A smaller deposit can open a door—but the right pathway depends on more than one eligibility test.
Government assistance may reduce the deposit hurdle or change how much you need to borrow. It does not replace a lender’s responsible-lending assessment, and it does not mean every eligible person will be approved.
Your income, expenses, existing commitments, credit history, savings, property choice and ability to meet repayments all remain important. The aim is not simply to enter the market—it is to choose a structure you can understand and sustain.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Three pathways worth understanding.
These summaries are a starting point only. Scheme rules, property-price caps and lender requirements can change. Use the official links and speak with a participating lender or broker before relying on eligibility.
LOW-DEPOSIT GUARANTEE01
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
An eligible first home buyer may be able to purchase with a minimum 5% deposit. Housing Australia provides a guarantee to the participating lender, which can remove the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance in an eligible application.
Key criteria to investigate
You must generally be at least 18 and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
You must be a first home buyer or not have owned property in Australia during the previous 10 years.
The property must be an eligible residential property within the applicable location price cap.
You must intend to live in the property as an owner-occupier.
You still need to meet the participating lender's credit, income, deposit and serviceability requirements.
Important: A government guarantee supports the lender; it is not a cash payment to you and does not guarantee loan approval.
Help to Buy is a shared-equity pathway. Subject to eligibility, the Australian Government may contribute up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home or 30% of an existing home, while you contribute a minimum 2% deposit and obtain a loan from a participating lender.
Key criteria to investigate
You must be at least 18 and an Australian citizen.
For 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, annual taxable income must be $103,000 or less for a single applicant, or $165,000 or less for joint applicants and single parents, based on the required ATO Notice of Assessment.
You generally must not currently own property in Australia or overseas, subject to limited scheme exceptions.
The home must be within the applicable property price cap and become your principal place of residence.
You must meet the participating lender's requirements and ongoing scheme obligations.
Important: This is not a grant. The Government holds a proportional interest in the property and shares in future gains or losses when its interest is repaid.
The single-parent pathway within the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme may allow an eligible single parent or single legal guardian to purchase with a minimum 2% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance on an eligible guaranteed loan.
Key criteria to investigate
You must generally be at least 18 and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
You must be single and have at least one dependent child or dependent person in your care.
You must not currently own a home, although previous home ownership may be permitted.
The property must be eligible, within the relevant price cap and occupied by you as your home.
You still need to satisfy the participating lender's credit and serviceability assessment.
Important: Family status, dependency, property ownership and deposit requirements must be evidenced. Eligibility should be checked before committing to a purchase.
The criteria may look simple. The journey often does not.
Even when you appear to meet a scheme’s headline criteria, working through lender policy, evidence, purchase costs, property caps, contracts and timeframes can feel overwhelming.
I help you understand the steps, identify what information is required, compare suitable participating-lender options and keep the application moving. You remain involved in every decision, with the reasoning and trade-offs explained clearly.
I cannot promise scheme eligibility, lender approval or a particular outcome—but I can help you approach the process prepared and supported.
Review income, expenses, commitments, savings and likely buying costs.
02
Pathway
Check potential scheme eligibility and compare it with standard lending options.
03
Preparation
Organise evidence, discuss pre-approval and establish a realistic purchase range.
04
Purchase
Support the finance process from property selection and contract through to settlement.
Important information
This page provides general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not a determination of scheme eligibility, credit approval, legal advice or financial advice. Eligibility criteria, lender requirements, property-price caps, availability, fees and government program rules may change. Consider the official scheme information and obtain appropriate legal, financial and tax advice before entering a property contract or credit arrangement.