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Guides

The Keystart team have created a collection of useful guides to help you to understand every facet of the home loan process. Learn more.

Build or buy an existing home

For decades, one burning question has been continually asked by prospective home owners. Should I build, or should I buy an established house?

Keystart's guide to first home buyer benefits

First home buyers may be eligible for both the First Home Owner Grant as well as the stamp duty concession. Keystart allows you to use the FHOG funds towards your home loan deposit, so you can get started on your home ownership dream sooner.

Reach your financial goals with free financial coaching

We've partnered with independent professionals from the Financial Wellbeing Collective to give you the opportunity to take a moment and consider all things financial.

What's different about construction loans?

If you decide to build a new home, your home loan will be a construction loan. With Keystart, there are three main factors you should be aware of.

What is lender's mortgage insurance?

Lender's mortgage insurance is an insurance policy that protects a lender from financial loss if you are unable to meet your home loan repayments. Lender's mortgage insurance does not protect you as a borrower, it only protects the lender.

All about shared ownership

A shared ownership loan allows you to purchase a share in your property until you are in a position to buy the property outright. A co-owners agreement will exist between you and the Housing Authority to help reduce your ongoing monthly repayments.

A guide to settlement

Settlement is the official process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. Settlement is conducted by the legal and financial representatives of both you and the seller. 

Kit for homeowners

Now you are a homeowner you’ll have a lot of different priorities. In addition to paying your home loan payments, you’ll have a few extra expenses too. Our guide has some tips to help you through. 

Styling your home on a budget

Seven simple tips for styling your home on a budget. 

Home renovation guide

Whether you're intending to renovate your home to make it more comfortable or increase its value, careful planning is required. This guide has been prepared in collaboration with Brendon Ptolomey, Managing Director at property valuation group Herron Todd White, one of the largest independent property valuation and advisory groups in Australia.

Budgeting tools

It is very important that you manage your finances and spending so that you always have enough to cover your home loan repayments balanced with your lifestyle needs. 

I'm not eligible, now what?

If you are currently ineligible for a Keystart loan, there may be steps you can take to address this.