Mortgage Choice Erina - Peter Swan

08/09/2026

Why Long Jetty Is Attracting More First Home Buyers on the Central Coast

Long Jetty is becoming an increasingly popular choice for first home buyers on the Central Coast, and it is easy to see why.

Close to the beach, with a growing number of cafes, restaurants and local eateries, Long Jetty offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle that is increasingly attracting young families.

While the median house price is around $1.34 million, townhouses and villas can be considerably more affordable. For example, a well presented property at 2/22 to 24 McLachlan Avenue is currently being marketed by Ray White Long Jetty for $650,000 to $700,000.

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-villa-nsw-long+jetty-152081784

For eligible first home buyers, purchasing below $800,000 can also mean no NSW stamp duty payable, saving thousands in upfront costs.

As a Central Coast mortgage broker in Erina, I am seeing more first home buyers consider Long Jetty as they look for an affordable way into the local property market without giving up lifestyle.

If you are considering buying your first home in Long Jetty, understanding your borrowing capacity, government schemes and loan options before you start looking can make the process much easier.

Mortgage Choice Erina can help you understand your options and find a home loan suited to your circumstances.

Beautifully refreshed and ready to enjoy, this stylish single level villa offers low maintenance living in one of Long Jetty's most convenient locations. With fresh modern updates throughout, an easy care floorplan and everything you need just moments away, it's the perfect opportunity for first hom...

02/09/2026

5 Things Your Conveyancer Wants You to Know Before Buying or Selling Property

Here are 5 important tips:

Understand the contract before you sign. Your conveyancer can identify conditions, restrictions and potential issues that could affect the property purchase.

Buying at auction? Have the contract reviewed before auction day. Once the hammer falls, you may be committed to the purchase.
Complete your identity checks promptly. Verification of Identity and other required documents can help prevent unnecessary settlement delays.

Never rely on an email alone when transferring money. Property transactions can be targeted by scammers. Always call your conveyancer directly to confirm bank details before transferring funds.

Prepare for settlement early. Your conveyancer will have important steps to complete before settlement, so responding quickly to requests can help keep everything on track.

Whether you are a first home buyer, upgrading, investing or refinancing, having the right professionals around you can make the property process much easier.

At Mortgage Choice Erina, we work closely with some excellent conveyancers and solicitors, including World Class Conveyancing, helping Central Coast buyers navigate their property purchase with confidence.

https://www.worldclassconveyancing.com.au/

27/08/2026

Berkeley Vale Central Coast Popular with First Home Buyers

Berkeley Vale is becoming an increasingly popular suburb for first home buyers looking to enter the Central Coast property market.

With its convenient location, access to local shops, schools, beaches and the M1 motorway, Berkeley Vale offers a great lifestyle while still providing opportunities for buyers looking for value.

The Berkeley Vale property market has shown strong momentum, with the median house price currently sitting around $1,000,000 and annual capital growth of 11.11%. There were 158 house sales over the past 12 months, with homes spending an average of just 23 days on the market.

A recent example is the sale of a lovely three bedroom home at 14 Hazel Close, Berkeley Vale. Positioned on a flat 556m2 block, the property Recently sold property by The Agency Central Coast for $914,000 -
https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-berkeley+vale-152098072

For first home buyers, finding the right property and having your finance organised before you start making offers can make a real difference.

At Mortgage Choice Erina, we help first home buyers across Berkeley Vale and the Central Coast understand their options and navigate the home loan process from start to finish.

Contact us today to start your home loan journey.

26/08/2026

How Much Deposit Do You Really Need to Buy Your First Home in NSW?

A common question I hear from first home buyers is, “How much deposit do I actually need?”

The good news is that you may not need a 20% deposit to buy your first home in NSW.

Depending on your circumstances, eligible first home buyers may be able to purchase with a deposit as low as 5%, and some government schemes can help remove the need to pay LMI.

But your deposit is only part of the equation. You also need to consider stamp duty, conveyancing, building and pest inspections, lender costs and other upfront expenses.

For example, a $700,000 property with a 5% deposit would require $35,000 towards the purchase price plus the above mentioned costs.

The amount you need can also vary depending on your income, existing debts, living expenses and the lender you apply with.

This is why it is worth getting your borrowing capacity and available options checked before you start seriously looking at properties.

I regularly help first home buyers across Erina and the Central Coast understand how much they can borrow, what deposit they need and which government schemes they may be eligible for.

If you are thinking about buying your first home, getting the right advice early can make the process much easier.

24/08/2026

Buying Your First Home Made Easy

Buying your first home is an exciting step, but knowing where to start can sometimes feel overwhelming.

At Mortgage Choice Erina, we help first home buyers understand their borrowing capacity, compare home loan options and work out what they can comfortably afford. We can also explain government schemes and available concessions that may help eligible buyers get into their first home sooner.

From your initial enquiry through to loan approval and settlement, we are here to guide you through the process and answer your questions along the way.

Whether you are looking at your first home on the Central Coast, need help with your deposit or simply want to understand your options, getting the right advice early can make the process much easier.

If you are thinking about buying your first home in Erina, Gosford, Terrigal or across the Central Coast, get in touch with Mortgage Choice Erina for a chat.

