Buy Your First Home with Just a 5% Deposit
Getting into your first place is now easier than ever. With government schemes and the right broker, you don't need to wait years to save a massive deposit.
The Big Update — More Aussies Can Buy With Less
From 1 October 2025, the First Home Guarantee is expanding. With just a 5% deposit, here's what changes:
- No income caps – anyone who meets criteria can apply.
- Unlimited places – no waiting lists.
- Higher property price caps – more choice in cities and regions.
Even with a small deposit, you've got choices
Explore the different ways to buy your first home with less upfront savings.
New 5% Deposit Scheme (Oct 2025)
No income caps, unlimited places, higher price caps.
First Home Guarantee
5% deposit, no LMI. Govt guarantees 15%.
Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
Same deal for eligible regional buyers.
Family Home Guarantee
2% deposit for eligible single parents/guardians.
Guarantor Loans
Family property used as security to boost borrowing power.
Low-Deposit Loans
Some lenders accept 5% deposits outside the scheme (LMI applies).
Updated Property Price Caps — Effective 1 October 2025
These are the maximum property prices you can buy under the scheme. To qualify, your property must be at or below the cap for your area.
State/Territory | Old Cap | New Cap (from Oct 1, 2025) |
---|---|---|
NSW (City/Regional*) | $900,000 | $1,500,000 |
NSW (Other) | $750,000 | $800,000 |
VIC (City/Regional*) | $800,000 | $950,000 |
VIC (Other) | $650,000 | $650,000 |
QLD (City/Regional*) | $700,000 | $1,000,000 |
QLD (Other) | $550,000 | $700,000 |
WA (City) | $600,000 | $850,000 |
WA (Other) | $450,000 | $600,000 |
SA (City) | $600,000 | $900,000 |
SA (Other) | $450,000 | $500,000 |
TAS (City) | $600,000 | $700,000 |
TAS (Other) | $450,000 | $550,000 |
ACT | $750,000 | $1,000,000 |
NT | $600,000 | $600,000 |
Jervis Bay, Norfolk Island | $550,000 | $550,000 |
Christmas & Cocos Islands | $400,000 | $400,000 |
*Regional centres: Illawarra, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie (NSW); Geelong (VIC); Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast (QLD).
Why Choose Us
Powering Australian Dreams with clear advice and real results.
Smart Loan Solutions
No cookie-cutter loans. We’ll design a finance strategy that actually fits your lifestyle and property goals — so you can get ahead, stress-free.
No Jargon, Just Clarity
We cut through the finance jargon and explain your options in plain English. Clear answers, so you always feel in control.
60+ Lenders, One Broker
More choice = more power. We compare 60+ banks and lenders to find the deal that works best for you, not them.
Fast & Human Service
moves quick — and so do we. Call, text, or email and expect real answers, not wait times. Your broker, on your terms.
Insights That Give You an Edge
We don’t just find loans — we share market insights and strategies so you can invest smarter and buy with confidence.
Backed by Trust & Reviews
We’re MFAA-accredited and backed by 5-star Google reviews. Real clients. Real results. That’s why people keep coming back.
Don’t miss out on your perfect place. With Pilbara Finance, pre-approval is quick, simple, and gives you the edge when it counts.

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First-home essentials
A quick guide to the parts that matter most – deposit, budget, the buying steps and picking the right loan.
- Deposit & upfront costs
- Budgets &repayments
- Steps to buy
- Loan Options
Your deposit
How much do you actually need?
Many buyers aim for 20%, but it’s possible to purchase with less. Low-deposit loans can involve Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and some government-backed guarantees may help eligible buyers reduce or avoid LMI. Exact options depend on your circumstances and the lender’s criteria.
Your price range
Shape a budget that still feels comfortable
- Estimate your borrowing capacity from income and expenses.
- Model repayments at today’s rate and a buffer above it.
- Include buying costs (duty, legals, inspections) in your plan.
Understanding the process
From pre-approval to settlement
- Get pre-approved so you can make offers with confidence.
