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.
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Lending to expats involves layers most lenders shy away from. With the right approach a competitive loan is absolutely possible — here's how.
Schemes, deposits, deposit boosters, what banks actually look at — a plain-English starting point if you're approaching your first purchase.
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.
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.