Episode Title: Unlocking First Home Buyer Success: Grants, Equity & Smart Investing
Synopsis:
In this episode of Finance This, Property That, host Dion Fernandes welcomes back mortgage broker Luke Ashby to discuss crucial updates for first home buyers in 2025. They break down recent changes to government incentives, including increased stamp duty concessions and the expansion of the First Home Guarantee Scheme. Luke shares his personal homeownership journey—how he leveraged equity to build wealth in just 12 months—and provides real-life client success stories. If you’re a first-time buyer looking to maximize savings and get into the property market sooner, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions.
Episode Breakdown:
⏳ Duration: 22 minutes
🔹 [00:00] Welcome & Introduction
- Dion introduces guest Luke Ashby, a mortgage broker passionate about helping first home buyers.
- Catching up on life updates, including Luke’s first home ownership experience and upcoming fatherhood.
🔹 [04:30] Luke’s Homeownership Journey
- One year into owning a home: DIY projects, renovations, and learning experiences.
- The financial impact: how his property gained $100,000 in value within 12 months.
- Using equity and refinancing to create financial flexibility.
🔹 [10:00] The Truth About Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
- Debunking the myth: why LMI isn’t always bad.
- The cost of waiting to save a 20% deposit versus getting into the market sooner.
- A practical breakdown of how market growth can outweigh LMI costs.
🔹 [14:00] First Home Buyer Updates & Grants for 2025
- Stamp duty waiver increase: now up to $700,000 for existing homes.
- First Home Guarantee Scheme expansion: now includes New Zealand citizens and permanent residents.
- Income caps and eligibility criteria explained.
🔹 [18:00] Real-Life Client Success Story
- How one couple saved $65,000 using stacked grants and incentives.
- Overcoming credit challenges with the right mortgage strategy.
- The power of planning: from first home to future investments.
🔹 [20:30] Top Tips for First Home Buyers in 2025
- Consult a specialist broker – Ensure you understand all available grants and incentives.
- Assess your options – Consider rentvesting or alternative strategies if homeownership isn’t immediately feasible.
- Be prepared & act fast – Market conditions change quickly, so don’t wait too long to take action.
🔹 [21:30] Where to Find More Info
- Follow Luke Ashby on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@LukeAshbyMortgageBroker).
- Join the First Home Buyers Club Queensland on Facebook for free educational content.
- Connect with Dion Fernandes on Instagram (@DionFinanceSpecialists) or visit emergefinance.com.au.
💡 If you're a first home buyer looking for expert guidance, this episode is a must-listen!
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.