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First home / Government support

What government support is available?

Still building your deposit? Let’s look at the available schemes and work out whether they suit your situation.

Information checked: 27 October 2026

First, understand what each scheme helps with.

Help to Buy contributes towards the purchase in exchange for a financial interest in the home’s value. The 5% Deposit Scheme guarantees part of the loan for the lender. Neither is a cash gift.

Help to Buy

A government contribution reduces the amount you need to borrow from a bank.

Your deposit
At least 2%, but you still need to contribute a reasonable amount of your available savings based on your capacity.
How the government helps
Up to 40% for a new home or 30% for an existing home. The actual contribution depends on the funding gap; the maximum is not automatic.
Citizenship and income
Applicants must be Australian citizens. The taxable annual income cap is $103,000 for an individual, or $165,000 for joint applicants and eligible single parents or legal guardians.
What to consider later
The government’s interest changes with the value of your home. Ongoing eligibility and reviews apply, and you may need to buy back its interest over time.
See a funding example ↓

5% Deposit Scheme

Apply with a lower deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

Your deposit
At least 5% for the first-home pathway. Eligible single parents or legal guardians have a separate pathway with a minimum 2% deposit.
How the government helps
The government provides a guarantee to the lender. It does not take equity in your home or pay your deposit or repayments.
Citizenship and income
Australian citizens or permanent residents; no income cap. First-home applicants generally must never have owned Australian property, or not have owned it in the previous 10 years.
What to consider later
A smaller deposit usually means a larger loan. You remain responsible for the full debt and must meet owner-occupier and lender requirements.
Compare repayments ↓

This is a summary, not a full eligibility checklist. Both schemes have location-based price caps and require application through a participating lender and an assessment of repayment capacity. New Zealand citizenship alone does not automatically satisfy the residency requirements above.

Official information: Help to Buy ↗ · 5% Deposit Scheme ↗

HELP TO BUY · WORKED EXAMPLE

How could a $600,000 purchase be funded?

Assume you buy an existing home, the government contributes 30%, you contribute $20,000 and the bank approves a $400,000 loan.

Your deposit
$20,000
Bank loan
$400,000
Government contribution (30%)
$180,000
Purchase price
$600,000

The home is registered in your name, but the government has a financial interest in its value. There is no monthly interest or rent on that contribution. When you buy back the interest or sell, the amount payable is calculated under the scheme rules and may differ from the original $180,000.

This illustrates a funding structure, not how much someone on a particular income can borrow. It assumes eligibility, the applicable price cap and lender approval. Stamp duty, legal fees and other buying costs are excluded. The contribution and your own funds must be assessed individually.

Official customer guide: equity, costs and ongoing obligations ↗

5% DEPOSIT SCHEME · WORKED EXAMPLE

A smaller deposit: what happens to repayments?

Compare a 20% and a 5% deposit on the same $700,000 home.

Assuming 6% interest and a 30-year principal-and-interest loan
Item20% deposit5% deposit
Deposit amount$140,000$35,000
Bank loan$560,000$665,000
Approx. monthly repayment$3,357$3,987

In this example, the deposit is $105,000 lower, but repayments are about $630 more each month. Avoiding LMI removes one cost; you still need to be comfortable with the larger repayments.

Illustration only, not a rate quote or loan commitment. Assumes the bank valuation equals the purchase price, a constant rate and no fees added to the loan. Figures are rounded and buying costs are excluded. Actual rates, terms and approved amounts will change the result.

You might also be wondering

Eligibility and applications

Is a 2% or 5% deposit all I need to buy?

Not necessarily. Those are minimum deposit requirements. You also need to allow for buying costs, a cash buffer, the bank’s valuation and your approved loan amount. If you have more available savings, the scheme may require a larger contribution.

Which income figure does Help to Buy use?

Generally, taxable income on your ATO Notice of Assessment for the most recent financial year, rather than your contract salary or take-home pay. Current caps are $103,000 for an individual and $165,000 for joint applicants or eligible single parents or legal guardians. Thresholds change, so they need to be checked again when you apply.

Can I use both schemes together?

Help to Buy cannot be combined with a government home purchase guarantee. State and territory grants and stamp duty concessions are separate measures; eligibility to combine them needs to be checked individually.

If I qualify for a scheme, will the bank approve my loan?

Approval is not automatic. The lender still assesses income, expenses, existing debts, credit history and the property. Help to Buy reduces the amount you need to borrow; it does not directly increase your borrowing capacity.

Could I be required to buy back the government’s Help to Buy interest?

Yes. Alongside voluntary repayments, there are ongoing obligations and reviews. Improved finances or a change in eligibility may require partial or full repayment. Consider the long-term arrangements as well as the upfront benefit.

Eligibility and ongoing conditions: Help to Buy official FAQs ↗ · 5% Deposit Scheme official FAQs ↗

Grants and stamp duty concessions need a separate check.

