Dawn Teh

Dawn Teh is a freelance journalist based in Perth. Dawn writes about pathways to homeownership for Aussies, educating Journal readers on mortgages, low-cost deposit options and property buying. Dawn holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Edith Cowan University.
Buying a home guides
Australian couple in their kitchen with a baby
What first home buyer schemes are available in Australia? (Updated 2025)
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Suburban homes in The Hills Shire, Sydney, Australia.
Settlement date vs move-in date: Understanding the difference
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Classic Australian living room with a couch and porch
First home buyer's guide
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Home loan guides
Woman and child in a classic Australian backyard
What is LVR and why is it important?
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Mother and daughter looking at a laptop in living room.
Low deposit and no deposit home loan options
Updated 
January 23, 2023
A couple looking at their laptop.
What is refinancing and how do I refinance my home loan?
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Woman typing on her laptop researching lenders mortgage insurance, photographed by Yan Krakau
What is lenders mortgage insurance (LMI)?
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Photo of mother and daughter cooking together in a kitchen
What is a guarantor loan?
Updated 
January 23, 2023
Articles
home with a green front lawn purchased using a loan for a home loan deposit
Deposits
First home buyers
Guarantor home loans
No deposit home loans
Can I use a personal loan for my home loan deposit?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Australia couple pointing at house that they have put a deposit down on
Deposits
Auctions
First home buyers
Is it possible to lose your home loan deposit?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Couple looks at laptop sitting on the couch reviewing their loan application
Deposits
First home buyers
Low deposit options
What happens if my home loan application is rejected?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
man playing with his baby in the kitchen in the home he purchased with a home loan with an offset account
First home buyers
Offset account vs redraw facility: Which is better for you?
Updated 
May 17, 2024
Couple sitting on the couch with their new baby after buying a house while on maternity leave
Deposits
Low deposit options
Can I get a home loan while on parental leave?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Australian father plays with his children in their garden
Low deposit options
What is home loan serviceability and how do you increase it?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Line of renovated Australian houses that the owners are deciding to sell or keep as an investment
First home buyers
Timing the housing market vs time in the housing market — which Is better?
Updated 
May 17, 2024
Australian street at dusk with typical suburban homes
News
Is there a housing crisis in Australia?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Classic houses in Bondi in Australia
News
How to buy a home as a migrant in Australia
Updated 
March 16, 2023
Australian house purchased with super with backyard view of pool
First home buyers
Low deposit options
Can I use superannuation to buy a home in Australia?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Father and daughter painting on a cardboard house.
Deposits
First home buyers
How long will it take me to save for a house deposit?
Updated 
March 24, 2025
Person typing with books on a table
First home buyers
How can I repair my credit score?
Updated 
August 2, 2023
Australians looking at a laptop together
First home buyers
News
Do you need the bank of mum and dad to buy property?
Updated 
May 17, 2024
Living room with a grey couch by Taryn Elliott
First home buyers
Deposits
60 terms to know when buying a house
Updated 
May 17, 2024