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 Source:
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a slight decrease in its annual profit, recording A$6.99 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, down from A$7.11 billion the previous year. Despite this decline, the result surpassed analysts' expectations of A$6.83 billion. The bank attributes this dip to intensified competition within Australia's mortgage market and a marginal reduction in its net interest margin, which fell by 1 basis point to 1.94%. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60% during its November meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in balancing inflation control with economic stability. Recent data indicates that the headline consumer price index (CPI) rose to 3.2% in September 2025, up from 2.1% in the June quarter, signaling persistent inflationary pressures. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system. The report highlights that Australia's financial infrastructure remains robust, even as global economic uncertainties persist. - 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!
In recent times, Australians have witnessed a notable uptick in the use of online personal loans. The trend emerges as part of a broader digital transformation, where convenience and speed take precedence. This shift has facilitated access to financial services with just a few clicks, making personal loans available to anyone with an internet connection. - read more
An accurate credit report is essential because it directly affects your financial health and borrowing ability. Lenders use your credit report to assess your reliability as a borrower. Accurate information can help you secure loans and favorable interest rates. - read more
We've all felt the sting of rejection at one point or another, and being turned down for a loan can be particularly disheartening. It's a setback that many face, but it's not the end of the road. Understanding why your loan application was rejected is the first step towards improving your financial standing and securing future funding. - read more
