Homebuyers up in the air despite new government home loan support
Homebuyers up in the air despite new government home loan support
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The government's promise of an equity contribution will help the most disadvantaged Australians to get a home loan, but they still won't be able to afford one.
Labor's "Help to buy" home loan scheme
Labor's centrepiece cost-of-living policy announced during the election was its Help to Buy scheme, which aimed to slash the cost of buying a new dwelling by 40 per cent and an existing one by 30 per cent.
Up to 10,000 applicants could get smaller deposits, smaller mortgages and smaller repayments.
Low-income borrowers may still find it hard to qualify for a mortgage when relying on a 2 per cent deposit, especially given that other schemes have not been successful.
Home loan qualification
The federal government concedes that saving a 2 per cent deposit won't be nearly enough for most low- to middle-income borrowers to qualify for finance to buy a home.
This is particularly so given that the mortgage might still be over $600,000 even after the government’s contribution , depending on where the home is located.”
That said, the barrier to entry for battlers may not be permanent.
NHFIC’s existing first-home loan scheme, requiring applicants to put down 5 per cent has a 90 percent success rate.
It’s not much for the desperate battler looking to buy a home, but it might provide some hope for someone in need of a loan to purchase an $800,000 home with only $16,000 instead of $40,000 deposit.
First-home buyers who don’t have government help and a 20 per cent deposit will need to pay lenders mortgage insurance.
Home loan experts
It would be essential for first home buyers to consult experts where and what to buy, especially given they will eventually need to pay back the government's equity stake, including capital growth.
It is even more important when, fundamentally, they will have to give up a significant percentage of the home equity and any value gain if they choose to sell down the track. In fact, this may prevent them from upgrading at all.
A survey of 1000 Australians found 41 per cent want the new federal government to address housing affordability, as many as those wanting an improved healthcare system, and even more than those seeking action on climate change.
Published:Sunday, 29th May 2022 Author:
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
ASIC’s latest review of the car finance market is a timely reminder that the cheapest-looking loan is not always the cheapest loan. Released on 24 June 2026, the regulator’s Report 832 examined more than 350,000 car loans across eight finance providers and found concerns around loan costs, third-party distribution and how lenders monitor outcomes for customers. - read more
The latest Reserve Bank update on bank fees has provided a useful signal for Australians weighing up personal loans, credit cards and other forms of borrowing. While bank fee revenue from households rose by 7 per cent over the year to June 2025, fee revenue from personal loans moved the other way, falling by 19 per cent. That contrast matters because borrowing demand and the actual cost structure of loans do not always move in the same direction. - read more
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians borrowed a record $5.1 billion in new personal loans, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This significant increase reflects the mounting financial pressures many individuals are experiencing due to rising living costs. - read more
If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!
Getting a loan approved can be a critical step in achieving your financial goals, whether it's buying a home, starting a business, or consolidating debt. However, the loan approval process can often be complex and challenging, with many Australians facing difficulties in securing the loans they need. - read more
A pre-approval loan is an agreement between a lender and a borrower indicating how much the lender is willing to lend to the borrower, subject to certain conditions. - read more
Embarking on a journey towards financial stability begins with the mastery of personal budgeting. It's the cornerstone of sound money management, where every dollar is allocated purposefully, paving the way for a future free from the shackles of financial stress. In this all-important first step, individuals learn the fine art of balancing their earnings with their expenditures, a fundamental skill for anyone looking to navigate their finances with confidence. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect
your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Certificate of Deposit (CD): A savings certificate with a fixed maturity date and specified interest rate, typically higher than a standard savings account.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.