- Find a place, make an offer, then valuations and legals kick in.
- We coordinate the moving parts through to settlement day.
What Counts Towards a Deposit?
Your deposit is the money you save and provide upfront when buying a home. For most lenders and government schemes in 2025, this deposit usually needs to be at least 5% to 20% of the property value depending on eligibility and whether you pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
What can you use as your deposit?
- Money saved from your own funds: Cash savings in your bank account is the primary source for your deposit.
- Gifted money: Some lenders allow a deposit gift from family or friends, but usually with documentation.
- Sale of an existing property: The net proceeds from selling another home can count toward your deposit.
- First Home Owner Grant or government contributions: Any grants you qualify for can sometimes be used towards your deposit or upfront costs.
- Money from superannuation schemes: Under certain concessions like the First Home Super Saver Scheme, you can save in your super and withdraw it for a home deposit.
What can’t count towards your deposit?
- Loan amounts or borrowed funds: The deposit must be your own money or gifted (with exceptions for some government schemes but not your loan itself).
- Non-liquid assets: Items like cars, investments, or valuables typically aren’t counted as deposit funds.
Additional points about deposits:
- The Home Guarantee Scheme (starting Oct 1, 2025) lets eligible first home buyers buy with as low as 5% deposit with no LMI by having the government guarantee part of the loan.
- Lenders calculate the Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) based on the deposit and property valuation, affecting loan approval and costs.
- You must cover other upfront costs separately, such as stamp duty, legal fees, and conveyancing.
- Your lender may require proof and documentation to confirm the source of your deposit funds.
In essence, your deposit counts as your own money or approved gifted funds ready to be applied toward the purchase price. Various government schemes now can help reduce how much you need upfront. Consulting with your broker or lender about acceptable sources and documentation helps make the process smoother.
This info aligns closely with the newly expanded government schemes and lender requirements effective October 2025.
Low-deposit paths & guarantees
What is a Family-Backed Home Loan Guarantee?
A family-backed home loan guarantee allows a close family member – like a parent or sibling—to help you buy a home sooner by offering part of their property’s value or savings as additional security for your loan.
Instead of gifting you money, your guarantor uses the equity in their home or a term deposit to support part of your loan, reducing the amount you need upfront and helping you avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Example:
Imagine you’re buying your first home for $300,000 and want to borrow $270,000 (a 90% LVR). Normally, you’d pay LMI. But if your family member guarantees $40,000 using their home’s equity, your effective LVR drops below 80%—which means no LMI is needed.
Why It’s Great for First-Time Buyers
- You’re the Buyer:
Avoid expensive LMI fees, which can save you thousands.
Get into the property market faster—even with a small deposit.
Borrow up to 100% of the purchase price (plus associated costs).
Available for owner-occupiers, and in some cases, investors who don’t already own property. - If You’re the Guarantor:
No need to provide cash—just use existing equity or a term deposit.
Your exposure is limited (typically up to 50% of the loan).
You’ll be released from the guarantee once the buyer’s equity grows enough (usually when the LVR drops below 80%).
Basic Requirements & Things to Know
- Eligibility & Restrictions:
Property must be for owner occupation (some lenders allow it for first-time investors).
Family member must be an immediate relative (e.g. parent, child, sibling).
The guarantee can’t be used for cash-out, renovations, or debt consolidation.
Minimum loan size usually starts around $150,000.
The guarantor must get independent legal advice.
How It Compares to Government Guarantee Schemes
This type of guarantee is not part of a government program like the First Home Guarantee or Family Home Guarantee, but it works alongside them.
- Government schemes reduce your deposit requirement (as low as 2%).
- A family-backed guarantee reduces your LVR, avoiding LMI and increasing your borrowing power.
- You may be eligible for both—check with your lender or broker.
Important Considerations
- If you miss repayments, the lender may seek repayment from your guarantor.
- It can impact your guarantor’s ability to borrow or refinance their own property.
- Make sure your income and budget can support your loan long term.
