Saving for a deposit can be difficult, but there are a few options out there that might help you into your new home sooner.
Help From Family Members
Guarantor Loans
A family member who has equity in property might be able to provide assistance by way of a security guarantee. A guarantor loan of this type allows you to borrow funds to cover the full purchase amount of your new home, plus any related fees and charges, without the need of saving for a huge deposit. This option could also save you thousands in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Funds gifted by a family member
This is a great option if you are just falling short of the funds you need. You might have a family member willing to assist in helping you into the property market. A gift is different to a loan and must not come with a condition to be repaid, but it might just make up the difference you need. We’ll let you know more about the funds you need and where they can come from.
Government Grants and Incentives
Are you eligible for a government grant or incentive? The Victorian government provides incentives for first home buyers to assist them into their first home. We can show you how you can use these incentives when making an application for a home loan.
Stamp Duty Reductions and Exemptions
If you are a first home buyer, you could be exempt from paying stamp duty, or get a reduction in how much you have to pay.
First Home Owners Grant
You could receive $10,000 via the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG).
Releasing Equity
Sale of an Asset
Although the sale of an asset might not be able to be used as ‘genuine savings’, you can still use these funds to complete your purchase and to reduce the loan size you need.
Equity from other property
If you already have property, don’t feel that you have to have traditional ‘savings’ in a bank account to use as a deposit. Lenders will look at equity within your existing property and might be able to use this equity to fund your deposit on your new property.
Don't have Genuine Savings?
Removal of the ‘genuine savings’ requirement
When applying for a home loan, most lenders will require that part of your deposit is made up of ‘genuine savings’ (i.e. not from sale of an asset or gift).
Genuine savings can be proved by providing bank statements over a 3 month period that shows a consistent savings plan that results in 5% of the purchase price. However, if you have been renting through a property manager for more than six months and your rental history has always been up to date, some lenders will remove the requirement of proving this 3 months savings history.