Your First home loan made easy

Unlike going directly to a bank, we compare multiple lenders and tailor a solution to suit you.

With over 30 years’ experience, we specialise in both straightforward and more complex scenarios — often finding solutions where others can’t.

As mortgage brokers, we’re also bound by Best Interests Duty, meaning we’re legally required to act in your best interests — not the lender’s.

We can review your options (including your credit file) without leaving multiple enquiry marks that may impact your score, so you can explore what’s possible with confidence.

With strong reviews, real client results, and conveyancing support in Victoria, we’re here to guide you from start to finish.

Read our Reviews and Case Studies to know more

Poor credit generally refers to your overall credit history, including missed repayments, defaults or high levels of debt.

Your credit score is a number that reflects this history at a point in time. While your credit score is important, lenders also look at the bigger picture — including your income, expenses and ability to repay.

This means some borrowers may still be eligible for home loan if their credit score is lower. Lenders have different criteria, it about knowing who will help with a bad credit score and also who will help with bad credit like defaults and arrears.

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If you’re self-employed and having trouble proving your income, it’s still worth exploring your options  with a mortgage broker before applying. Many lenders assess income differently, and some offer alternative income options with more flexible documentation requirements.

Rather than applying directly and risking a decline, it’s best to speak with a broker first. At WhiteStar, we’ll guide you on what paperwork may be accepted by different lenders and help you understand your options before you apply.  If you are about to lodge your tax returns, it can be a good idea to wait and speak to a broker before they are lodged. 

Self Employed Home Loan Case Study

Yes — many first home buyers are surprised to learn that a 20% deposit is not always required. In some situations, eligible buyers may be able to enter the market with as little as a 5% deposit, provided they meet lender requirements and any relevant scheme criteria.

The key point is that every situation is different. Your income, existing commitments, savings history, credit profile, and the property you are looking to buy can all influence what may be possible.

This is where guidance can really help. At WhiteStar Finance, we take the time to explain the numbers clearly, outline your options, and walk you through the process step by step — without the confusion.

If buying sooner with a smaller deposit is something you are exploring, it may be worth having a conversation before assuming you need years more savings.

You can also read more here about current 5% deposit first home buyer options.

There is no set income figure to buy your first home, as it depends on a range of factors. These include your deposit saved, available grants or schemes, whether there is one borrower or two, dependants, existing debts, and your credit history.

Some buyers can purchase sooner than they think, while others may need to improve their position first. Every lender also assesses income differently.

At WhiteStar Finance, we can help assess your situation, explain what may be possible, and guide you through the next steps.

Our job is to show you what’s possible. Your job is to decide what’s right for you.

A family pledge (guarantor loan) allows a family member — usually a parent — to use equity in their property to support your home loan.

Not all lenders offer this, and not all accept every family member as a guarantor. The guarantor must be suitable, understand the arrangement, and have sufficient equity to provide the guarantee. They will also need to be involved in the application, speak with the broker, and sign the required documentation.

In most cases, it’s a limited guarantee, typically around 20% of the purchase price plus costs, secured as a second mortgage against the guarantor’s property. This can allow you to borrow up to 100% plus costs with no deposit required.

Importantly, you must still be able to service the full loan on your own — the guarantor provides security, not income support.

Nearly 77% of home loans in Australia are arranged through mortgage brokers — because they offer a wider, more tailored range of options.

A broker compares multiple lenders (not just one bank), helping you find the right fit — especially if you have a poor credit score or need bad credit options.

We also follow Best Interests Duty (BID), meaning we must act in your best interests, and we can assess your options without leaving multiple credit enquiries on your file, which can impact your score.

Read some of Our Reviews Here

To be eligible, you generally need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, buying a home to live in, and able to service the loan.

The First Home Guarantee is for first home buyers, while the Family Home Guarantee is for single parents with at least one dependent child.

These schemes allow you to buy with a low deposit (from 2%–5%) and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — which is often a major barrier for first home buyers and single parents, especially when saving while renting can be difficult.

Income limits, property price caps apply, and not all lenders offer the schemes.

Housing Australia – Learn More Here

Yes — in many cases, it may still be possible to get a first home loan with bad credit. Your options will depend on the type of credit issue, how long ago it occurred, whether it has been repaid, your deposit, income, and overall financial position.

Many buyers assume they need a specialist bad credit lender, but that is not always the case. In some situations, once the full background is reviewed, there may be standard lender options available with the right approach.

It is important to note that lenders who assist with bad credit scenarios do not usually offer low-deposit guarantee schemes, so having a stronger deposit can be very helpful.

At WhiteStar Finance, we take the time to understand the full picture and show you what options may be possible now — or what steps may improve your position for the future.

Our job is to show you what’s possible. Your job is to decide what’s right for you.

See some of Our Case Studies