First Home Super Saver cap to be increased to help Aussies save a deposit

By Niko Iliakis · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

The maximum amount of superannuation that Australians can dip into to purchase their first home will soon be bumped up by $20,000, following the passage of new legislation last week.

Starting 1 July 2022, first home buyers will be able to access up to $50,000 worth of voluntary contributions via the First Home Super Saver Scheme. That amount was previously capped at $30,000.

Since it was introduced in 2017, the scheme has allowed first home buyers to use their superannuation accounts to save for a home deposit, either by sacrificing part of their salary each year or by making personal contributions.

Eligible contributions are taxed at 15 per cent, rather than the higher rate first home buyers would be required to pay through income tax. Importantly, only voluntary super contributions can be withdrawn. 

Any Australian above the age of 18 can opt in to the scheme, so long as the following criteria are met:

  • You have never owned a property in Australia before
  • You have not previously received a FHSS payment
  • You intend to live in the property you are purchasing as soon as possible
  • You must purchase a property within 12 months of applying for your funds to be released (the ATO can extend this by another 12 months if necessary)
  • You must live in the property for at least six of the first 12 months following settlement

In addition to the changes to the FHSS scheme, the government will also reduce the eligibility age for those hoping to downsize and put the proceeds of the property sale towards their superannuation, from 65 to 60 years old.

The government hopes this will encourage older Australians to bring forward their plans to sell the family home and increase the stock of larger homes available for younger families.

For more on the support available to first home buyers, browse our guide to ​​first home owner grant and deposit schemes. And if you’re in the market for a home loan, visit our home loan comparison page, or browse the selection below.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo - last updated 29 November 2023

Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search . Advertiser disclosure
  • Featured Product
    Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Unloan Variable

    Owner Occupier, Refinance Only, LVR <80%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.74% p.a. variable
    5.65% p.a.

    For refinancers only. Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply in as little as 10 minutes.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Home Variable Rate

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, Refinance Only

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.90% p.a. variable
    5.90% p.a.

    Enjoy a competitive variable interest rate from Up. No application, monthly, annual, redraw, or discharge fees to pay. Up to 50 free offset accounts available. Up home loans are only available to owner-occupiers buying or refinancing in major Australian cities. Up is 100% owned by Bendigo Bank. New joiners get $10 by signing up to the app using code UPHOMEMOZO. (T&Cs apply) Mozo Experts Choice award winner.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Offset Home Loan

    Package, Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.14% p.a. variable
    6.39% p.a.

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Flex Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <80%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.19% p.a. variable
    6.43% p.a.

    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process.

    Go to site
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Variable Rate Home Loan Special Offer

    Package, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR<80%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.14% p.a. variable
    6.51% p.a.

    Package benefits across Home Loans, Visa Credit Card, Personal Loans and Term Deposits. No package fee for the first year. No application, settlement or redraw fees to pay. Quick and easy application. Free CoreLogic RP Data property reports. *Terms, conditions and lending criteria apply.

    Go to site
    Details

* 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.