Is the 2025 Federal Budget a game-changer for first home buyers? In this episode of Property & Mortgage Insights Australia 2025, host Virginia Graham sits down with expert mortgage broker Phil Riches from Finance on the Coast to break down how the latest government schemes, incentives, and restrictions are set to impact buyers and investors alike.

🎙️ Key Topics Covered:

• ✅ What the expanded Help to Buy scheme means in real terms

• ✅ Pros and cons of shared equity with the government

• ✅ New restrictions on foreign investors and what it means for locals

• ✅ The often-overlooked First Home Guarantee scheme and how it compares

• ✅ Stamp duty, mortgage insurance, and why smart buyers could save $60,000+

• ✅ Phil’s ideas for first home buyers navigating today’s market

Whether you're looking to enter the property market or guide your clients through it, this episode delivers essential insights into how to buy smarter in 2025.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to make the most of the latest government support – and avoid common traps.

Phil Riches is a senior mortgage broker with Finance on the Coast, helping clients across Australia secure tailored loan solutions for homes, investments, and commercial SMSFs. Known for his practical, straight-talking approach, Phil brings deep insight into government schemes, lending structures, and real-world strategy.

Learn more at financeonthecoast.com.au

Virginia Graham is a mortgage broker and co-founder of Finance on the Coast, helping clients navigate home and investment loans tailored to their needs. With a background in banking, finance, and AI-driven automation, she provides insights into property finance strategies.

Want to hear more from today’s guest or find top property professionals across Australia?
Explore more podcast episodes and connect with specialists by experience, location, and area of expertise at Property Podcast Connect — your go-to resource for building your trusted property team.

⏰ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

01:22 – What the Budget Really Means for Buyers

03:50 – Understanding the Help to Buy Scheme

06:18 – Shared Equity: The Catch Few Are Talking About

09:30 – Caps, Thresholds & Regional Differences

12:45 – Foreign Investment Restrictions Explained

15:10 – The First Home Guarantee: Better Option?

20:05 – Avoiding Stamp Duty & Mortgage Insurance

23:20 – Long-Term Strategies vs. Quick Flips

26:50 – What If Property Prices Fall?

29:10 – Final Advice for First Home Buyers

31:00 – Wrap-Up & What's Next

🗣️ About the Guest:

Phil Riches is a senior mortgage broker with Finance on the Coast, helping clients across Australia secure tailored loan solutions for homes, investments, and financial growth. Known for his practical, straight-talking approach, Phil brings deep insight into government schemes, lending structures, and real-world strategy.

Learn more at financeonthecoast.com.au

👩‍💼 About the Host:

Virginia Graham is a mortgage broker and co-founder of Finance on the Coast, helping clients navigate home and investment loans tailored to their needs. With a background in banking, finance, and AI-driven automation, she provides insights into property finance strategies.

Want to hear more from today’s guest or find top property professionals across Australia?
Explore more podcast episodes and connect with specialists by experience, location, and area of expertise at Property Podcast Connect — your go-to resource for building your trusted property team.