Professional & friendly service from your local Mortgage Choice Home Loan expert

Call: 0403 254 181

Looking for a home or investment loan? Talk to Stephen Venn, your local Mortgage Choice broker from Dee Why, NSW. Let us research and compare more than 20 lenders for you

Call Us Mortgage Choice Dee Why
Office - 0403 254 181

Open Hours Mortgage Choice Dee Why
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
After hours by appointment
Free Appointment

Hello and welcome to my page. My name is Stephen Venn. I am married with 2 daughters, one at University and the other is a teacher. We've lived on the Peninsula since 1990.

Having worked for 40 years within the Banking & Finance Industry, I understand how frustrating and time consuming it can be to have to try and find the right loan, or combination of loans, to suit your circumstances, often within a tight time frame.

In May 2000, I became a Mortgage Choice Specialist Home Loan broker to fulfil that particular need in my community. Since then I have helped hundreds of my neighbours to achieve their goals and sometimes, their dreams.

No matter if you're:

first home buyers
upsizers and downsizers
investors, and
those looking to refinance their existing loan to lower their repayments or consolidate debt.

I can help you find home loan that suits your needs, not the lenders!

My role as your broker

My role as your Mortgage Broker is to provide you relevant information, education and direction to assist you in choosing the right home loan to suit your particular financial situation and personal needs. I achieve this by using the unique Mortgage Choice software to analyse products and lenders in addition to my years of experience as a qualified Mortgage Choice Mortgage Broker. I then electronically complete your mortgage application, obtain the relevant approvals and manage the process through to settlement and beyond.

If you're a First Home Buyer we can also assist you with completion of the First Home Owners Grant application (for those people who are eligible for this government initiative).

When should I consider refinancing my loan?

Refinancing should be considered when you want to take advantage of a debt consolidation savings plan, or if you want to switch loan products to one that will pay off your loan faster or better suit your lifestyle and needs. It may also be appropriate to refinance your loan when you are considering a major purchase such as an investment property, car or renovation.

If you are considering refinancing it is important to have your break costs clearly explained before you work out your overall savings. If you want to find out if refinancing is right for you please give me a call.

We can arrange an appointment at my my office or I can come to you.

I work from modern professional offices in Dee Why together with another Mortgage Choice Mortgage Broker and an office manager who provides support through the loan application process.

Industry Qualifications & Awards

I am a Full Member of the peak industry body, the MFAA and hold accreditation with over 20 individual lenders, including major and secondary Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Specialised and Securitised lenders. I hold a Diploma of Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking Management) and Certificate iv in Financial Services (Finance & Mortgage Broking).

Mortgage Choice are proud Winners of the 2014, 2015 Australian Broking Awards 'Best Diversification Program'
Proud supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities

Additional Services Offered

Deposit Power Deposit Guarantee - if you can't meet a cash deposit requirement for a property purchase, I may be able to issue Deposit Power Deposit Guarantee (otherwise known as Deposit Bonds) that eliminates the necessity for a cash deposit. These can be issued within 30 minutes in most cases.
Business and Commercial Lending - this can include loans using both Commercial and Residential premises and sometimes with no Real Estate security at all!
Leasing and Corporate Hire Purchase - for business equipment acquisition.
Home & Contents and,
Mortgage Protection Insurance - to protect your most valuable asset.
Car loans - call me for the best rates.

NEW Addition To Our Service Suite:

Professional property investment research referrals - this most exciting addition gives our customers access to stringently qualified and selected investment properties to give the best possible opportunity for you to grow your wealth with a minimum of outlay and holding costs.

Contact me today on 9972 9858 or mobile 0403 254 181

Please take a few moments to read some testimony to my service by clicking the Testimonials tab at the top of this page.