19/08/2026

Regional Property Market Slows as First Home Buyers Gain More Choice

The regional property boom is showing signs of slowing, creating opportunities for first home buyers who have been waiting for the right time to enter the market.

The latest Cotality Regional Market Update found dwelling values across regional Australia fell 0.1% over the three months to July. Growth slowed in 47 of the 50 largest regional areas, while 22 recorded falling values. Properties are also taking longer to sell, with median days on market increasing in 44 of those markets.

Regional NSW and Victoria recorded some of the weakest conditions. Coffs Harbour, Goulburn and Nelson Bay were among the biggest falls, while Geelong and Warragul Drouin also recorded declines.

With buyer demand becoming more subdued, sellers may be more open to negotiation, giving prepared buyers greater choice and potentially stronger negotiating power.

For first home buyers, this could be an opportunity to research the market, secure finance approval and be ready to act when the right property comes along.

At Mortgage Choice Erina, we can calculate your borrowing capacity, compare home loan options from more than 35 lenders and explore available first home buyer schemes.

If you are thinking about buying your first home on the Central Coast or elsewhere in NSW, now could be a good time to start preparing.

19/08/2026

Sydney and Melbourne Property Market: Auction Clearance Rates Hit a 12 Week High

Auction activity is showing some signs of improvement, although buyers continue to have the upper hand in many parts of the property market.

The combined capital city auction clearance rate rose to 56.5% last week, its strongest result in 12 weeks and the second consecutive week above 55%. However, this remains well below the decade average of 68%, highlighting that conditions are still favourable for buyers.

Sydney and Melbourne both eased, with clearance rates falling to 55.6% and 57.4%. Sydney has now recorded 15 consecutive weeks below 60%.

The stronger results came from Adelaide, Brisbane and the ACT, with Brisbane's clearance rate jumping 13.8 percentage points to 51.9%.

Auction volumes also remain well below last year. There were 1,309 capital city auctions last week, down almost 32% from the same week in 2025.

For buyers, softer clearance rates can provide greater opportunity to negotiate on price and terms. Getting finance organised before making an offer can also put you in a stronger position.

At Mortgage Choice Erina, we compare home loan options from more than 35 lenders to help you find a loan suited to your circumstances.

17/08/2026

Demand for Units Is Rising as Housing Affordability Declines

Recent PropTrack data shows unit prices increased 6.7% nationally over the year to June 2026, compared with 5.6% for houses. Since January 2025, unit prices have also recorded slightly stronger cumulative growth than houses.

For many buyers, affordability is a major reason. The national median house price is around $1 million, compared with about $735,000 for a unit. That significant difference can make units a more realistic option for first home buyers, downsizers and investors.

For buyers on the Central Coast, the shift towards units is worth watching. Choosing an apartment or unit may provide a more accessible entry point into the property market, but it is still important to consider borrowing capacity, strata costs, location and the long term suitability of the property.

A future rate rise could further reduce borrowing capacity, making units an even more attractive option for buyers.

At Mortgage Choice Erina, we help buyers understand their borrowing options and compare home loans from a wide range of lenders.

If you are considering buying a unit on the Central Coast, speaking with Mortgage Choice Erina can help you understand what you may be able to afford before you start looking.

12/08/2026

Will Mortgage Rates Fall? What the Latest RBA Forecast Means

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at 4.35%, offering some relief for homeowners after a tough period of higher mortgage repayments.

The Reserve Bank is now expecting inflation to ease back into its target range by late 2027, which is a more optimistic picture than the mid-2028 timeline painted in May.

The Reserve Bank will be watching upcoming inflation, household spending and employment data closely before making its next move.

For homeowners across the Central Coast, the current environment highlights the importance of reviewing your home loan rather than simply waiting for interest rates to fall. A better loan structure or a more competitive mortgage rate could make a meaningful difference to your repayments.

The property market is also facing some pressure, with home prices falling for a fourth consecutive month in July. As spring approaches, changing listings, buyer confidence and borrowing costs will be closely watched.

The next RBA cash rate decision is due on 29 September 2026.

If you are a homeowner or planning to buy around Erina and the Central Coast, now could be a good time to review your mortgage options and understand what the current market means for you.

11/08/2026

Take your first step on the property ladder with government schemes

Saving a home deposit can feel like one of the biggest hurdles for first home buyers, particularly when you are paying rent at the same time. The good news is that several Australian Government schemes may help eligible buyers purchase a home with a smaller deposit.

The Help to Buy Scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with a deposit from 2%, with the Australian Government contributing up to 30% for an existing home or 40% for a new home.

The 5% Deposit Scheme may allow eligible first home buyers to purchase with a deposit from 5% without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Eligible single parents may be able to enter with a 2% deposit.

The First Home Super Saver Scheme can also help eligible first home buyers save a deposit using voluntary super contributions.

Every scheme has specific eligibility requirements, property price limits and conditions, so it is important to understand which option may suit your circumstances.

If you are considering buying your first home on the Central Coast, Mortgage Choice Erina can help you understand your options, compare home loans and guide you through the application process.

Your first home may be closer than you think. Speak with Mortgage Choice Erina today, to explore your home loan options.