How we help in Victoria
Whether you are in Melbourne or regional VIC, our separation finance service works entirely online. We help with:
- Refinancing to sole name - removing your ex from the mortgage and taking over the loan independently
- Partner buyouts - calculating equity splits and structuring the buyout finance
- Fresh start lending - getting a new home loan after your property settlement
- Consent order timing - coordinating with your lawyer to align the finance and legal timelines
- Stamp duty exemptions - ensuring you do not pay unnecessary duty on separation transfers
Melbourne's property market offers more affordable options than Sydney, but settlement buyouts still regularly exceed $400,000. Victoria's digital duties form process makes the stamp duty exemption application straightforward compared to some other states.
Stamp duty exemption in Victoria
Section 44(1), Duties Act 2000 (Vic)
Full exemption from land transfer duty when a property is transferred solely because of the breakdown of a marriage or domestic relationship. Must be formalised by Consent Orders or BFA. Apply via the Digital Duties Form through the State Revenue Office.
Without formal Consent Orders or a BFA, there is no stamp duty exemption. An informal agreement between you and your ex does not qualify. The stamp duty savings alone can be tens of thousands of dollars, which is one of the strongest reasons to formalise your property settlement.
First Home Owner Grant in Victoria
$10,000 for new homes up to $750,000
Victoria's FHOG may be boosted to $30,000 for new homes (check current rates as temporary boosts apply). First home buyer stamp duty exemption on properties up to $600,000.
If you previously owned a home with your ex, you may still qualify for the FHOG when buying a new home after separation. The key question is whether you personally lived in a property you owned. We can help you assess your eligibility.
Family Court in Victoria
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)
Victorian family law matters are handled by the FCFCOA, which has registries in Melbourne and regional centres.
Time limits: Married couples have 12 months from the date of divorce to commence property settlement proceedings. De facto couples have 2 years from the date of separation. If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to claim.
How lenders assess separation borrowers in VIC
When you apply for a home loan after separation, lenders consider:
- Single income serviceability - can you afford the repayments on your income alone?
- Child support received - many lenders accept 80-100% of child support as supplementary income (must be CSA-assessed)
- Child support paid - treated as a fixed expense, reducing your borrowing capacity
- Centrelink payments - Family Tax Benefit and Parenting Payment are accepted by most lenders
- Property valuation - the current value determines your equity position and LVR
- Legal costs - outstanding legal fees may affect your borrowing capacity
Support services in Victoria
Legal aid
Victoria Legal Aid - 1300 792 387
Crisis support
Safe Steps - 1800 015 188 (24/7)
Family Relationship Advice Line
1800 050 321 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm)
National Debt Helpline
1800 007 007 (free financial counselling)
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732 (24/7 DV and sexual assault counselling)
Other states
We help clients across all of Australia. See our state-specific guides: