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First Choice Home Loans

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Preston, VIC
First Choice Home Loans

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"Turning dreams into reality with expert mortgage and finance solutions. Begin your path to financial freedom with FCHL."

We are committed to superior levels of customer service and an ongoing professional relationship with our valued clients. We understand that everybody has different needs and circumstances and recognize our customers as individuals. We do our utmost to provide the right advice for our clients and their unique lifestyle. At First Choice Home Loans we offer personalized one to one service in helping you find the loan that is right for you. We will explain, in detail, the different products and features on offer and find the loan that best suits your needs.

23/10/2026

Sydney and Melbourne sellers withdraw stock as listings tighten

Sellers in Sydney and Melbourne are pulling properties from the market rather than accepting lower prices, creating a supply squeeze that contrasts sharply with conditions in Brisbane and Perth.

According to Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee, new listings fell 12.6 per cent in Sydney and 9.7 per cent in Melbourne between May and August, compared with a 6.8 per cent decline nationally. Canberra recorded an even steeper fall, down 14.7 per cent over the same period.

The pullback has flowed through to overall stock levels. Active listings have dropped 5.6 per cent in Sydney and 7.4 per cent in Melbourne since May. Canberra has followed a similar pattern, with active stock down 7.5 per cent.

Ms Conisbee said the trend reflects owners choosing not to sell when conditions are weaker, rather than a lift in buyer demand absorbing existing stock.

"Housing supply is highly responsive to market conditions. Unless an owner needs to sell, they can delay putting their property on the market when prices are weaker or buyers become more cautious," she said.

The picture in Brisbane and Perth is markedly different. New listings in those cities have also declined, down 2.7 per cent in Brisbane and 10.5 per cent in Perth since May.

However, active listings have moved sharply higher, up 27.5 per cent in Brisbane and 20.2 per cent in Perth, indicating that existing stock is taking longer to sell rather than owners rushing to list.

Adelaide is showing a milder version of the same pattern, with new listings up 2.4 per cent and active listings up 15.0 per cent.

For agents in Sydney and Melbourne, the shrinking pool of stock represents a buffer against further price weakness, tightening the balance between buyers and sellers at a time when demand has already softened on the back of Budget changes and higher interest rates.

Ms Conisbee cautioned the outlook remains fragile.

"A further interest rate rise would reduce borrowing capacity and weaken buyer demand again," she said.

Ms Conisbee said the divergence points to a housing market splitting into two distinct phases. Sydney and Melbourne, which experienced the earliest and largest weakness after the Budget, are now seeing sellers withdraw supply in response.

Brisbane and Perth, where conditions held up for longer, are instead grappling with a build-up of stock despite fewer new properties coming to market.

"After leading the initial downturn, Australia's two largest housing markets are moving into a very different phase," she said.

21/10/2026

4 things to think about before selecting an interest-only loan

With the cash rate tipped to rise, property investors are paying more attention to interest-only loans as a way to manage cash flow while rates remain elevated.

Interest-only lending is a specific product with some advantages in certain situations and risks in others. Here are four things worth understanding before you decide whether it is the right structure for you.

How interest-only repayments actually work
On a standard principal and interest loan, each repayment reduces the outstanding loan balance while also covering the interest charged for that period. On an interest-only loan, repayments cover only the interest.

The principal balance does not get paid down during the interest-only period, which means the loan balance at the end of year five, for example, is the same as it was at the start. This keeps monthly repayments lower during the interest-only period but leaves the full principal to be repaid once that period ends.

Who interest-only loans tend to suit
Interest-only loans are most commonly used by property investors. Where the loan interest is tax-deductible, keeping repayments as interest-only maximises the deductible portion of each payment. Investors may also prefer to direct surplus cash toward other investments rather than reducing a debt that is working in their favour from a tax perspective.

For owner-occupiers, interest-only loans are less common and typically used in specific circumstances. Lenders assess these applications more conservatively, and the rationale needs to be clear.

What happens when the interest-only period ends
Interest-only periods are fixed in duration, typically between one and five years for investors and up to five years for owner-occupiers, subject to lender policy. When the period ends, the loan reverts to principal and interest repayments calculated over the remaining loan term.

Because no principal has been repaid, the remaining loan term is shorter relative to the full balance, which pushes repayments up when the loan converts. On a $600,000 loan with a five-year interest-only period, the full balance remains to be repaid over the remaining 25 years. Planning for that repayment increase well in advance is important.

How lenders assess interest-only applications differently
Lenders apply stricter serviceability tests to interest-only loans than to principal and interest loans. Because the borrower will eventually need to repay the full principal over a shorter remaining term, lenders typically assess the borrower's capacity to service the loan on principal and interest terms from the outset, even during the interest-only period. This can reduce the amount a borrower is able to access compared to a standard principal and interest structure.

Not all lenders offer interest-only terms to all borrower types, and the rate is typically slightly higher than an equivalent principal and interest loan, which is worth factoring into any comparison.

A mortgage broker can help you compare your options across lenders who offer interest-only products.

19/10/2026

5 things to think about before buying a property with someone else

With property prices remaining high across most of Australia co-purchasing has become an increasingly practical path into property ownership.

Buying with a partner, family member or friend can give buyers a larger deposit and greater borrowing power than either party could achieve alone.

But co-ownership is a significant financial and legal commitment, and the arrangement works better when everyone involved understands the key considerations before they sign anything. Here are five things worth thinking about.

Joint tenants and tenants in common are not the same thing
There are two ways to hold property with another person in Australia. Joint tenants own the property equally, and if one owner dies, their share automatically passes to the surviving owner regardless of what their will says.

Tenants in common each own a defined share of the property, which can be equal or unequal, and that share forms part of their estate and passes according to their will. Couples commonly choose joint tenancy, while friends or family co-purchasers often opt for tenants in common to reflect their individual contributions.

Lenders assess all borrowers on the loan jointly
When two or more people apply for a home loan together, lenders assess the combined income, expenses, debts and credit history of all applicants. This can increase borrowing capacity compared to applying alone, but it also means that any issues on one applicant's credit file or financial position affect the entire application.

Each borrower is jointly liable for the full loan, meaning if one party stops making repayments, the other is responsible for the full debt.

What happens if one party wants to sell
This is one of the most common sources of tension in co-ownership arrangements and one that is worth planning for before it becomes an issue. If one owner wants to sell and the other does not, the options typically include one party buying out the other, agreeing to sell the property jointly, or in some cases, applying to a court to force a sale.

Having a co-ownership agreement prepared by a solicitor before settlement, setting out what happens in these circumstances, can prevent a difficult personal situation from becoming an expensive legal dispute.

Each party's financial position affects the other
Co-ownership creates an ongoing financial link between the parties that extends well beyond the initial purchase. If one co-owner falls into financial difficulty, misses repayments or has other debts called in, it can affect the shared property and the other owner's credit position. It is worth considering not just whether the arrangement works today but how it might hold up if one party's circumstances change significantly.

Get legal and financial advice before you commit
Co-purchasing works well for many people, but the arrangements that tend to go smoothly are the ones where both parties have taken independent legal advice and put a co-ownership agreement in place before settlement.

A mortgage broker can help you compare your options and understand how the process works.

16/10/2026

Can you pay off your car loan early?

Paying off a car loan ahead of schedule is possible, but there are a few things worth understanding before you do.

Early exit fees may apply - Fixed rate loans in particular can attract break costs if you pay out early. Check your loan contract or contact your lender before committing to a payout.

Variable rate loans are generally more flexible - Variable rate car loans tend to have fewer restrictions on early repayments, though this varies between lenders.

Paying down the balance reduces interest - Interest is calculated on the outstanding balance daily, so any additional repayments or lump sum payments reduce the interest accruing from that point forward.

Factor in any balloon payment - If your loan includes a balloon payment, this needs to be included when calculating the full outstanding balance at payout.

Consider your cash position first - Paying out the loan may make sense, but it is worth weighing the cost of any exit fees against the benefit of clearing the debt before using savings to do so.

A finance broker can help you compare your options.

14/10/2026

4 signs your business could benefit from invoice finance

Invoice finance allows businesses to access funds tied up in unpaid invoices rather than waiting on clients to pay. Here are four signs it could be worth exploring.

Your clients take 30 to 60 days to pay - If extended payment terms are standard in your industry, invoice finance bridges the gap between completing work and receiving payment.

You are turning down work due to cash flow - If your business has the capacity to take on more clients or larger contracts but cash flow is holding you back, invoice finance could help.
You are struggling to meet payroll or supplier payments - When outgoings fall due before client payments arrive, invoice finance provides a way to manage that gap without taking on a traditional loan.

Your business is growing faster than your cash flow - Rapid growth often creates cash flow pressure before revenue catches up. Invoice finance scales with your invoicing volume, making it a flexible option for growing businesses.

