Client Name: Constable Rebecca T.
Profession: NSW Police Officer
Location: Western Sydney, NSW
Property Price: $650,000
Deposit: $38,286
Loan Type: First Home Buyer Loan via First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS)
Lender: Participating Major Bank
Loan Outcome: Approved without LMI
Note: The client’s name has been changed to protect privacy, but all other details reflect a real case supported by Triple O Finance.
Rebecca had served the NSW Police Force for nearly 3 years when she began thinking seriously about purchasing her first home. Living in Western Sydney, she was determined to create stability and security and buy her first home to have financial stability in life. With rising rents and property prices, she felt the urgency to buy now rather than wait and be priced out.
Despite her stable employment and strong credit history, Rebecca found herself caught in a common dilemma: she had managed to save just over $38,000, which was not even 6% of the purchase price of homes in the areas she was considering. Like many first home buyers, she was under the impression that without a 20% deposit, her dream of home ownership would have to be postponed indefinitely.
“I had a good savings routine, no bad debts, and had been working overtime shifts for months. But every time I spoke to the banks directly, they told me I needed a bigger deposit or a family guarantor. It was incredibly frustrating.” — Rebecca
Rebecca had approached her bank she had been banking with for the last 10 years before seeking professional help. The lender turned her away based on her deposit size, even though she was an ideal candidate in many other respects. She didn’t realise that she was potentially eligible for government-backed schemes that could significantly reduce her upfront costs and improve her borrowing power.
She was also advised that she would have to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which would have added nearly $23,000 to her loan amount. This would increase her monthly repayments and affect her borrowing capacity. The thought of paying thousands extra just for not having a 20% deposit felt unfair—especially after years of working on the frontline.
At this point, Rebecca began to lose hope. That was until a colleague in the police force who had recently purchased their own home recommended she speak to Triple O Finance.
When Rebecca contacted us, she was exhausted from trying to navigate the system on her own. Our team began by understanding her unique situation, including her employment structure, savings history, and short-term goals. We discovered she had not only a solid financial base but also untapped eligibility for a game-changing initiative: the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS).
The FHLDS was introduced to help first home buyers purchase a property with as little as 5% deposit—without paying LMI. Rebecca ticked all the boxes:
She was a first home buyer
Her income fell within the eligible threshold
The property she was eyeing was within the scheme’s price cap
She was an Australian citizen with strong, ongoing employment
Unlike traditional banks, our knowledge of this scheme and our relationship with FHLDS-participating lenders allowed us to immediately explore her options without further delay.
We developed a clear, three-phase strategy:
1. Eligibility Verification and Financial Structuring
We quickly confirmed Rebecca’s eligibility for the FHLDS and began preparing her application to meet both lender and scheme requirements. This included properly documenting her police income, including overtime and allowances, which many banks fail to assess accurately.
2. Lender Selection and Pre-Approval
We shortlisted participating lenders based on interest rates, loan features, and turnaround times. One major bank stood out—offering flexible policy toward frontline workers and attractive fixed-rate options. We submitted the application, and within 48 hours, Rebecca was pre-approved.
3. Offer Guidance and Purchase Support
With her pre-approval in place, Rebecca confidently made an offer on a two-bedroom villa in a well-connected area of Western Sydney. We coordinated with her solicitor, real estate agent, and the lender to ensure a smooth path to settlement.
The property Rebecca purchased was ideal for her situation:
A two-bedroom villa in a secure, low-maintenance complex
Close to schools, parks, and public transport
Within 20 minutes of her police station
Key Figures:
Property Price: $650,000
Deposit Used: $38,286 (approx. 5.9%)
Loan Approved: $611,714
Loan Term: 30 years with fixed rate for the first 2 years
LMI Cost: $0 (Waived under FHLDS)
The use of the FHLDS not only helped her avoid LMI but also preserved her savings for moving expenses, minor renovations, and new furniture.
The loan process, from pre-approval to settlement, was completed in just six weeks. More importantly, Rebecca felt empowered and supported at every step. There were no surprise fees, no hidden conditions, and no miscommunications.
“Triple O Finance understood me in a way no other lender had. They explained everything in plain English, and I never felt like I was being sold to. They just wanted to help.” — Rebecca
Since moving into her new home, Rebecca has become a vocal advocate for financial education among her colleagues. She often refers other police officers to us, especially those who don’t think they can afford to buy just yet.
Rebecca’s experience is far from unique. Many frontline workers believe the 20% deposit myth and hold off buying for years as a result. Meanwhile, rent increases, housing supply tightens, and borrowing capacity shrinks.
What most buyers don’t realise is:
Government schemes can reduce your deposit requirement
You don’t need a family guarantor to buy
Lenders Mortgage Insurance can be legally avoided in many cases
Specialist brokers understand income structures like shift work and allowances better than traditional banks
Triple O Finance is committed to helping emergency professionals overcome these barriers with education, personalised advice, and strategic lending solutions.
Applying for a low-doc car loan is straightforward and can be completed in minutes. Start by filling out an online application, which typically takes under two minutes. Alternatively, applying over the phone usually takes about five minutes. After submitting the application, upload the necessary documents via computer or smartphone, making the process highly convenient.
Automated finance technology matches applicants with suitable lenders based on their profile, ensuring optimal loan terms in the same way it streamlines approval, offering quicker turnaround times compared to traditional financing options.
Once approved, you can often drive away with your newer car within a day. This efficiency is a major advantage for busy business owners needing to get the best deal on a new car and get back on the road quickly.
With over a decade of experience helping emergency professionals secure home loans, our team knows what works:
35+ lenders including FHLDS-approved institutions
Strong lender relationships for faster approvals
In-depth understanding of frontline income structures
Specialist support from application through to settlement
No upfront fees for first home buyers
Rebecca’s success story is a reminder that homeownership is within reach, even when the odds seem stacked against you. All it takes is the right guidance, a clear plan, and someone in your corner who genuinely understands your needs.
If you’re a police officer or emergency worker and think buying your first home is years away, take a moment to check your eligibility. You might be closer than you think.
Don’t let the deposit myth stop you. You could be eligible for a home loan with just a 5% deposit — and no LMI.
Take the first step:
Download our Home Buying Guide
