First-home buyers
Stamp duty schemes, the First Home Guarantee, parental guarantees — I'll walk you through what's actually available to you in plain English, and what each one really costs.
I'm Tom - twenty years in institutional banking, now in your corner. I translate the complex into a clear strategy, whether you're buying your first home, landing in Sydney as an expat, or building a portfolio.
Twenty years across global banking · Access to 40+ Australian lenders
Forty seconds with Tom — what Wombat does, and how it works.
Most brokers chase volume. I pick a smaller number of clients I can do excellent work for — usually people whose situation has a layer or two the high-street can't handle.
Stamp duty schemes, the First Home Guarantee, parental guarantees — I'll walk you through what's actually available to you in plain English, and what each one really costs.
Australians abroad buying back home. New arrivals on a 482, 186 or 189. Foreign currency income, complex residency, cross-border tax — situations most brokers quietly decline.
Building a portfolio, refinancing for equity release, structuring loans across an SMSF or trust — all with an eye on serviceability across the next purchase, not just this one.
If your rate hasn't been reviewed in two years, you're almost certainly paying a loyalty tax. Quick health-check, honest answer on whether it's worth moving.
Twenty-plus years across analytics, strategy, digital banking, and product leadership at some of the world's largest investment banks — and later Commonwealth Bank in Sydney. I've sat in the rooms where credit policy gets written, and seen exactly how banks decide who's a good risk and who isn't.
That insider view is the real value. Most rejection letters aren't "you can't afford this" — they're "you applied to the wrong lender for your situation." Knowing the difference is most of the job.
"Wombat" comes from the Beecroft Wombats — our kids soccer team I used to coach. I'm originally from the UK, but Sydney's been home for around fifteen years, and Beecroft for most of those. I served as a volunteer non-executive director at the local primary school.
None of which is the reason to choose a broker. But it's the reason I built this business the way I did: people I'd want to bump into at Saturday parkrun deserve advice that holds up in daylight.
Most brokers move on once the loan settles — that's when they get paid. Wombat works on an annual review model: every year I check your loan against the market, run the numbers, and tell you whether it's still the right deal. Most years it is. Sometimes it isn't. Either way you'll know.
And it costs you nothing. Lenders pay brokers for introducing the loan; the borrower never sees a bill. Australia's Best Interests Duty makes that more than a vibe — it's a legal requirement that I act in your interests, not the bank's.
Most of the work is mine. Yours is mostly answering questions and signing things.
Twenty minutes on Zoom. You tell me the situation; I tell you whether it's actually achievable, and roughly with whom. No paperwork yet — just a strategy.
We collect documents, build the file properly, and pre-position the application with two or three lenders that fit. Most brokers send you to one. I want options.
I lodge, follow up daily, and translate banker-speak back to you in plain English. You don't need to chase anyone. That's literally my job.
Settlement happens. You get the keys. Then I check in every twelve months to see whether your loan is still the right one. For as long as you have it.
Even with our unique circumstances that made acquiring a home loan more complicated, Tom took the time to understand our specific needs and worked tirelessly to find us the best rates on a loan product that was perfectly suited to us. Throughout the process, Tom was incredibly easy to communicate with — always responsive, approachable, and willing to go above and beyond.
As a first-time homebuyer, the process was rather daunting, but Tom patiently walked me through every step, explained all my options, and guided me throughout the entire journey. He even referred me to a buyer's agent to get a second opinion on the property I was considering.
Tom went above and beyond in terms of his service and the advice he provided to us. He had created some very clear and detailed financial scenarios for us, so that it was easy for us to understand and make a decision. He provided very honest and transparent advice.
Tom delivered excellent advice. He took the time to understand our unique financial needs and patiently explained every available option in clear, straightforward terms. His commitment to transparency was evident from start to finish.
Tom's amazing! Very approachable, friendly and knows his stuff. He brought our home ownership ambition a few years forward with his advice in every step of the process.
Tom has been absolutely awesome in guiding me through my first home loan and getting me the best rates possible that was unmatched by others. He's followed up on every little thing which is a blessing as I am quite new to all this and didn't know what to expect.
Tom is very professional, friendly, and always quick to respond to every query. He followed up on every detail diligently, making the whole process smooth and reducing the stress involved. Highly recommended!
Very professional service by Tom. Highly recommend.
Tom was very helpful as it was my first time working with a mortgage broker and buying a rentvest property. He went above and beyond providing sage counsel through the process. We experienced a few hiccoughs along the journey but Tom was very diligent in finding alternative solutions.
Absolutely genuine and trustworthy person. He has excellent knowledge of the market and took the time to clearly understand our long-term goals from the very beginning. Even though he could have earned more by pushing us towards an investment property, he genuinely put our best interests first and helped us buy our first home in Australia.
Thank you so much for your support throughout our entire journey. We are truly grateful for your professionalism and exceptional services. We highly recommend Tom's services to anyone looking for a dedicated professional.
Great working with Tom for our first SMSF property. Always available to provide advice on the steps required and kept great communication in regards to progress. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a home loan, in particular SMSF type.
Sarah Pyke · Accountant
Sarah Pyke on leaving the corporate world, building an accounting practice, and the financial foundations that matter when buying property.
Episode 02 · Real estateJanet Chiang · Real Estate Agent
Janet Chiang on the realities of buying and selling in the Australian market — and what first-time buyers often get wrong.
