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.
Australian small businesses appear to be entering a more selective phase of borrowing, with recent lending industry updates pointing to stronger demand for practical, purpose-led finance rather than broad expansion debt. Instead of simply asking how much they can borrow, many owners are now focusing on whether a facility will protect cash flow, support revenue and withstand closer lender scrutiny. - read more
Bank of Queensland’s latest market update points to a lending environment where banks are still prepared to write new business, but are being far more selective about risk, pricing and customer quality. For Australian borrowers, the practical takeaway is not that finance has disappeared. It is that applications now need to be cleaner, better evidenced and matched to the right product from the start. - read more
Fresh July rate tables from the Australian lending market are a timely reminder that the cheapest-looking loan is not always the strongest financial outcome. As at 21 July 2026, some advertised owner-occupier home loan rates were sitting in the mid-five per cent range, with selected variable, fixed, interest-only, construction and green loan products all competing for attention. For borrowers, the message is clear: lenders are still fighting for quality applicants, but the fine print matters. - 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!
Understanding the concept of creditworthiness is essential, especially when considering the various financial decisions you make in life. In Australia, a good credit score can open doors to competitive loan rates, favorable mortgage terms, and hassle-free approvals for financing. Conversely, bad credit can be a significant roadblock, impacting your financial well-being and limiting your access to financial resources when you need them most. - read more
Secured and unsecured loans work differently because one is backed by an asset and the other is not. This guide explains how loan security can affect interest rates, borrowing limits, eligibility, documentation and default risks for Australian borrowers. - read more
Financial harmony involves the smooth and balanced management of personal finances, where debts and savings are optimally aligned to achieve financial stability and peace of mind. - read more
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.