First home buyer loans

Turn your homeownership dreams into reality with tailored solutions for first-time buyers.
First home buyer solutions, from low deposit options to government schemes.
If this sounds like you:
  • You're purchasing your first property in Australia
  • Looking for competitive rates and government incentives for first-time buyers
  • Need guidance navigating the home loan process
  • Want to understand options for smaller deposits (0% deposits through to 15% deposits)
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Interested? It's easy with Felix

1. Free assessment
Tell us what you're looking for and we’ll find you bank-beating loan options from over 30+ lenders.
2. Understand your options
Your dedicated mortgage broker will walk you through the best low deposit options for your situation.
3. Stress-free approvals
We handle the paperwork and negotiations, keeping you updated every step of the way to approval
4. Lifelong loan support
We stay on-top of your LVR, property valuation & the loan market, and let you know when better deals come up!

Overview

Entering the property market can be a daunting prospect. At Felix, we specialise in helping first home buyers get on the property ladder faster - and for less.

Your options as a first home buyer will depend on whether or not you need additional help to borrow what you need. A range of loans exist to address the specific challenges faced by first time buyers, and often can have a lower upfront cost than a standard home loan, with more flexible requirements. This includes Australian government schemes designed for first home buyers.

Understanding your borrowing capacity, saving requirements, and eligibility for government support are essential first steps in your home buying journey. The right loan can make a significant difference to your long-term financial position as you begin building equity in your first home.

Loan options

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Australian Federal Government scheme allowing eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying LMI.
See guide

Regional First Home Guarantee Scheme

Similar to the First Home Guarantee Scheme, but specific to regional parts of Australia. Includes major regional metros, such as Geelong, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and more.
See guide

Lender's mortgage insurance (LMI)

Lender's Mortgage Insurance protects the lender if you default, allowing you to buy with less than 20% deposit in exchange for an upfront fee.
See guide

Deposit loans

An alternative to LMI, in which you get a loan for your deposit, and pair this with a separate 80% LVR mortgage. Often has lower upfront costs than LMI, but less providers in the market.
See guide

Guarantor loans

Loans where a family member uses their property as security to help you avoid LMI or secure a higher borrowing power.
See guide

Deposit bond

Deposit bonds replace cash deposits when buying property, guaranteeing payment at settlement. Perfect for buyers with assets but limited cash, they cost a fraction of the deposit amount.
See guide

Gifted deposit

Where you have gifted funds from family members as a contribution to your house deposit.
See guide

Shared ownership

Also called shared equity loans, these loans are where another party (such as the government), contribute towards the property purchase in exchange for equity in the property.
See guide

State government schemes

There are specific state government schemes, typically designed to help first home buyers, or disadvantaged communities, with the deposit hurdle. These include Keystart (WA) and HomeStart (SA). Different types of loans and eligibility criteria exist under these schemes.
See guide

In addition to the loans mentioned above, there are other programs and measures designed to help first home buyers.

Many of these are government measures, such as the first home buyer stamp duty concessions, the First Home Super Saver Scheme, and the First Home Owner Grant. These often can be used in conjunction with a loan; for example, if you qualify for first home stamp duty concessions, these apply regardless of which home loan option you choose.

As of April 2025, in the lead up to the 2025 Australian Federal Election, both the Labor Party and the Liberal National Party have announced policies designed to improve accessibility for first home buyers.

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FAQs

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Latest guides

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