Summary: Family-Backed Guarantee at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Who Can Help? | Immediate family (e.g. parents, siblings, adult children) |
What’s Required? | Equity in property or funds in a term deposit |
Benefit to You | Avoid LMI, borrow more, enter market faster |
Risk to Them | Partial liability if you default (limited to their guarantee amount) |
Exit Strategy | Guarantor can be released once LVR drops below 80% |
Your Leverage
Given the upcoming October 1st, 2025 policy changes, the areas first home buyers in Australia should consider taking advantage of include:
- Access to the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme starting October 1, 2025:
- No more place limits: All eligible first home buyers across Australia can access the scheme, removing previous caps.
- No income limits: Income caps ($125,000 individual / $200,000 joint) will be removed, allowing more buyers to qualify.
- Higher property price caps: Increases in property price limits will allow buyers to access higher-priced homes. For example, in Sydney’s capital city and regional centers, the cap increases from $900,000 to $1,500,000, and in Brisbane from $700,000 to $1,000,000.
- Simpler access in regional areas with the regional guarantee merged into the First Home Guarantee.
- The scheme allows purchasing with as little as a 5% deposit and without lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) costs.
- Take advantage of the early start of the 5% deposit scheme from October 1, 2025, which was originally planned for 2026:
- This accelerates the ability to buy with low deposit and avoid LMI, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.
- Aids in significantly reducing the time required to save for a deposit and get into a home.
- Buy before October 1, 2025, if eligible and under current income or place caps to secure a spot:
- Buyers who meet the current income limits and place numbers might prefer applying before the changes take effect to avoid uncertainty or increased competition after the unlimited places open.
- Consider the increased property price limits for the scheme to explore a wider range of homes in desired locations:
- These new caps reflect rising property prices, making the scheme more applicable to current market conditions.
The Smart Move - Pre-approval
Why It’s a Smart Move for First-Time Buyers
Pre-approval helps you:
- Set a realistic budget for your property search
- Be seen as a serious buyer by sellers and agents
- Act quickly when you find the right property
- Learn how lenders assess your income, savings, and expenses
How Broker360’s Pre-Approval Process Works
We keep the process straightforward for first-time buyers:
- Speak with a Broker360 consultant to explore your options and borrowing capacity
- Share your details including income, savings, debts, and employment information
- We help you choose a suitable lender and submit the pre-approval application
- You receive written conditional approval, typically within a few business days
- Your pre-approval is usually valid for 90 days and can be extended if needed.
What to Keep in Mind
- Pre-approval is not full loan approval. Final approval requires more checks, including property valuation and updated financial documents
- It typically lasts up to 90 days. If your financial situation changes, a new application may be required
- A credit check is involved. Applying with multiple lenders at once can affect your credit score. We help you choose the right lender from the start
Documents You May Need
- Recent payslips or income statements
- Government-issued ID
- Bank statements showing savings and spending
- Details of any debts or credit commitments
- We will provide a checklist tailored to your situation.
What Our Clients Say
“I had no idea what I could afford until my broker explained everything. Getting pre-approved made the process so much easier.”
— Sophie, First Home Buyer
“Broker360 took care of the paperwork and found a loan that worked for me. I was pre-approved in three days.”
— Ali, First Home Buyer
Pre-Approval at a Glance
Feature | What You Get with Broker360 |
---|---|
Borrowing Estimate | Understand how much you can borrow |
Turnaround Time | Typically 2 to 4 business days |
Validity Period | Usually 90 days, with renewal options |
Expert Support | Guidance from an experienced home loan broker |
Lender Access | We compare loans from multiple lenders |
Take the First Step Toward Buying Your First Home
Broker360 helps you:
- Find out what you can borrow
- Get pre-approved quickly
- Compare loan options from leading banks and lenders
- Navigate the process with expert support, at no cost to you
Book a Free Pre-Approval Call
No pressure. No obligation. Just helpful advice from a broker who understands what first-time buyers need.
What Our Clients Say
From tradies to retailers to startups, businesses across Australia trust Pilbara Finance
to make funding simple and stress‑free.