Rules vary between states and territories. Property type, price and occupancy requirements also matter. Qualifying for one measure does not mean you qualify for the others.

Tell me which state you are buying in, your budget and whether the home is new or existing. We can then work through the relevant measures and the costs you need to prepare for.

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William HuangMortgage broker · Australia-wide
About me

I’m William.
You can ask me directly.

I’m based in Melbourne and help clients across Australia with home, car and personal loans. Many of my clients prefer to discuss their options in Chinese; this site is available in English too.

I often hear similar questions in consultations, so I put them here for you to browse when you need them. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you still have questions, we can talk them through.

Book a 30-minute loan consultation ↗Opens William’s booking page on Cal.com
QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

Common questions, answered here

Questions from everyday client conversations. Start with what is on your mind.

Budget and preparation

Should I buy now or wait?

Start with whether you are ready, rather than trying to predict prices.

Look at your savings, income and monthly expenses, then the room left in your budget after buying. If repayments would make things tight, adjust the budget first. We can do the numbers without committing to a purchase.

Should I borrow the maximum the bank offers?

No. What you can borrow and what you feel comfortable repaying are different things.

You can borrow less and contribute more savings, while allowing for buying costs and an emergency buffer. Once you decide on an amount, I can update the repayment estimate.

Can I talk to you before finding a property?

Yes. Getting clear on your budget and finance can help guide your search.

Tell me whether you plan to live in the property or invest, when you hope to buy and what you are unsure about. You do not need to send every document straight away.

Can I still use an earlier borrowing estimate?

An earlier estimate is a guide. We should update it closer to buying.

Income, expenses, interest rates, residency and lender policies can change. If your residency is changing or your purchase is some time away, we can plan now and reassess before applying.

How do I choose between a 5% and a 20% deposit?

Compare the cash needed upfront and the repayments afterwards.

A smaller deposit usually means borrowing more. Allow for buying costs, possible LMI and a cash buffer. Access to a low-deposit scheme depends on current eligibility and lender requirements, not just your savings percentage.

Do you charge a fee to arrange my home purchase loan?

I do not charge clients a service fee for my home purchase loan consultations and applications.

Lenders may pay upfront and ongoing commissions to my authorised organisation. Amounts and arrangements are set out in the relevant disclosure documents. Lenders, government bodies and other third parties may still charge fees.

Do you compare every bank?

I look for suitable options from the lender panel I am authorised and able to use.

I usually shortlist three suitable lenders and compare rates, repayments, fees, features and processing times with you. You then choose the option. This does not cover every lender or product in the market.

What documents will I need for a home loan application?

I will give you a list based on your circumstances, so you do not have to guess.

Typically, identification, payslips, income or tax records, bank statements and details of debts and expenses. Before providing credit assistance, I also provide a Credit Guide and Privacy Statement explaining my services and disclosures. I will confirm how to provide documents separately.

Rates, repayments and refinancing

What is the difference between fixed and variable rates?

A fixed rate offers certainty for a set period; a variable rate can change with the lender.

Fixed loans may limit extra repayments and have break costs. Variable rates can rise or fall. We can also discuss splitting the loan between fixed and variable, depending on your need for certainty and flexibility.

What is an offset account? Can I still use the money?

It is an account linked to your home loan. Eligible balances reduce the amount used to calculate loan interest.

For example, a $500,000 loan with $50,000 in a 100% offset may be charged interest on $450,000. The loan principal itself has not fallen by $50,000. The money is usually accessible, but withdrawals reduce the offset benefit. Account fees and product conditions also matter.

Are fortnightly repayments just half the monthly amount?

Not always. Check how the lender calculates them.

To keep the same annual repayment total, use monthly repayment × 12 ÷ 26. Paying half a monthly repayment every fortnight instead gives 26 half-payments, equivalent to 13 months. These are different methods; the actual debit depends on the lender’s arrangement.

Should I refinance whenever another lender has a lower rate?

Compare the overall cost, not just the rate difference.

Check whether your existing lender can improve the loan, then compare alternatives over the same remaining term. Include discharge, application, valuation, registration and settlement fees, possible LMI and fixed-rate break costs. Consider features, break-even time and offer conditions. If the term is extended, compare total interest too.

If my property rises in value, can I access the increase?

Not automatically. Equity is not cash you can simply withdraw.

A valuation, loan-to-value assessment and repayment-capacity check are usually needed. A larger loan also changes repayments. Tell me the purpose and amount, and we can explore the options.

Can you review my rate without refinancing?

Yes. We can first see what your existing lender can offer.

Depending on the lender’s process, I can help negotiate or explain how to request a review. If the lender is not on my panel, I cannot negotiate on your behalf and will let you know. We can still compare refinance options. Any rate change is the lender’s decision.

What should I prepare before refinancing?

Start with your loan balance, rate, remaining term and statements.

Tell me what you want to improve. If refinancing makes sense, I will request the relevant identification, income, debt and expense documents. Comparisons are from my lender panel, not the entire market.

