Your Complete Guide to the Home Guarantee Scheme for 2025–26
If you’ve been dreaming about buying your first home but struggling to save a 20% deposit, the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme could be the shortcut you need. It helps you get into the market sooner by reducing the deposit required—and potentially saving you tens of thousands in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
What’s on Offer in FY26
From 1 July 2025, 50,000 places will be available:
35,000 – First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, nationwide)
10,000 – Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (5% deposit, regional focus)
5,000 – Family Home Guarantee (2% deposit, single parents/legal guardians with dependents)
Eligibility Basics
Australian citizen or permanent resident
Aged 18+
First home buyer or haven’t owned property in the last 10 years
Income caps: $125k (single) or $200k (couple) based on ATO Notice of Assessment
Owner-occupiers only
How It Works
The government acts as a guarantor for part of your loan (up to 15% for most, 18% for Family Home Guarantee). You still borrow the money and make repayments as normal, but you don’t need to save the full 20% deposit.
Steps to Secure Your Place
Check your eligibility
Apply through a participating lender or broker
Provide required documents (ID, income proof, statutory declaration)
Once approved, your place is held for 14 days—then you have 90 days to sign a contract
Tip: Places are snapped up quickly at the start of the financial year, so it pays to be organised.
More Information: https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/