Olesya2025-07-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The BEST broker in Australia – Clinton Burnes! I honestly can’t recommend Clinton Burnes highly enough. He is without a doubt the number one broker in Australia, and after working with him, I wouldn’t go to anyone else. From the very first conversation, Clinton made everything feel easy and stress-free. He really took the time to understand what we needed, explained every step in plain English, and somehow managed to make a process that usually feels overwhelming feel completely under control. What I love most is that Clinton genuinely cares. He’s not just ticking boxes – he goes above and beyond, always thinking ahead, always finding the best possible solution, and always keeping you informed. Even when you think something is impossible, he somehow makes it possible. That’s the difference between a good broker and a truly exceptional one. Thanks to his expertise and determination, we achieved a result that was better than we even hoped for. He made us feel supported the whole way through, and you can tell he truly works for your best interests, not just the easy option. If you’re looking for someone who is professional, trustworthy, and genuinely the best in the business, Clinton Burnes is the one. Five stars isn’t enough – he deserves ten! David Skene2025-07-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This my 2nd time of using Pilbara Finance. My broker, Clinton is just one of the best people I have come across. While he Clinton is a busy man steering the business and I am not a wis bang expert with technology Clinton has always preserved with me. I am yet to actually having met Clinton in person as I am an interstate investor we have communicated by phone email and once or twice by teams. He is always polite attentive to my questions very efficient with follow-up information his knowledge of the every changing financial market place is very hard to beat. If there is a need to reach out and test the marketplace with second or third tier lenders Clinton will only venture down the path that is right for us the customer. I have lost the number of coffees that I owe Clinton he is just such a special broker and great individual! David Skene Chloe Glass2025-07-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I honestly can’t recommend Jan King enough. From the very beginning, she made the entire mortgage process feel so much less overwhelming. I had a million questions (and a few mild meltdowns), but she was so patient, clear, and genuinely invested in getting the best outcome for me. She took the time to understand not just my finances, but my goals, and walked me through every option with complete transparency. I never felt rushed or like “just another client” – she truly went above and beyond, and I felt completely supported the entire way through. If you’re thinking of buying, refinancing, or just want some honest mortgage advice, I can’t think of anyone better to have in your corner. She’s sharp, trustworthy, and just a really lovely person to work with. Slicker 12025-06-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was a pleasure to work with Clinton and his team They are helpful all the way every step .Clinton was available anytime of the day to answer my questions and assist. Farai Ram Ramz2025-05-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the pleasure of dealing with Jack from Pilbara Finance who was resourceful, personable, and very approachable. Jack was available for us at anytime to help ease our stress and in turn find the best finance solution for our needs, which were irregular and complex. Thank you Jack for all your efforts and we’ll keep in touch for our next project. Janine Harrison2025-05-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A huge thanks to Jack. Jack went over and above is helping us refinance and in breaking into the property investment market. He is friendly and available out of business hours to help. I recommend his service to anyone and will continue to work with him in the future. Helen Tricker2025-04-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mortgage Broker of the year. Absolutely fantastic service!!! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Angelic Cleaning Services2025-04-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another great service from Clint and his team! Glorymore
FAQs
First home buyer FAQs
We work with over 60 lenders, giving you access to a full range of options including equipment finance, working capital, invoice financing, commercial property loans, and more.
Many of our clients receive approvals within 24-48 hours, depending on the lender and the complexity of the application.
No. While good credit helps, we work with a wide panel of lenders who can accommodate different credit histories.
Generally, you’ll need basic financials (bank statements, BAS, or tax returns) and identification. Exact requirements depend on the type of loan and the lender.
Not at all. We provide quotes so you can see your options before making any commitment.
For the main First Home Buyer pathways, yes. Some variants exist (e.g., Family Home Guarantee for single parents/guardians). We’ll confirm what applies to you.
We compare products across our 45+ lender panel to find the most competitive rate and terms for your business.
It’s a loan designed to help eligible buyers purchase their first home with lower deposit requirements and possible government support.
Have another question? Contact us today and we'll see how we can help.