The right home loan for your needs

Our mission is to find the right home loan for your individual needs and to always have your best interests at heart. Plain and simple. Which is why we have such a wide range of lenders to choose from. We can search through hundreds of products to find something tailored to your situation. ~

Client reviews

James and the team are highly knowledgeable, information and a pleasure to deal with. Thanks

Richard
23 January 2025

It was an absolute pleasure to work with Brad, Tony and Tiani from Mortgage Choice in Dee Why. They supported us along the way from the loan application till settlement and beyond. At every step they were extremely helpful, very professional, knowledgeable and patiently answered all our questions. We highly recommend the MC DY team

Philippe
21 January 2025

I couldn't be more happy with the outcome from Mortgage Choice Dee Why James Algar was very informative throughout the whole process and took a load of stress out of the purchase. We went through so many strategies to get the best outcome. Tiani Cantwell kept me in the loop with the whole process and spent a heap of time getting everything finalised and in the end it all worked out better than expected.
I really appreciate all of you at Mortgage Choice for the effort and the help.

Jayden
21 January 2025

Rob, Tiani and the team were a pleasure to deal with and very helpful. I would use them again without hesitation.

Brendon
17 January 2025

We cannot recommend James Algar and his incredible team at Mortgage Choice highly enough For over half a decade, James has been our go-to for all our financing needs, and he has consistently gone above and beyond to make the process seamless and stress-free.
James' professionalism, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering dedication to his clients set him apart. Whether it's securing the best rates, na... read more

Kimberly
13 January 2025

My partner and I thoroughly recommend mortgage choice Dee Why. After shopping around and talking to a few brokers we instantly knew we had found the right team after speaking to James. He was incredibly welcoming, explained everything in detail and broke it down in laymans terms without being condescending and made us both feel comfortable to ask as many questions as we could think of. Rob James and T... read more

rhea
05 December 2024

If you're after seamless, stress-free, easy fast re-financing, Brad his team at Mortgage Choice Dee Why is where you should go. I would thoroughly recommend them.

Louise
29 November 2024

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You could borrow up to

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/ month
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Based on standard variable rate over years.

Start the pre-approval process

The borrowing amount is a guide only. Loan repayments are based on the lowest interest rate (either standard variable or 3-year fixed rate, owner occupier) from our lender panel over a repayment period of 30 years. Rates and repayments are indicative only and subject to change. The results from this calculator are an approximate guide only and do not constitute specialist advice. The calculations used should not be relied upon for the purposes of entering into any legal or financial commitments.

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There's a lot to consider when choosing the right loan.

The lowest interest rate from our lender panel is either standard variable or 3-year fixed for an owner-occupier. Rates and repayments are indicative and subject to change. The results from this calculator are an approximate guide only and do not constitute specialist advice. The calculations used should not be relied upon for the purposes of entering into any legal or financial commitments.

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Total fees:

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Need help with your next home purchase?

Extra Information

Home Buyer Concession Scheme

From 1 July 2019, the FHOG ACT has been replaced with exemptions on stamp duty. The stamp duty exemption is applicable to all properties in ACT, including vacant residential land and both new and established homes at any price. As this is still to aid first home buyers, to be eligible at least one buyer must live in the home for at least 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.

To be eligible, first homeowners in the ACT must have a household income below $160,000. This number increases up to $176,650 depending on the number of children you may have.

Click here for more information on the ACT First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in NSW

From 1 August 2020, the NSW government has announced that stamp duty will not be applicable to first home buyers for properties valued up to $800,000 and vacant land valued up to $400,000. This stamp duty exemption will be in place for 12 months to 31 July 2021, in which the stamp duty exemptions will revert back to $650,000 for homes and $350,000 for land.

Additionally, a concessional rate of duty will apply to homes valued more than $800,000 but less than $1,000,000 and vacant blocks of land valued more than $400,000 and less than $500,000

How much is the First Home Owners Grant NSW?

The FHOG in NSW is worth $10,000 however conditions apply. To be eligible, your first home must have a total value below $600,000, and be either newly constructed or ‘substantially renovated’. A home is substantially renovated when most or all of the original house was removed or replaced, and it’s the first time the place has been sold, and lived in, after the renovations were completed.

If you plan to build a new home from scratch, you can still be eligible for the FHOG in NSW as long as your land plus the home you build have a combined value of less than $750,000.

Click here for more information on the NSW First Home Owner Grant.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant in the NT?

The First Home Owner Grant in NT is $10,000. Your income and the price of your home don’t affect the FHOG NT, and the grant is available if you buy or build a new house, apartment, duplex or townhouse.

As of 30 June 2021, there are currently no stamp duty concessions for first home buyers in NT.

