Can I get a home loan without a deposit?
Getting a home loan approved without a deposit isn’t common in Australia, unless you have a guarantor. A guarantor is usually a family member who offers equity in their own property as additional security for your new home loan.
Without equity on the borrower’s end, lending such a large amount of money is very risky for a lender.
So let’s take a look at the options for a buyer who doesn’t quite have the typical 20% first deposit.
Getting a home loan guarantor
It’s usually better to ask a close relative to be a guarantor, as this assures the lender that if you can no longer keep up your home loan repayments, they can count on your guarantor to cover it.
For example, a parent who owns a home could use $100,000 from their built-in equity as your home loan deposit instead of you needing to save that amount. Similarly, if you had $50,000 saved up but fell short of the typical 20% deposit required for a first deposit, your guarantor could effectively ‘guarantee’ the extra money.
Of course, an alternative option is for your parents to simply help you with the deposit. For example, you could aim to save 5% yourself and then your parents could help with the remaining 15% for a 20% deposit in total.
These scenarios are certainly more common than having no deposit at all. While some lenders may consider a 'no deposit' or 'zero deposit' home loan, it would be done on a case-by-case basis.
Buying a home with a smaller first deposit
Some mortgage lenders will allow first home buyers to borrow up to 95% of the value of a property, meaning you only need a 5% deposit.
These are called low deposit home loans because you’d be borrowing with a deposit under the recommended 20%.
Consider if your property was $600,000 as an example: instead of needing to save up $120,000 for a 20% deposit, you would only need $30,000 for a 5% deposit.
Of course, while that looks like an easier prospect, you also need to keep in mind that your monthly repayments would be much higher because the amount borrowed would be larger.
A quick look at the maths:
A 20% deposit on a $600,000 property = $120,000.
This means a $480,000 home loan would be required.
So, on a 25-year home loan at 6% p.a. interest, monthly repayments come to $3,039 and the total interest payable is $447,794.
This is a fairly standard approach, so let's see what happens when you reduce your deposit.
A quick look at the maths with a smaller deposit:
A 5% deposit on the same property of $600,000 = $30,000.
This deposit would then require a home loan of $570,000.
For the sake of argument, let’s use the same rate of interest of 6% over the same home loan term:
So on a 25-year home loan at 6% p.a. interest, monthly repayments come to $3,673 and the total interest payable is $531,755. This is quite a bit more to fork out over the course of a home loan.
Keep in mind that a bigger deposit can also help you secure a lower interest rate in most cases. This is a very important consideration. With just a 5% deposit, you may only have access to a home loan with a higher interest rate.
There are a few other things to consider when it comes to low deposit home loans, including lenders mortgage insurance and higher loan-to-value rates. Read more about these considerations in our guide about buying with differently sized first deposits.
First home buyer grants can help
Aside from support from parents or family members, another option for Australian home buyers is to make the most of government initiatives such as the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme or the Family Home Guarantee.
You can learn more about these schemes and others on our home buyer grants hub page.
The bottom line: Weighing up going guarantor
To go with a guarantor you need a close relative with a proven track record in homeownership - and a solid amount of equity in their home. For example, guarantors are usually family members and can include parents, grandparents and siblings. In some cases, lenders will allow extended family members and even ex-spouses to be a guarantor to a loan.
The duration of the guarantor on the loan will also vary. They can stay on your mortgage until your loan is refinanced, paid off or until a special arrangement with the lender comes into effect. Typically the guarantor can’t be ‘released’ until you have enough equity built up in your own loan. That means at least 10% or 20% to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, though this may vary between lenders and their products.
Keep in mind that being a guarantor isn’t for everyone as it can place some pressure on the relationship. The financial well-being of both parties needs to be weighed up ahead of time to ensure this approach suits all involved.
If you’re ready to research home loans, start by comparing some of the many options in the Mozo database below.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo
Promoted
-
Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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 online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- 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 this Unloan Unloan Variable
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Neat Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- 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 this ubank Neat Home Loan
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Fixed Express Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Lock in a low 2 year fixed rate with the Mozo award winning Home Lender of the Year. Available for live-in borrowers with just a 10% deposit required. Free extra repayments (up to 20% in fixed period), free redraw and partial offset available. $10 monthly service fee. Aussie support centre. Fast approvals. Up to 6 free offset accounts (T&Cs apply).
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$134
- Ongoing fees
-
$10.00 monthly
- Discharge fee
-
$350.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to 20% during the fixed period
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes - partial only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Bendigo Bank Fixed Express Home Loan
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3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,899
This home loan is available for purchase or refinance, complete with 1, 2 or 3 year fixed rate options. Minimum 10% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$530
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $1,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this loans.com.au 3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan
Go to site
-
Basic Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR<70%
- Interest rate
-
5.59
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,867
No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.
- Interest rate
-
5.59
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
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Offset Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <70%
- Interest rate
-
5.59
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.24
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,867
Convenient offset account. No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.
- Interest rate
-
5.59
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.24
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
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3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,899
This home loan is available for purchase or refinance, complete with 1, 2 or 3 year fixed rate options. Minimum 10% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$530
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $1,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this loans.com.au 3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan
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Flex Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
5.79
%
p.a.
Fixed 5 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,931
Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
5.79
%
p.a.
Fixed 5 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
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Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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 online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- 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 this Unloan Unloan Variable
Go to site -
Simple Home Loan Variable
- Owner-Occupied
- Principal and Interest
- LVR<60%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Enjoy a low variable rate with no application, ongoing or monthly fees to pay. Access your money via internet banking at any time with free redraws. Make additional repayments at any time. Available for owner occupied, investment and interest only repayments.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$175.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $3,500,000
- 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 this First Option Bank Simple Home Loan Variable
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Fixed Express Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Lock in a low 2 year fixed rate with the Mozo award winning Home Lender of the Year. Available for live-in borrowers with just a 10% deposit required. Free extra repayments (up to 20% in fixed period), free redraw and partial offset available. $10 monthly service fee. Aussie support centre. Fast approvals. Up to 6 free offset accounts (T&Cs apply).
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$134
- Ongoing fees
-
$10.00 monthly
- Discharge fee
-
$350.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to 20% during the fixed period
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes - partial only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Bendigo Bank Fixed Express Home Loan
Go to site -
Neat Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- 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 this ubank Neat Home Loan
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Flex Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.33
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.33
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- 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 this ubank Flex Home Loan
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Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
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Offset Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
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Fixed Rate
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- <80% LVR
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,174
Enjoy up to $3000 cashback for eligible first home buyers and $2000 cashback for refinancers on eligible home loans with the ANZ Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the security of repayment certainty with a competitive locked in rate. No ongoing fees to pay. Offset account on 1-year fixed loans ($10/month fee applies). Interest-only payments allowed.
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$160
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$160.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to to lesser of 5% of original fixed loan amount, or $5,000 each year
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
Optional - $10 per month - 1 year fixed term only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $3,000 cashback for eligible First Home Buyers borrowing $250k+, $2,000 cashback when you refinance loans of $250k+, <80% LVR, settle within 180 days for first home buyers, 120 days for refinances. Excludes refinances from ANZ, ANZ Plus and Suncorp.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ANZ Fixed Rate
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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.
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