Grants Available

Support Options to Reduce Your Deposit and Avoid LMI

What is the Home Guarantee Scheme?

The Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme helps eligible buyers purchase a home with a low deposit, making home ownership more achievable. Buyers can avoid paying Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI) while entering the property market sooner.

Key Updates from 1 October 2025. The scheme has been expanded to support more Australians than ever before:

The First Home Guarantee will be renamed the General Stream.
The Family Home Guarantee will be renamed the Single Parent Stream.
Unlimited places – the program now has no annual quota.
Income caps removed – buyers of all income levels can now participate.
Higher property price caps – allowing eligibility for homes in higher-priced markets.
Simplified regional access – regional buyers benefit from easier access to the scheme.
Continued support for single parents – the Family Home Guarantee remains, allowing eligible single parents to buy with as little as a 2% deposit.

How It Works

Buyers need a minimum 5% deposit (First Home Guarantee) to access the scheme.
The government acts as guarantor, not as a cash contributor or owner.
Both new and existing properties are eligible, if they meet price and occupancy requirements.
The scheme is available through participating lenders only.

Benefits

Lower deposit requirements help buyers enter the market sooner.
Expanded access ensures more Australians can take advantage of the scheme.
Higher property price caps make the scheme relevant for today’s housing market.

Things to Consider

The scheme applies only to owner-occupied properties.
While deposits are lower, buyers should ensure loan repayments remain affordable.

Our Latest Reviews

Holly Pinkerton

Paul Bridges was incredibly helpful and accommodating with the whole Mortgage process. You were already recommended to me by family members and I would happily recommend you to anyone else in need of Mortgage services!

Blair Chapman

Paul is amazing to work with. He always responds quickly and talks you through everything very clearly and makes it all easy to understand. Makes for a stress free process. Professional, personable and quick to action whatever needs to be done. Highly recommended these services

Sarah Stovin-Bradford

We were exceptionally happy with the service Paul provided, he was always available with any queries we had & went out of his way to provide a great service. Happy to recommend him to anyone.

Rose Repic

Paul has become my most referred Broker in my journey as a Buyers Agent. He is a different kind of Finance Broker, polite, attentive, strategic, and highly knowledgeable. A transaction that seemed complex to other finance professionals, is ...

Danny Choe

I very happy with Paul's services, very helpful and always follow up and to make sure everything are in place. Will request his assistant in my further purchases.

Ekta Fuloria

I have known Paul for over five years, and I have been consistently impressed with his financial expertise. He has helped me with loan refinancing on multiple occasions, and his clear communication has always made my decisions easier and ...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go directly to a bank or use a broker?

Banks will only offer their own products, which may not be the best fit for your situation. A broker compares a wide range of loan options from different banks and lenders to help you find the right solution. Brokers are also legally required to act in your best interest, while banks are not held to the same standard.

Is there a cost to use a mortgage broker?

In most cases, you won’t need to pay a fee for our service. Mortgage brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender you proceed with. If you're unsure or would like to learn more, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Is pre-approval necessary for an investment loan?

Yes, getting pre approval is an important step when purchasing an investment property. It means the lender has reviewed your financial situation and confirmed the maximum amount they are willing to lend. This helps you understand your budget and makes you more confident when you are ready to make an offer.

What happens to my home loan if I move to a new property?

If you are buying a new home, you usually have two options for your loan. You can refinance with your current lender or a new one, or you can pay off your existing loan and apply for a new one for your next property. A broker can help you understand what you can afford and which option might suit you better.

How can I choose the right investment loan?

The best investment loan will support your financial goals, whether you are focused on increasing cash flow or building long term value. One of the first things to consider is whether you want a fixed or variable interest rate. Each lender offers different loan features, so working with a broker can help you find the right loan with the right structure for your needs.

What are the fees involved in buying a property?

There are several extra costs that come with purchasing a property, and they are not always explained clearly. These can include stamp duty, loan application fees, building and pest inspections, and other charges. Speaking with a broker can help you understand all the costs upfront and avoid unexpected surprises.

Melbourne, VIC

0448 005 520

INTERNATIONAL LENDING GROUP PTY LTD ABN: 31 668 903 688. Credit Representative #513915 is authorised under Australian Credit License #517192

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

At Influence Finance Group, We help first home buyers access government schemes like the Home Guarantee and First Home Owner Grant