12/10/2026

3 signs it might be time to refinance your business loan

Business lending has changed considerably over the past two years. If your loan has been in place for a while, it is worth checking whether it is still the right fit for your business.

Your business position has changed - If your business has grown, improved its cash flow or built a stronger track record since you first borrowed, it may be worth reviewing whether your current loan terms still reflect your business’s position.

The loan structure no longer suits how you operate - A loan that made sense when you took it out may not reflect your current cash flow patterns, repayment capacity or how the business has evolved.

You are approaching the end of a fixed term - The period before a fixed rate expires is a good time to review your options rather than rolling over automatically into whatever your lender offers next.

A finance broker can help you compare your options.

09/10/2026

Data centre boom set to push industrial rents sharply higher

Australia is now the third-largest destination globally for data centre development, and the resulting competition for industrial land is beginning to have a significant impact on the commercial property market.

New JLL research suggests economic rents for a 20,000 square metre warehouse could double in some markets by 2028, as data centre developers continue to pay significant premiums for industrially zoned land.

JLL found that data centre developers paid premiums of between 20 and 63 per cent above average land values for industrial sites in outer suburban areas. In Sydney, economic rents are already between 30 and 43 per cent above current prime net face rents. In Melbourne’s west, they could exceed market rates by 130 per cent. Average land values for two to five hectare lots in Melbourne’s west grew 16.5 per cent in the 12 months to June 2026, with Sydney’s outer central west up 9.6 per cent.

Regional markets are also emerging as the next frontier, with Anthropic recently signing a deal to anchor a proposed $32 billion data centre hub in Queensland’s Western Downs, signalling growing confidence in locations beyond the major metropolitan fringe.

If industrial or commercial property is part of your investment strategy, a finance broker can help you compare your options across a range of commercial lending products.

07/10/2026

Foreign investment fuelling Australia’s commercial property boom

Offshore buyers now account for 34 per cent of all Australian commercial property trading in 2026, up sharply from 23 per cent in 2025, according to Commonwealth Bank data. Total commercial property sales reached $48.4 billion in the year to 31 August, up 6 per cent on the same period last year, with offshore capital contributing $16.3 billion of that total.

Singapore and Canada together account for 70 per cent of offshore acquisitions. Queensland has emerged as the standout domestic mover, with investment up 39 per cent to $10.8 billion, overtaking Victoria to become the second largest state market nationally.

CommBank’s commercial property research director noted the budget’s proposed changes to residential negative gearing and CGT could prompt investors to look increasingly at commercial assets, where existing tax arrangements remain in place.

If commercial property is on your radar, a finance broker can help you compare your options across a range of commercial lending products.

05/10/2026

3 differences between owner-occupier and investor home loans

If you are considering buying an investment property, it is worth understanding how investor lending differs from the owner-occupier loan you may already have.

Deposit requirements can differ - Most lenders require a different deposit for an investment property compared to an owner-occupied home. Borrowing above 80 per cent of the property value on an investment loan may also attract different conditions to an owner-occupier loan.

Serviceability is assessed differently - Lenders factor in your existing mortgage commitments,
living expenses and the expected rental income from the investment property when assessing how much you can borrow. Rental income is typically included at a discounted rate rather than its full value.

Loan structure options differ - Interest-only repayments are more commonly used on investment loans, as the interest component may be tax deductible. How this interacts with your broader tax position is worth discussing with your accountant before you choose a structure.

A mortgage broker can help you compare your options.

02/10/2026

Rental yields hit their highest level since 2019

While much of the focus in the property market has been on falling values, one metric has been moving in a positive direction for investors. According to Cotality’s September 2026 Home Value Index, the national gross rental yield has risen to 3.79 per cent - its highest level since September 2019.

The improvement has been driven by rents continuing to rise, up 5.7 per cent nationally over the past 12 months, while dwelling values have softened.

The yield picture varies considerably by location. Darwin leads at 6.3 per cent, followed by Hobart at 4.4 per cent. Among the larger capitals, Melbourne sits at 4.0 per cent and Brisbane at 3.4 per cent. Units are outperforming houses on yield nationally at 4.6 per cent versus 3.5 per cent for houses.

Cotality’s Tim Lawless said that with proposed budget changes to property tax, investors are likely to place greater emphasis on higher-yielding opportunities. Yields would still need to rise further before rental income offsets holding costs at current interest rate levels.
A finance broker can help you compare your options across a range of investment property lending products.

Address

551 Plenty Road
Preston, VIC
3072

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 6pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 6pm

Telephone

+611800003245

Website

http://www.fchl.com.au/

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