You don't need 20%
to get started
A 20% deposit isn't always realistic — or necessary. With the right strategy, you can purchase with as little as 5% deposit, avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance, and get into the market years sooner.
The biggest barrier to home ownership isn't income — it's the deposit. While 20% is the traditional benchmark, there are legitimate pathways to buy with significantly less. Government guarantee schemes, family guarantees, LMI waivers for certain professions, and lender-specific low deposit products can all get you into the market sooner. We help you find the right combination for your situation.
First Home Guarantee
Eligible first home buyers can purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI. The government guarantees the remaining 15%, saving you $10,000 or more in insurance premiums.
Family Guarantee
A parent or family member can use equity in their property to guarantee part of your loan. This can allow you to borrow up to 100% of the purchase price — with no LMI.
LMI Waivers
Certain professionals — doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers — can access LMI waivers from select lenders, allowing up to 90% LVR without paying insurance premiums.
Low Deposit Lender Products
Some lenders offer specific low deposit products with competitive rates. We know which lenders are genuinely competitive below 20% and which ones load hidden costs.
Low deposit options for every buyer
Getting into the market sooner
You've been saving but the market keeps moving. A low deposit pathway — especially with government guarantee schemes — can get you into your first home years earlier than waiting to reach 20%.
Leveraging your career
If you're a doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, engineer, or other qualified professional, you may qualify for LMI waivers that allow you to borrow up to 90% without the insurance premium.
Parents want to help
Your family wants to help you get started but doesn't want to gift cash. A family guarantee uses their property equity as security — they don't need to hand over money, and the guarantee is released once you reach 80% LVR.
From deposit to keys
Deposit assessment
We review your savings, eligible schemes, family support options, and professional eligibility to determine the lowest deposit pathway available to you.
Strategy selection
We recommend the best approach — government guarantee, family guarantee, LMI waiver, or a combination — and explain the costs, risks, and timeline clearly.
Lender matching
Not all lenders offer the same low deposit terms. We match you with lenders whose products and policies give you the best deal at your specific deposit level.
Approval & settlement
We manage the application through to settlement, including coordinating any guarantee arrangements with family members or government scheme paperwork.
Low deposit specialists
Scheme eligibility expertise
We stay across every government scheme — First Home Guarantee, Regional FHG, Family Home Guarantee — and know exactly who qualifies and how to apply.
LMI cost transparency
If LMI applies, we show you the exact cost upfront and explore every option to reduce or eliminate it before you commit.
Family guarantee structuring
We structure family guarantees to minimise risk to the guarantor, with a clear plan to release the guarantee as your equity grows.
Professional LMI waivers
We know which lenders offer LMI waivers for which professions — and the specific documentation required to qualify.
Genuine savings guidance
Some lenders require genuine savings even with a low deposit. We advise on what counts, how long you need to hold it, and which lenders are more flexible.
Long-term planning
Buying with a low deposit is the start, not the end. We plan for when to refinance, when the guarantee releases, and how to build equity efficiently.
What you'll need
Documents to prepare
- Recent payslips (2–3 months)
- Bank statements showing savings history (3–6 months)
- Photo ID (driver's licence and/or passport)
- Evidence of deposit funds
- Professional qualification certificates (for LMI waivers)
Typical requirements
- Minimum 5% deposit (2% with family guarantee)
- Genuine savings demonstration (lender dependent)
- Stable employment history
- Clean credit history
- Guarantor details if using family guarantee
Not sure which low deposit option suits you? Book a free consultation and we'll map out your fastest pathway to ownership.