Episode 03 · Property lawWilson Tran · Property Lawyer
Wilson Tran on the legal side of property — what buyers need to know before contracts are signed, and common mistakes to avoid.
Episode 04 · Buyer's agentRohit Gehlot · Buyer's Agent
Rohit on going from corporate employee to buyer's agent, building a property portfolio, and what's happening in the Melbourne market.
Episode 05 · Financial planningScott Palmer · Financial Planner
Scott Palmer on the nuances of financial planning across borders, early investment habits, and navigating pensions and wealth management.
Episode 06 · Accounting & techAlesha Masaud · Founder, TaxApp
Alesha on her journey from Pakistan to Sydney, the challenges of building a digital-first accounting platform, and property investment insights.
Episode 07 · Buyer's agentTim Watson · Buyer's Agent, Bricks to Wealth
Tim Watson on his move from corporate life to founding a buyer's agency, and what strategic property investment really looks like.
Episode 08 · PropTechHeshan Jayawardena · Co-Founder, PiFi Property
Heshan Jayawardena on building a platform that uncovers hidden potential in properties — and where AI is taking property search next.
Episode 09 · Wealth buildingRoger Sousa · Financial Adviser, Asperum
Roger Sousa on the underrated role of financial defence alongside accumulation — protecting assets and planning for a secure retirement.
Episode 10 · Tax & structureMolly Lim · Accountant, Above Advisory
Molly Lim on the trust myth, the hidden renovation tax trap, and how ambitious professionals should structure property ownership in Australia.
Episode 11 · Buyer's agentMark Horvat · Buyer's Agent, The Acquiry
Mark Horvat on why the 'best' investment isn't always the one with the highest yield — and how to evaluate property like an insider.
Episode 12 · AccountantJoy Ford · Accountant & SMSF Specialist, Beyond Taxation
Joy Ford on why tax planning — not tax minimisation — is the foundation of every smart property and business decision.
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Open the search →Quick reads on rate moves, lender behaviour, and how to get ahead. ~3.5k followers.
Connect on LinkedIn →Monthly insights. Behind the scenes of my business and property finance tips worth knowing, in plain English.
Subscribe →If you're an international professional renting in Australia and wondering whether buying is realistic — this is for you. No pressure, no pitch. Just an honest map of the journey.
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Read article →Approval fees, state surcharges and ongoing charges — a practical guide for foreign buyers in Australia. ATO Approval Fees (FIRB Residential Applications) Residential application fees are tiered to t
Read article →Can one partner be a citizen and the other a foreign buyer? Here's how surcharges and approvals apply when couples co-own property in Australia. When one partner is an Australian citizen or permanent
Read article →Moving from a temporary visa to permanent residency? Here's how your property buying rights and foreign purchaser surcharges change in Australia. Gaining Australian permanent residency (PR) changes yo
Read article →Learn how using trusts in property investment can protect borrowing capacity, preserve cash flow, and support portfolio growth. How Banks Treat Properties in Your Own Name When you buy in your person
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Read article →Guarantor loans can be an attractive option for borrowers with limited savings — but it's crucial to understand the potential downsides before anyone signs on the dotted line. Anyone with access to a
Read article →Including an offset account in your home loan strategy could potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Here's how they work and when they make sense. What Are Offset Accounts
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Read article →The right structure depends on your cash flow, tax position, and investment strategy — not just the rate. Here's a breakdown for Australian property investors.
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Read article →There's no universal right answer — but there is a right answer for your situation. Walk through the trade-offs of fixed and variable rates for Australian home loans.
Read article →Refinancing isn't always the right move. Rate savings need to outweigh costs, timing matters, and switching at the wrong moment can set you back. Here's how to think it through.
Read article →Who can buy, what you can buy, and the approvals you'll need as a "foreign person" under Australian law. Who Counts as a "Foreign Person"? For residential property rules, you're a
Read article →Lending to expats involves foreign income, overseas assets, and currency risk. Most lenders shy away — but with the right approach, a competitive loan is absolutely possible.
Read article →Meeting with a mortgage broker is one of the most important steps in the home buying journey. Coming prepared makes the difference between a productive session and one that requires multiple follow-up
Read article →In Australia, the loan pre-approval process — also known as conditional approval or approval in principle — is a preliminary step in the home buying journey that tells you how much a lender is willing
Read article →Online calculators give you a number, but lenders look at far more than your income. Here's what actually drives your borrowing capacity — and how to improve it before you apply.
Read article →The very first step when entering your first home buying journey should be to speak to your local mortgage broker. They will assist you with all the points listed below and in most cases come at no co
Read article →No. Wombat Home Loans is paid by the lender when your loan settles. There is no cost to the borrower. Under Australia's Best Interests Duty, brokers are legally required to act in your interests.
Yes. This is one of Wombat's specialist areas. Tom works with Australian expats in the UK, US, Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE, and elsewhere who are buying investment property back home or planning their return.
Yes. Different lenders treat foreign income very differently — some accept 100% of GBP or USD income, others apply heavy haircuts, others won't consider it at all. Tom's specialty is matching your income profile to lenders that will recognise it properly.
40+ lenders, covering the big four banks, second-tier banks, non-bank lenders, and specialist lenders for non-standard cases.
Australia-wide via Zoom. Tom is based in Sydney, but the majority of meetings are remote.
Tell me your situation. I'll tell you what's possible — even if the answer is "not yet," and even if the answer is "use someone else." Zero cost, zero pressure, zero salesy follow-up sequences.