feel anxious about being “loan ready”

Every strategy is built around your personal and financial circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes that means extra steps like showing you how to tidy up your finances, understand your credit file, or adjust your expectations before submitting a loan application.

We also understand that seeking help from a mortgage broker can often come before you are purchase-ready. If you want to understand what’s possible and how to achieve it, we can work with you to come up with a six or 12-month plan to get you in a better position to apply for a loan.

3. Access to many lenders, not just your current bank

Many home buyers assume their only options are the big banks they already know. In reality, some of the most suitable loan options for first home owners are offered by smaller or specialist lenders.

The Property Education Company works with and compares loans across many lenders, including:

Major banks such as Commonwealth or Westpac
Other lenders such as Bendigo Bank
Specialist and niche credit providers

This broad access allows our team to:

Compare policies across different lenders
Identify the most suitable solutions based on your employment type, deposit and the property you want to buy
Help clients understand and navigate lender-specific first home buyer incentives

4. A strategy-first approach to borrowing

One of the most common questions first home buyers ask is, “How much can I borrow?” A more important question is, “How much should I borrow?”

Rather than focusing only on maximum borrowing capacity, The Property Education Company helps first time buyers consider:

Ongoing living costs and future changes
Interest rate movements
Cash buffers and offset accounts
How the property may be used in the future
Sustainability, not stretching to the limit

This ensures the loan supports long-term home ownership rather than unmanageable pressure.

Here’s a brief outline of what to expect when you work with us:

First call (15–30 mins/discovery session)
Document collection (share your ID, bank statements and other relevant documents that are required when you apply for a loan)
Strategy meeting to identify the most suitable lender and loan
Pre-approval / submission (this is when you can start making offers)
Approval → settlement coordination (when your loan is approved and you move into your new place)
Post-settlement check-in + 6-month reviews

5. We provide clear guidance on First Home Buyer Schemes

Government incentives can help buyers purchase a home sooner, but they are complex and often misunderstood. Eligibility, lender participation and long-term implications all matter.

As part of our service for first-time buyers share clear explanations on:

Which schemes you may be eligible for
How schemes interact with different lenders
The obligations and limitations involved
Whether a first time buyer scheme aligns with your broader goals

Rather than encouraging participation by default, the information we share is tailored to your personal situation.

6. We offer support from pre-approval to settlement and beyond

Buying a home is a multi-stage process which starts with saving for a deposit and ends the day you walk through the door of your new place. From initial discovery, loan application and pre approval through to settlement, our first home buyer clients are supported through the whole process, including:

Clear explanations of each step
Guidance on documents, timelines, and costs
Ongoing communication
Post-settlement check-ins and reviews

Support doesn’t stop once the keys to your new house or apartment are handed over. As our client, you can expect to receive home loan reviews, rate checks and ideas as your life and circumstances change.

7. A personal, team-based approach

Behind The Property Education Company is a dedicated team of brokers and support staff who work together to ensure every detail is handled with care.

Clients aren’t treated as numbers. They’re supported as people. We understand that you have real goals, real concerns and a real life beyond your loan.

8. Experience that brings perspective

Established in 2014, The Property Education Company has supported first time buyers who come to us with a wide range of scenarios and challenges. After 12 years in business, there is very little we haven’t seen, although with regulations constantly changing there is always something new to learn and stay on top of.

Behind The Property Education Company is a team-based structure designed to support you through the whole process, not just the loan strategy. While experienced mortgage brokers lead the discovery process and will help you select a loan and lender to apply with, we are supported behind the scenes by a wider team who manage documentation, lender communication, approvals, and settlement coordination.

This includes dedicated support staff who keep the application process organised and ensure nothing falls through the cracks as each application milestone is reached. By separating strategy from administration, we make sure you will benefit from clear information, consistent communication, and hands-on support from first conversation through to settlement and beyond, all while knowing exactly who is looking after each part of your property journey.

9. A great reputation

Here’s some client feedback posted to Google that highlights why The Property Education Company is a positive choice when you’re looking for a mortgage broker for first home buyers:

“Absolutely incredible experience purchasing our first investment property with Louise and James in our corner. They worked tirelessly to find the best interest rates and helped us to refinance our owner occupied at the same time.”

