Serving in the ADF and thinking about buying a home? In this episode, Vincent Turner chats with Jake Wood from UNO Home Loans about the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS). They unpack who qualifies, how the subsidies work, which lenders are involved, and why it can make a huge difference for defence families planning their financial future.

Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Explained

Thinking about buying a home while serving in the Australian Defence Force? In this episode of the UNO podcast, Vincent Turner sits down with Jake Wood, Principal Broker at UNO Home Loans, to unpack the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS). Jake shares his first-hand experience helping ADF members use the scheme to reduce their loan costs, what the tiers mean, and how it can change property strategies for defence families.

The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) is an interest rate subsidy provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Instead of helping with a deposit like other government schemes, DHOAS reduces the interest paid on a home loan. Subsidy amounts depend on service time, with tiers starting at two years of permanent service or four years of reserve service.

For example, Tier 1 covers interest on up to $396,965 of a loan, equating to a subsidy of around $526 per month. Higher tiers, available after longer service periods, increase the amount of loan eligible for subsidisation.

For Defence members, housing affordability isn’t just about saving for a deposit — income assessment and long-term repayments can be big barriers. DHOAS tackles this by lowering ongoing interest costs, making home ownership more sustainable over the life of the loan. Used alongside other programs like the First Home Guarantee, it can mean entering the market with a 5% deposit and avoiding LMI while still getting long-term repayment support.

Eligibility requires:

• At least 2 years’ continuous permanent service or 4 years in the reserves.

• Applying directly through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

• Using one of the participating lenders: NAB, Defence Bank, or Australian Military Bank.

Applicants should also prepare standard home loan documents and work with a broker familiar with the scheme to streamline the process.

Common pitfalls include:

• Applying through lenders who don’t account properly for Defence pensions (DVA or CSC), which can reduce borrowing power.

• Misunderstanding subsidy tiers and how much of the loan balance is covered.

• Assuming the scheme applies to investment properties — it only covers owner-occupied homes.

Working with the right lender and broker helps avoid these traps.

DHOAS is designed for ADF members planning to buy and live in their own home. Couples where both partners serve can even combine subsidies for greater benefit. However, it won’t suit those focused on investment strategies or unwilling to work within the three participating lenders’ policies.

The Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme is a unique and generous program that can significantly reduce housing costs for service members. But like all government initiatives, the details matter — understanding tiers, eligibility, and lender restrictions is key. For anyone serving in the ADF, it’s well worth running the numbers with a broker who knows the scheme.

• DHOAS reduces interest costs on home loans, not deposits.

• Eligibility starts at 2 years permanent or 4 years reserve service.

• Subsidies begin at ~$526 per month on ~$396k of loan balance.

• Only NAB, Defence Bank, and Australian Military Bank support DHOAS.

• Best suited for ADF members buying owner-occupied homes.

Jake Wood can help you with:

• Understanding your eligibility for DHOAS and other schemes.

• Running the numbers to see how subsidies affect your repayments.

• Structuring your home loan with the right lender to maximise benefits.

👉🏼 Book a chat with Jake to explore your Defence home ownership options. Google 'Jake Wood Mortgage Broker'

Vincent Turner and Jake Wood discuss the intricacies of the Family Home Guarantee Scheme, designed to help single parents with minimal deposits enter or re-enter the property market.

Jake explains eligibility criteria, including income caps and legal requirements, and the importance of documentation. They explore the scheme's mechanics, emphasizing the need to be financially organized to secure a limited spot.

Learn about property price caps and navigating lender relationships in this insightful conversation about enhancing property opportunities for single parents in Australia.

Jesse Bullock, a principal broker at UNO, joins host Vincent Turner to discuss managing home loans and financial well-being.

They explore resetting your relationship with debt, starting from first-time homebuyers to dealing with complex financial situations like debt consolidation and business ownership.

Jesse emphasizes the importance of understanding personal budgets, setting long-term goals, and leveraging mortgage brokers for guidance.

