Low Deposit Home Loans
Low-deposit lending is a serious pathway into the property market, not a gimmick. Eligible first home buyers can use the Australian Government's First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI), while eligible single parents may qualify from a 2% deposit under the Family Home Guarantee.
Family guarantee structures can also use a relative's equity to reduce the effective LVR and potentially avoid LMI entirely, all without the government scheme.
Updated October 2025: The Australian Government has removed place limits and income caps from the First Home Guarantee for first home buyers. Subject to property price caps and participating lender criteria.
5%
Min. deposit (First Home Guarantee)
2%
Min. deposit (Family Home Guarantee)
$0
LMI with eligible scheme
Oct 2025
Income cap & place limit removed
Low deposit pathways available in Australia
Each pathway suits a different situation. Your broker will identify which one, or which combination, gives you the best outcome.
First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit)
Government BackedThe Australian Government's First Home Guarantee allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI. Since 1 October 2025, place limits and income caps have been removed for first home buyers, subject to property price caps, owner-occupier rules and participating lender criteria.
Family Home Guarantee (2% Deposit)
Single Parent SupportEligible single parents and legal guardians may be able to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit under the Family Home Guarantee scheme, with no LMI payable. Subject to income caps, property price caps and participating lender criteria.
Family Guarantee (Guarantor) Structure
Family SupportA family member uses equity in their property as additional security, reducing your effective LVR and potentially eliminating LMI. This is a lender-side arrangement, no government scheme required. The guarantee can be released once you've built sufficient equity.
Standard 80–95% LVR Loan + LMI
Pay LMIIf you don't qualify for a waiver or scheme, you can still purchase with a 5–20% deposit by paying an LMI premium. We compare LMI costs across lenders and help you weigh the cost of LMI against the opportunity cost of waiting to save a larger deposit.
How we help you buy with a small deposit
A clear five-step process from assessment to settlement.
Understand your position
We assess your deposit, income, expenses and borrowing capacity to identify which low-deposit pathways are genuinely available to you.
Identify your pathway
Government scheme, guarantor structure or standard LMI loan, we compare costs and present the best option for your goals.
Prepare for scheme eligibility
If using a government scheme, we confirm eligibility and connect you to a participating lender with the right product.
Apply & manage
We handle the full application, scheme registration (if applicable) and lender communication through to approval.
Settle & support ongoing
Your loan settles. We remain your broker for future refinances, equity access or investment planning.
Free low deposit assessment
We identify which low-deposit pathway is available to you and compare costs across all options, completely free of charge.
- ✓First Home Guarantee, 5% deposit, no LMI (no place limits since Oct 2025)
- ✓Family Home Guarantee, from 2% deposit for eligible single parents
- ✓Guarantor structure, avoid LMI using family equity
- ✓Compare LMI costs vs. waiting to save more
- ✓FBAA-accredited broker guidance throughout
Low deposit FAQs
Common questions from first home buyers and low-deposit borrowers.
Buy sooner than you think
A low deposit doesn't have to mean compromising. With the right pathway and the right broker, you may be able to buy sooner, save on LMI and enter the market on your terms.
*Subject to lender credit assessment, scheme eligibility and property price caps. Government scheme details subject to change. Secure Finance Services Pty Ltd ACL 465059.