-
Existing house, townhouse or apartment -
House and land package -
Land with a separate build contract -
Off-the-plan apartment or townhouse
We’re here to help!
The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is a new initiative by the Australian Government to help first home buyers purchase a home. By providing a guarantee, it allows eligible first home buyers on low and middle incomes to purchase a home with a deposit of as little as 5%.
Compared to the First Home Owners Grant, the difference is that you do not receive a cash benefit from the Government. Rather it is a guarantee of being able to purchase a home with a 5% deposit. So you can eliminate the hassle of trying to save a large sum for a deposit!
How does it work?
First home buyers on low to middle incomes are able to obtain a home loan with a deposit as low as 5%, with the remaining 15% value of the property guaranteed by National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC). The Scheme can be applied to a variety of different residences.
How many Scheme places are available?
From 1 January to 30 June 2020, there are only 10,000 Scheme places available. However, 3,000 places have already been filled in January! Potential applicants will have a panel of 27 lenders to choose from for the remaining 7,000 Scheme places. There will be another 10,000 First Home Loan Deposit Scheme guarantees released from July 2020.
The Scheme places are being released in stages so first home buyers can gather the necessary financial information to support their application. Plus, there’s now a broader choice between the major banks and smaller lenders with 25 smaller lenders join in the Scheme’s lending panel on 1 February.
How long does the scheme remain in place?
The guarantee stays in place until the loan is refinanced, you sell your home, move out or until your loan principal balance reduces to below 80% of the value of your property at purchase.
Eligibility
• Must be an Australian Citizen. Unfortunately permanent residents do not qualify.
• Be at least 18 years of age
• A first home buyer who has not previously owned or had interest in a property in Australia either separately or jointly.
• Singles with a taxable income of up to $125,000 per annum for the previous financial year or couples with a taxable income of up to $200,000 per annum for the previous financial year.
• Intend to be the owner occupier of the property for at least 6 months.
• Couples are only eligible if they are married or in a de-facto relationship with each other.
• The Scheme is to assist singles and couples (together) who have at least 5% deposit saved. If you have 20% or more saved, then you will not be covered.
• Scheduled repayments of the principal and interest of the loan are required for the full period of the agreement.
Information provided from the Department of Finance website.
Want to find out if you’re eligible for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme? Send us a message and we’ll be in touch!
Over the last 50 years we have proudly built over 15,000 homes for Australian families. We have the same values today as we did in 1969 when we built our first home in Light Street Dianella.
