Navigating government grants, low-deposit schemes, and stamp duty concessions across Australia can feel overwhelming with shifting price caps and complex eligibility rules. Understanding whether you qualify should be simple, clear, and stress-free โ that is exactly how we keep it at EZ Mortgage Broker. By combining federal support with state-based revenue exemptions, many first-time buyers can enter the Australian property market with significantly less upfront capital than traditionally required.
Australia's housing policy landscape has evolved dramatically to support first-time buyers against rising property prices. Key government initiatives have introduced lower genuine savings requirements, stamp duty waivers, and shared equity options that drastically shorten the time needed to save a deposit.
Buy with as little as 2% to 5% genuine savings deposit.
Save between $15,000 and $35,000 in upfront LMI costs.
Higher caps across capital cities and regional growth corridors.
Available to buyers who haven't owned property for 10+ years.
Leverage super tax concessions via FHSSS to accelerate deposit growth.
Skip years of saving for a traditional 20% deposit.
Depending on your personal financial situation, family status, and income, there are three primary nationwide schemes that help buyers purchase sooner:
A smarter way to save
Voluntary super contributions taxed at just 15% allow you to build a deposit faster.
- Lower tax rate (15%) accelerates genuine savings
- Flexible voluntary salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions
- Can combine with other government schemes
- Buy with a partner, sibling, or friend
Low deposit, no LMI
Housing Australia guarantees up to 15% of your home loan value so you can skip LMI.
- Buy with a low 5% deposit (or 2% Family Home Guarantee)
- Save $15,000โ$35,000 on upfront LMI costs
- Buy a house, townhouse, or unit (existing or new build)
- Unlimited scheme places through participating panel lenders
Bridging the gap to buying
Shared equity support from the government reduces loan size and monthly repayments.
- Buy with as little as a 2% deposit
- Government contributes up to 30% (existing) or 40% (new build)
- Repay government contribution when you choose or sell
- Open to both first home buyers and previous homeowners
Select your state or territory using the selector buttons at the top of this guide (or view the active summary below) to see exact cash grants, duty-free price thresholds, off-the-plan exemptions, and official revenue office application procedures:
Federal First Home Guarantee (FHBG) โ 5% Deposit Scheme
Under the Federal Home Guarantee Scheme administered by Housing Australia, eligible first home buyers can purchase a residential property with as little as a 5% genuine savings deposit without paying any Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The Australian Government guarantees up to 15% of the loan value.
- Low Deposit: 5% deposit for first home buyers, or 2% for single parents via the Family Home Guarantee (FHG).
- No LMI: Saves borrowers between $15,000 and $35,000 in upfront insurance fees.
- Property Types: New homes, established houses, townhouses, apartments, or house and land packages.
- Unlimited Places: Available across major panel lenders through EZ Mortgage Broker.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
Allows first home buyers to save money inside their superannuation fund at a concessional tax rate of 15% (compared to marginal income tax rates up to 47%).
- Savings Cap: Release up to $50,000 of voluntary contributions per individual ($100,000 for a couple) plus associated compound earnings.
- Annual Limit: Up to $15,000 per financial year in voluntary concessional/non-concessional contributions.
Federal Help to Buy Shared Equity Scheme
The Australian Government contributes up to 30% equity for established homes or up to 40% equity for new builds, allowing buyers to purchase with just a 2% deposit and significantly lower monthly mortgage repayments.
To understand how these grants and concessions work in practice, examine these common Australian purchasing scenarios across different property types and household structures:
| Scenario | Property & Price | What Applies |
|---|---|---|
| 1. New Townhouse (Melbourne) | $720,000 new build | โข FHOG $10,000 available (โค $750,000) โข Stamp duty concession applies ($600,000โ$750,000) โข 5% Deposit Scheme eligible (โค $950,000 cap) โข Paid at settlement |
| 2. House & Land Package (Geelong/Outer West) | $680,000 new build | โข FHOG $10,000 available โข Stamp duty concession on land value โข 5% Deposit Scheme eligible โข Paid at construction slab drawdown |
| 3. Established Family Home | $590,000 established | โข FHOG not available (established property) โข Full stamp duty exemption (โค $600,000) โข 5% Deposit Scheme eligible โข No LMI required |
| 4. Single Parent (1+ Child) | $640,000 purchase | โข Family Home Guarantee (2% deposit) โข Full or tapered stamp duty exemption โข No LMI required โข Can be first home or re-entering market |
As accredited mortgage brokers with access to 50+ Australian lenders, we coordinate your entire finance application, secure your scheme reservation with Housing Australia, and submit all FHOG and stamp duty paperwork directly to the relevant state revenue office so you never have to navigate the bureaucracy alone. Our service is completely obligation-free.