Australia 5% Deposit Scheme 2026: Caps & Rules
Australia's First Home Guarantee in 2026: How to Buy With a 5% Deposit Without Lenders Mortgage Insurance Australia | October 23, 2026 Buying a first home in Australia can require a substantial amount of savings. A property priced at $600,000 would require a $120,000 deposit if the buyer aimed for a conventional 20% deposit. Saving that amount while also paying rent can be difficult. But eligible buyers may be able to purchase with a minimum deposit of $30,000 through the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme. The difference is significant. It does not mean that the government pays the other $90,000. Instead, the government provides a guarantee to a participating mortgage lender, allowing an eligible buyer to obtain a home loan with a smaller deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance. The program was formerly known as the Home Guarantee Scheme, which included the First Home Guarantee. Since October 1, 2025, the expanded program has operated under the name Australian...