3 simple tactics for first homebuyers to help break in
With housing affordability feeling more out of reach for first home buyers, many wonder how they can actually get into the housing market.
It’s no wonder then, that most people are looking for ways in - a pathway, so to speak. Thankfully, if you’re a first home buyer, there are some tactics you can leverage.
First, does my home loan deposit have to be 20%?
The general rule of thumb is to save up for a 20% deposit, the difference in a typical LVR - loan-to-value ratio. In short, most lenders will give borrowers a loan that’s worth up to 80% of the property’s value. That being said, when house prices are soaring in most of the capital cities, even 20% can feel like an insurmountable amount.
The question is, do you actually need 20%? If you’re a first home buyer, you might be able to save up only 5% of a home’s value for that initial deposit and some providers offer specialised home loans with this flexibility.
Keep in mind that with a lower initial deposit that your monthly repayments will be higher than if you had a bigger initial deposit. Make sure to calculate your monthly repayments so that you know you can meet your loan repayments.
Government support for first home buyers
If you’re a first home buyer, you can apply for the government backed First Home Buyers Guarantee (FHBG) which can guarantee a loan as little as 5%. Part of the advantage of the FHBG is that, even with a loan-to-value ratio below 20%, you can be exempt from paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Also, keep in mind that you may have access to state or territory specific schemes. Some of the schemes you can apply for are:
State/Territory | What it's called | What you get |
NSW | First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme | You may get either a reduction or exemption from stamp duty. |
ACT | Home buyer concession scheme | You can save up to $34,790 (2022 to 2023 numbers). |
Victoria | First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 for new homes bought or built in Victoria valued at $750,000 or less. |
Queensland | First Home Owner Grant | $15,000 grant for building or buying your new home valued at $750,000 or less. |
South Australia | First Home Owner Grant | $15,000 grant for a new or substantially renovated property worth less than $575,000 |
Western Australia | First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 grant for a new or substantially renovated property. |
Tasmania | First Home Owner Grant | $30,000 for building or newly built property. |
Northern Territory | First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 for a new home. |
Make sure to check that you meet the eligibility requirements and the dates for when these schemes finish.
Superannuation home saver scheme
Not sure where to put the savings for your home loan deposit? While a high interest savings account is a great option, utilising the tax advantaged environment from your superannuation might be another good option.
Essentially, the first home super saver (FHSS) scheme allows you to make either before or after tax contributions to your super that sit in your fund and grow until you’re ready to withdraw and pay for that house.
It’s worth mentioning that there are some terms and conditions, so check that you’re eligible to apply. Also, you’ll be limited to $15,000 worth of contributions every financial year and a total balance of $50,000. On top of this, deposits made through before tax salary sacrifice are taxed at 15 per cent while any after-tax contributions are not taxed.
Having considered these tactics, are you ready to get your first home loan? Here at Mozo we let you compare between home loan providers so that you can get the loan that works for you.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo - last updated 20 May 2024
-
First Home Buyer Loan Special
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.90% p.a. variable5.93% p.a.A low variable rate loan for home buyers. No establishment or ongoing fees to pay. 100% offset account included. Allows for unlimited repayments, redraws and flexible repayment options.
CompareCompareFirst Home Buyer Loan Special
A low variable rate loan for home buyers. No establishment or ongoing fees to pay. 100% offset account included. Allows for unlimited repayments, redraws and flexible repayment options.
- interest rate
- 5.90% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.93% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.90% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.93% p.a.
- upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - fees apply
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 95.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- -
- maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- Special Offer Variable Rate available for a limited time.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the G&C Mutual Bank First Home Buyer Loan Special
-
Basic Home Loan Special Offer
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR 80-95%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.69% p.a. variable6.70% p.a.CompareCompareBasic Home Loan Special Offer
- interest rate
- 6.69% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.70% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.69% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.70% p.a.
- upfront fees
- $100
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $350.00
- Extra repayments
- Yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 95.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $2,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- Receive $2,000 refinance cashback, min loan size of $250,000 and LVR less than or equal to 80% (excludes refinances from Westpac Group), apply by 30 June 2024 and settle by 31 October 2024.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the St.George Basic Home Loan Special Offer
-
FHBG Special Offer Classic Home Loan
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.19% p.a. variable6.21% p.a.CompareCompareFHBG Special Offer Classic Home Loan
- interest rate
- 6.19% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.21% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.19% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.21% p.a.
- upfront fees
- $195
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $530.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 95.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $800,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the QBANK FHBG Special Offer Classic Home Loan
-
Basic Variable Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.94% p.a. variable5.99% p.a.CompareCompareBasic Variable Home Loan
- interest rate
- 5.94% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.99% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.94% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.99% p.a.
- upfront fees
- $600
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 95.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $1,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly, Fortnightly, Weekly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Community First Bank Basic Variable Home Loan
-
First Home Buyer Variable Home Loan
Advantage Plus, Owner Occupier, Interest Only, LVR >90%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.99% p.a. variable6.76% p.a.CompareCompareFirst Home Buyer Variable Home Loan
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.76% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.76% p.a.
- upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $299.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
- no
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 95.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- -
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Interest Only
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unity Bank First Home Buyer Variable Home Loan
Your selected home loans
Your selected home loans
Your selected home loans
Your selected home loans
Your selected home loans
* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.
** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.