Do I need pre-approval for a refinance?

Usually not. Once you choose an option, we submit a full application.

The new lender reassesses your finances and property valuation. Further documents or approval conditions may apply. I will then help with the loan documents and discharge authority for you to check and sign.

Can I stop payments on my old loan while refinancing?

Keep making the existing repayments until settlement.

The lenders and their representatives coordinate settlement. I track the payout of the old loan and establishment of the new one. Rely on lender confirmation for payout and debit changes; we also check the new account setup and actual repayments afterwards.

Properties, offers and contracts

Does pre-approval mean I can safely sign a purchase contract?

Pre-approval is not formal approval. There are still things to check before signing.

The lender needs to assess the actual property and your updated application. I can confirm loan progress; ask your solicitor or conveyancer to review the contract, deadlines and legal risks.

How many days should I allow for a finance clause?

There is no single timeframe that suits every purchase.

A subject-to-finance clause is part of the contract. Its wording and deadline depend on the location, contract and application progress, and should be checked by your solicitor or conveyancer. I can provide the lending update to help with timing.

Can I get a loan for a small or serviced apartment?

Check the specific property rather than relying on its size or label.

Send me the listing so I can check lender acceptance. For serviced apartments, ask your conveyancer about permitted use, management agreements and long-term owner occupation. Meeting a particular floor area does not guarantee approval.

Should I tell you if I change jobs or take on debt after pre-approval?

Yes. Let me know early about changes to income, debts or purchase plans.

Pre-approval has conditions and an expiry date; it is not a final commitment to lend. I can check how changes affect the application and what information needs updating.

What if the bank’s valuation is below the purchase price?

Confirm the valuation and available loan amount, then work out the funding gap.

Send me the address, intended offer and contract. Where the lender allows it, I can arrange a valuation and review the loan structure and possible shortfall. Before an offer or auction, ask your solicitor or conveyancer to check the contract and legal risks too.

Before and after settlement

Does “Ready to Book” or “Ready to Draw” mean settlement is complete?

No. These are usually preparation-stage updates.

Lenders use different status labels. A booked settlement, available funds and a completed settlement are separate things. Send me the notice and I can check the lender’s progress.

Why is the bank sending reminders after my conveyancer booked settlement?

Check the latest status rather than relying on one notification.

Notifications and system updates may happen at different times. I can check with the lender and conveyancer whether the date has been accepted and what remains outstanding. A booked date does not mean settlement is complete.

How much money should I have ready for settlement?

Ask your conveyancer for the latest settlement statement and confirm the shortfall.

Fees and adjustments can change, so do not transfer funds based only on an early estimate. Ask me about the loan advance; confirm your final contribution, payment timing and recipient details with your conveyancer.

Will you keep helping after settlement?

Yes. We still need to check the account setup and repayments.

Within 1–3 business days of settlement or a rate change, I check the rate, repayment account, offset link, payment date and amount. After the debit, I check the actual payment. Around three to six months later, we review the rate and product as appropriate. You can contact me again when your needs change.

Car loans

Can I ask about finance before choosing a car?

Yes. Start with your budget and when you plan to buy.

Let me know about any deposit or trade-in. Once you choose the car, we can confirm its age, model, seller and the actual loan amount.

Can you help with a used car or private sale?

Yes. Send me the vehicle and seller details first.

Lenders have different requirements for vehicle age, condition, private sales and inspections. Confirming finance before committing to a purchase can help avoid problems later.

Can I apply for a car loan on a temporary visa?

We can explore it. Accepted visa types vary by lender.

I will check your visa type and expiry, employment and income before looking at options. A lender accepting a visa type does not guarantee approval for an individual application.

What should I prepare for a first car loan conversation?

A rough overview is enough to start; you do not need to send all your documents.

Think about the car price, amount you want to borrow, purchase date, employment, income, existing loans and anything relevant in your credit history. I will provide a document list for a formal application.

Personal loans and consultations

What should I tell you about a personal loan?

Start with the purpose, approximate amount and when you need it.

We can then discuss employment, income, existing loans and your preferred repayments. Understanding the need helps me identify which options are worth discussing.

Is the interest rate all that matters for a personal loan?

Also compare fees, the term and the total amount repayable.

A lower monthly payment may simply mean a longer loan. Compare application and ongoing fees, early repayment conditions and whether the lender accepts your intended purpose.

Do home, car and personal loans use the same booking link?

Yes. Use the same booking link for all three.

Choose a convenient time and tell me which type of loan you want to discuss.

Can I upload identification or financial documents here?

This site is for finding answers. It does not accept loan documents.

If you proceed with an application, I will explain what documents are needed and how to provide them. You do not need to enter personal information to read these answers.

General information only. Actual conditions depend on your circumstances, lender and contract. Still have questions? Ask William ↗

Further reading and sources

These official sources help explain general lending concepts. Individual conditions still need to be checked.

Get in touch

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