There are more pathways into the market than most people realise. We help first home buyers understand what’s actually available.
Not having a 20% deposit doesn’t mean you’re not ready to buy. It might just mean you haven’t found the right pathway yet.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
If you have a deposit below 20%, some lenders will still approve your loan with LMI added. It’s an additional cost, but for many buyers it makes more sense to get into the market now rather than spend years continuing to save while prices move.
The 5% Deposit Scheme
An Australian Government scheme that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit, without paying LMI. Eligibility criteria applies, but for those who qualify, it can make a real difference.
Family Guarantor Loans
If a parent or close family member owns property and has enough equity, they may be able to act as guarantor on your loan. Depending on the situation, this can significantly reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the need for a deposit altogether. It’s a meaningful commitment for everyone involved and needs to be the right fit for your family.
Expert guidance, tailored loan solutions, and support you can trust.
A relaxed, no pressure chat about where you’re at, your situation, your goals, and what you’re working with. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you call. Most people don’t. This is just the starting point
We do the legwork. We look across our lender panel to find options that suit your situation, including low deposit loans, government schemes, and guarantor options where applicable. We walk you through what we find in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
You choose the option that makes sense for you and we handle the details, preparing your application, gathering documents, lodging with the lender, and keeping you updated throughout. Our job is to deal with the back and forth so you don’t have to.
Once your loan is approved, we help coordinate the process through to settlement. When that day comes, you get your keys. And we’ll still be here after, whether that’s a question that pops up, a refinance down the track, or whatever comes next.
A relaxed, no pressure chat about where you’re at, your situation, your goals, and what you’re working with. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you call. Most people don’t. This is just the starting point.
We do the legwork. We look across our lender panel to find options that suit your situation, including low deposit loans, government schemes, and guarantor options where applicable. We walk you through what we find in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
You choose the option that makes sense for you and we handle the details, preparing your application, gathering documents, lodging with the lender, and keeping you updated throughout. Our job is to deal with the back and forth so you don’t have to.
Once your loan is approved, we help coordinate the process through to settlement. When that day comes, you get your keys. And we’ll still be here after, whether that’s a question that pops up, a refinance down the track, or whatever comes next.
Already thinking beyond your first home? Whether you're considering your first investment property or want to understand how your existing equity could work harder, we can help you explore your options and structure a loan that suits your longer term goals
If your circumstances have changed or you're simply wondering whether your current loan still makes sense, it's worth having a conversation. We can review where you're at and walk you through what might be available, whether that's a better rate, more flexibility, or a structure that better suits where you're headed.
Book a free 15-minute call and we’ll have an honest chat about where you’re at – your savings, your situation, and what low deposit options might be worth exploring.
No formal advice, no number crunching at this stage. Just a real conversation to help you figure out if buying sooner than you thought is actually on the table.
No. A 20% deposit is often talked about as the standard, but it’s not the only way in. Many first home buyers purchase with a smaller deposit depending on their situation, the lender, and whether they’re eligible for any schemes or support options.
Some buyers use a government scheme to purchase with as little as 5%. Others use a family guarantor arrangement which can reduce or in some cases eliminate the deposit required. There are also lenders who will approve loans with a smaller deposit, though this may come with additional costs like Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
The right pathway depends on your individual circumstances.
The First Home Guarantee is an Australian Government scheme that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Instead of you paying LMI, the government acts as a guarantor for the remaining portion of the deposit.
Eligibility criteria applies – including property price thresholds, and citizenship requirements. Not every buyer will qualify, and not every lender participates in the scheme.
If you think this might apply to your situation, we can help you understand whether you’re eligible and how it could fit into your overall plan.
A family guarantor loan is where a parent or close family member uses the equity in their own property to support your home loan. Depending on the situation, this can significantly reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the deposit you need to purchase your first home.
It’s one of the more powerful options available to first home buyers, but it’s also a meaningful financial commitment for the family member involved. It needs to work for everyone, not just the buyer.
Eligibility requirements apply and it won’t be the right fit for every family. If you’re curious whether it could work for your situation, that’s exactly what a free discovery call is for.
It depends on a few things. The purchase price, the lender, your income, and whether you’re eligible for any government schemes or support options.
As a general guide, some buyers in these areas are purchasing with as little as 5% using government schemes, while others are using family guarantor arrangements. Property prices across the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Central Coast can vary significantly by suburb, which affects what deposit amount you’re actually working toward.
We know this market well. Book a free call and we can help you understand what deposit might be realistic for your situation and the areas you’re looking at.
Honestly? That’s exactly what we’re here to help you figure out. The right option depends on your income, your savings, your family situation, your employment type, and the property you’re looking to buy.
Some options have strict eligibility criteria. Some require family involvement. Some come with additional costs that are worth weighing up. There’s no one size fits all answer, and anyone who tells you otherwise probably hasn’t looked at your situation properly.
Yes! Being casually employed or self-employed doesn’t automatically rule you out. Different lenders have different criteria, and part of our job is knowing which lenders are more likely to work well for your income type.
What matters is being able to demonstrate your income consistently, which can look different depending on whether you’re casual, contract, or running your own business. Some lenders require a longer income history for self-employed borrowers, while others are more flexible.
We regularly assist first home buyers with non-traditional income structures
There are several schemes available to eligible first home buyers in NSW, including:
First Home Guarantee — Purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying LMI, with the government acting as guarantor. Eligibility criteria applies.
Family Home Guarantee — Designed for eligible single parents, allowing purchase with as little as a 2% deposit without paying LMI.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) — Allows eligible buyers to save for a deposit inside their superannuation, potentially taking advantage of the tax benefits of super.
NSW First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme — Provides eligible first home buyers with exemptions or concessions on stamp duty, depending on the purchase price.
Eligibility criteria, and property price thresholds apply to each scheme, and these can change over time. We’ll help you understand which ones may apply to your situation and what they actually mean in practice.
When you go directly to a bank, you’re limited to that bank’s products, policies, and criteria. If your situation doesn’t fit their box, you may simply be told no, without knowing whether another lender might have said yes.
A mortgage broker works across a panel of lenders, which means we can compare options and identify lenders whose policies are more likely to suit your situation. For first home buyers, especially those exploring low deposit options, this can make a significant difference.
We also manage the process for you. From assessing your borrowing capacity and explaining your options, to preparing your application and dealing with the lender on your behalf. Our service doesn’t cost you anything directly, we’re paid by the lender after your loan settles, and that doesn’t affect the rate or features you receive.
Book a free call and let’s see what’s possible