Tune in to gain insights into achieving financial security and reducing stress while navigating Australia's real estate landscape with a focus on personalized planning and informed decision-making.

Vincent Turner and mortgage broker Scott Wilkinson explore the intricacies of low documentation (lo doc) lending in this episode from UNO Australia's podcast series, So You Know. They discuss how lo doc loans cater to self-employed individuals, offering alternative documentation to traditional financial records. With a focus on bridging business and personal financial goals, they emphasize the importance of aligning brokers and accountants for a tailored financial strategy. Discover how lo doc loans can open doors to property and business financing with an understanding of requirements and potential costs.

Join Vincent Turner as he delves into the intricacies of first home buying with expert insights from Veronica Morgan and Megan Wells of the Homebuyer Academy. This episode unpacks the essential phases and steps in purchasing a home, offering listeners structured guidance on planning, inspecting, negotiating, and settling a property. Drawing on their combined decades of experience, Veronica and Megan reveal common pitfalls, share strategic advice for managing the buying process, and highlight the importance of assembling a robust support crew. Perfect for first-timers and seasoned buyers alike seeking to make informed property decisions.

Vincent Turner and Rebecca Maher explore the concept of financial coaching, distinguishing it from financial planning. They delve into how coaching can empower individuals by enhancing money management skills, assessing cash flow, and fostering healthy financial behaviors. Drawing from Rebecca's background and her role at My Money Circle, they discuss practical strategies for managing finances, setting goals, and the importance of accountability. Whether preparing for a major financial decision or simply seeking better day-to-day control, this episode reveals how coaching can be a valuable tool for financial empowerment.

New Zealand citizens eyeing property in Australia? This episode of 'So You Know' features Vincent Turner and New Zealand home loan specialist Paul Davey discussing how Kiwis can secure Australian home loans. They cover the intricacies of foreign acquirer duty, stamp duties, residency requirements, Kiwisaver transfers, and lenders' mortgage insurance. Listeners gain practical insights on navigating the complex Australian loan landscape, leveraging state grants, and understanding foreign income implications. Paul shares crucial tips, common pitfalls, and the benefits of consulting specialized brokers for navigating home buying in Australia.

In this insightful episode, host Vincent Turner delves into the intricacies of SMSF loans with Werner Jansen of Financial Purpose. As a domain often shrouded in complexity, SMSFs represent a significant opportunity for those looking to leverage their superannuation for property investment. Werner explains the foundational aspects of SMSFs, including their structural makeup, operational mechanics, and the strategic advantages they offer for long-term financial independence. The episode emphasizes education as a key facet, empowering listeners to grasp the tax-efficient strategies an SMSF can unlock.

The discussion further explores the demographic interest and readiness for SMSF properties, shedding light on the financial parameters that typically warrant consideration for this investment route. Terms like "leveraging," "diversification," and "investment strategy" recurrently surface as Werner underscores the importance of professional advice. He also warns of potential pitfalls in SMSF investments, emphasizing a sound understanding of property markets and thorough financial planning. The episode is not merely an introduction to SMSFs but a masterclass in aligning one's financial goals with strategic investments in real estate through a super fund.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are a tax-efficient investment structure ideal for long-term financial planning and retirement.

• Adequate super balance and a robust income profile are critical considerations when evaluating the feasibility of using an SMSF to invest in property.

• Leveraging is a significant advantage of SMSFs, enabling investors to potentially enhance their returns through strategic property acquisitions.

• Professional advice and a comprehensive understanding of the property market are essential to minimize risks associated with SMSF property investments.

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  Notable Quotes:

• • "I want to educate and empower, allowing clients to take control—and even maybe fire me—when they're knowledgeable enough." – Werner Jansen

  • "Super is merely a tax-effective way to invest money—it’s meant for the long term." – Werner Jansen

  • "Give yourself the best possible chance to have this asset be a performing asset" – Werner Jansen

  • "We're leveraging, taking X amount of money, getting a loan involved, and now suddenly, wow!" – Werner Jansen

  • "My goal with somebody is to get them to financial independence." – Werner Jansen