Previously the Territory’s First Home Owner Discount was in place from 8 February 2019 to 30 June 2021. It let you save up to a maximum of $18,601 on the cost of stamp duty. The savings were available whether you purchased a new or established home as long as the home was valued under $650,000.

Click here for more information on the NT First home Owner Grant.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant QLD?

As a first home buyer in Queensland you could be entitled to the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant. To be eligible, you need to buy a brand new home or build a home from scratch with the total value (including the land) below $750,000. You may also be eligible if you buy off the plan or an established home that’s been substantially renovated.

As a guide, substantial renovations include replacing or altering foundations or replacing or altering floors. Cosmetic work such as painting the walls or sanding floors doesn’t add up to a substantial renovation when it comes to the FHOG in QLD.

Stamp duty concessions

If you’re buying vacant land to build your first home, you pay zero stamp duty as long as you pay $250,000 or less for your block. Concessions are available for vacant land valued above $250,000 and up to $400,000. Whereas if your first home is valued up to $500,000, you pay zero stamp duty. That’s a saving of $7,175 which is the maximum stamp duty rebate available to first home buyers in QLD.

Additionally, savings on stamp duty may still be available if you pay between $500,000 and $550,000 for your first home. As a guide, if your first home is worth $530,000, you pay stamp duty of $6,300 a saving of $3,500. These savings cut out altogether if your first home costs $550,000 or more.

Click here for more information on the QLD First home Owner Grant.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant SA?

There are currently no specific stamp duty concessions available for first home buyers in SA.

The $15,000 FHOG in South Australia is only available to first home owners who buy a new home. You can choose from a house, apartment, townhouse or villa.

You will only be able to claim the FHOG SA if you pay below the following amounts for your home:

Before 14 June 2023: $575,000
After 15 June 2023: $650,000

You can also claim the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia when you buy a block of vacant land to build your first home on. However, the end value of your building plus land must be no more than $575,000.

Click here for more information on the SA First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in TAS

If you buy an established home, you are not eligible for the FHOG in Tasmania but you may be able to claim savings on stamp duty. If you’re home is valued at

$400,000 or less, you will receive a 50% discount on the property transfer duty (stamp duty).

How much is the First Home Owners Grant TAS?

The FHOG Tasmania is worth $30,000 until 30 June 2022 but only when you buy or build a new home. Off the plan purchases are also eligible. In Tasmania, there is no limit on the purchase price of the property, and the FHOG is not means tested.

Click here for more information on the TAS First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in VIC

First home owners in Victoria don’t pay stamp duty at all on their first home as long as the property is valued below $600,000. You may still be eligible for savings on stamp duty if you pay between $600,000 and $750,000 for your first home. The stamp duty concessions available in Victoria apply to both established and new homes.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant VIC?

The FHOG Victoria is only available if you buy a newly built home or if you choose to build a home from scratch. The FHOG is worth $10,000 if you build/buy in Victoria.

Your first home can be a house, townhouse, apartment, or unit but it must be valued at $750,000 or less, and it must be a new home – being sold as a home for the first time, and less than five years old.

Click here for more information on the VIC First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in WA

If you buy vacant land to build your first home, you’re exempt from paying stamp duty as long as you don’t pay more than $300,000. If you pay between $300,000 and $400,000 you will be entitled to a reduced rate of duty.

From 09 May 2024, if you buy a home costing up to $450,000, no stamp duty is payable at all. If the value of your home is between $450,000 and $600,000, you’ll be entitled to a reduced rate of stamp duty.

There are no additional concessions for homes valued above $600,000 and land valued above $400,000.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant WA?

The FHOG WA is worth $10,000 when you buy or build a brand new home. There are limits on what you can pay for your first home to be eligible for the FHOG in Western Australia.

If you’re located south of the 26th parallel, which basically covers all the Perth metropolitan area, you can claim the FHOG WA if your new home is worth up to $750,000 – this includes the value of the land plus buildings.

If you buy or build a home north of the 26th parallel, the property must be valued up to or below $1 million to be eligible for the FHOG WA.

The First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia is no longer available if you buy an established home however you may be able to claim stamp duty savings.

Click here for more information on the WA First home Owner Grant.