“I’ve been in contact with the property education company team for 2 years now! It started with what my options were and how to work towards what I wanted, to settling into my new home all with the help of Louise and her lovely team!”

“Absolutely fantastic team and service. Louise, James, Claudia, and Shey were incredibly helpful in guiding us through our recent purchase, particularly given the short timeframe and short settlement period!”

We can’t say we are “the best” mortgage brokers, but we hope that the feedback we receive will speak for itself.

10. Award-winning

While customer experience is arguably the most important part of choosing a mortgage broker for first home buyers, we are also proud to be award-winning. Our accolades include:

National Winner, MFAA Awards
Australian Achiever Awards winner
Better Business Awards finalist

When we enter awards, we showcase the fact that integrity, innovation, communication and education matter highly to us.

Finally, if you’re wondering why you should choose The Property Education Company as your mortgage broker when buying your first home, remember that we are always happy to help, even if it’s just answering a few questions about buying your first home. From Melbourne to the NSW Central Coast and beyond, you can call us no matter where you’re based in Australia.

Got a goal to buy your first home in 2026? Call 0468 026 200 to connect with The Property Education Company for a no obligation first discussion.

Mortgage Broker for First Home Buyers: Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Property Education Company specialise in helping first home buyers?

Yes. First home buyers are a core focus of The Property Education Company. Much of the team’s process, education, and content is designed specifically to support people buying their first home, particularly those who feel unsure about where to start or how lending really works.

What happens during my first appointment with The Property Education Company?

Your first appointment is designed to be educational and exploratory. You’ll talk through your goals, current position and questions, and the broker will explain what options may be available to you. This session is about clarity, not pressure.

What happens if I see a mortgage broker but I’m not ready to buy a home yet?

If you’re not quite ready, your mortgage broker from The Property Education Company will explain why and outline what needs to happen next. This often includes a clear action plan and a suggested timeframe so you can move forward with confidence rather than guesswork.

Does The Property Education Company only work with certain banks or lenders?

The Property Education Company works with a broad panel of lenders, including major banks and smaller institutions. Recommendations are based on suitability, not brand recognition.

How do mortgage brokers for first home buyers at The Property Education Company choose the right loan for me?

Loan recommendations are based on your personal circumstances, goals and budget, not just interest rates. This includes looking at loan features, future plans, cash flow and flexibility over time. At the end of the day, the loan you go with is your choice. We’re here to help and explain your options.

Can The Property Education Company help me understand first home buyer schemes?

Yes. Part of the role of The Property Education Company is to explain which schemes you may be eligible for, how they work, and whether they suit your broader strategy. Schemes are assessed carefully rather than automatically recommended.

What makes The Property Education Company different from going directly to a bank when I’m a first home buyer?

Banks can only offer their own products. The Property Education Company compares multiple lenders, explains the differences in plain language, and provides guidance from first conversation through to settlement and beyond.

How do I choose a mortgage broker as a first time buyer?

As a first time buyer, choosing a mortgage broker is about finding someone who will take the time to educate you, explain your options clearly and guide you through the process without pressure. A good mortgage broker for first home buyers should be willing to answer your questions in plain language, compare options across multiple lenders (not just one bank), and be upfront about what you can realistically afford, even if that means saying you’re not quite ready yet. It’s also important to choose a broker who offers ongoing support beyond settlement, so you’re not left to navigate interest rate changes or next steps on your own. For more information, reach out to The Property Education Company.

Will I deal with the same people throughout the process when I buy my first home?

You’ll have a primary broker guiding your strategy, supported by a wider team who assist with documentation, approvals, and settlement. Clients are introduced to the team members involved so communication feels clear and personal.

As a first home buyer, when should I contact The Property Education Company?

Many clients reach out well before they’re ready to buy. An early conversation can help you understand what’s possible, what to prioritise, and how to prepare for your first home purchase.

About the author:

As an MFAA-certified finance broker, James Gregors has been helping first home buyers and other investors to build their property portfolio for many years. He is especially dedicated to helping first time buyers experience the excitement of buying their first home.

James loves learning about property opportunities then sharing what he has learnt with his clients. He has a natural flair for figures, which makes him a whiz at working out the most advantageous borrowing opportunities.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Add licensing statement.

Your full financial situation would need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product.

Licensing Statement: Credit Representative 365124 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.