Let's be honest: getting into the property market isn't as straightforward as before.
In Australia, it’s almost expected that your parents will help you out with a deposit. The other given that follows this is that unless you've got financial backing, you're going to be locked out of the market.
In fact, a recent report by the ABC showed that one in every three first-home buyers now relies on the “bank of mum and dad” for help with a deposit or repayments. Figures from a survey by Digital Finance Analytics of 52,000 Australians reported that the average amount provided by the bank of Mum and Dad increased to $112,436, compared to 2023 figures of $108,463.
For many, that’s the difference between getting in and sitting on the sidelines.
But what if it’s just not on the table? Your family can't chip in, or you don't want them to? Either way, that doesn't mean homeownership is off the cards. There will always be first-home buyers finding ways to get into the market without relying on their parents. While it might take a different path, it's still possible and worth it.
From government schemes that let you buy with as little as a 5% deposit, co-buying with a mate, or looking at affordable regional suburbs, there are real, practical ways to buy on your terms. We're seeing smart buyers:
Take advantage of low-deposit options through the First Home Guarantee.
Team up with friends, siblings or partners to share the load.
Explore suburbs with strong value and lower price points.
This guide will show you what's possible when you don't have a financial safety net and why that doesn't have to be the end of the road. We'll walk you through:
How low-deposit home loans work (and how to qualify).
Government support you might be eligible for.
What lenders look for if you're applying on your own.
Buying without family support might feel harder, but you don't have to do it alone.
The challenges of buying without family financial support
We hear it always: "You need a 20% deposit to buy," or "Just get your parents to go guarantor." But for many Aussies, that kind of help isn't an option.
If you're renting, living on one income, or don't have family wealth to lean on, getting into the market can feel miles out of reach. But here's the thing: it's not. More buyers are finding other ways in. And it starts with knowing what's real and what is outdated advice. But why does it feel harder to buy a property in 2025?
There's no sugar-coating it: buying a home has never been cheap, and today's prices mean bigger deposits. That 20% everyone talks about? On a $700,000 home, it's $140,000. Add rent, bills, groceries, and life in general, and it's easy to feel like you're chasing a moving target.
Without a parent to gift you cash or go guarantor, saving that kind of deposit can take years, and that's before stamp duty, legal fees, or inspections even come into play. It's no wonder many first-home buyers feel stuck. But stopping here means missing out on the other options.
It’s also about time we bust a few common myths.
You need a 20% deposit to buy. | You can buy with just 5%. |
Government schemes like the First Home Guarantee let eligible buyers purchase with a 5% deposit and skip lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), saving you thousands.
You need family support to get approved. | Many lenders back solo buyers. |
Some lenders are more flexible than others. At Aussie, we work with over 25 lenders and can match you with those who understand renters, single incomes, or non-traditional savings journeys.
If you don't have help, you don't have a chance. | The system is changing, and so are the buyers. |
Creative buyers are teaming up with friends or siblings, others are looking at regional spots. There's no one "right" way to buy anymore.
Buying without family support might seem like a tougher road, but it's also empowering. With the right advice and a clear plan, you can make a smart move on your terms.
Pro tip: Use Aussie’s Borrowing Power Calculator to estimate how much you can borrow without family assistance.
Pathways to homeownership without the bank of mum and dad
No gift. No guarantor. No inheritance. If that's your starting point, you're not the only one and not out of the running. Let's look at what's out there and how to use it to your advantage. There a few are government programs designed to level the playing field for buyers who do it independently.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): A one-off payment (often $10,000–$30,000, depending on your state) if you're building or buying a new home. Great for covering upfront costs or giving your deposit a boost.
First Home Guarantee (FHG): Run by Housing Australia, this scheme lets you buy with a 5% deposit, no family guarantee required, and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) to pay. It's a huge help if you're renting while saving.
Stamp duty concessions: Many states reduce or remove stamp duty costs for eligible first-home buyers, depending on where you're buying, which could save you thousands.
Shared equity schemes: In states like WA, VIC and NSW, you can co-buy with the government. They'll cover part of the purchase price, so you can buy sooner with a smaller loan. You use the home fully and grow your stake over time.
Low-deposit loans are also changing the game. Once upon a time, a big deposit (or a generous parent) was the only way in. Not anymore. Lenders now offer more options for independent buyers.
Low-deposit home loans: Plenty of lenders now accept 5–10% deposits, especially if you've got a strong savings history, steady income and solid credit.
LMI waivers: If you're a teacher, nurse, doctor, engineer, or similar professional, you might be able to skip LMI with just a 10% deposit, which could save you up to $30K.
Some lenders are also happy to approve loans without any outside backing if you meet their criteria. That's where Aussie comes in: we know who's flexible and how to strengthen your application.
Here are a few growing trends that prove buyers are getting creative and successful.
Rentvesting: Buy in a more affordable area and rent where you want to live. It's a smart way to enter the market, build equity, and keep your lifestyle intact.
Buying with mates or siblings: Pooling resources with someone you trust can cut your deposit and repayments in half. Just be sure to get a legal agreement in place.
Creative saving strategies: From high-interest savings accounts to micro-investing apps and side hustles, there are more tools to help you stay focused and grow your deposit.
The takeaway? You don't need a leg up to get started; just a plan, some professional support, and the right strategy. Getting into your first home shouldn't depend on who your parents are.
You might also be interested in: Home loans for low income earners
Overcoming borrowing barriers without parental support
Let's be real: when you don't have a guarantor or gifted deposit, the lender looks at one thing: you. Your income. Your savings. Your debts. Your history.
While it might feel like the bar's been set higher, the good news is there are smart, practical ways to strengthen your position and improve how much you can borrow. If you're doing it solo, every edge counts. Here are a few things that could tip the balance in your favour.
Cut back on existing debts. Personal loans, credit cards, and Buy Now Pay Later can all weigh you down in a lender's eyes. Reducing your debts or credit limits can make a big difference.
Show stable income and job history. Most lenders want to see that you've been in your current role for 6 to 12 months. If you're self-employed, up-to-date tax returns and business financials are essential. This is where an Aussie Broker can help present your income story.
Grow your genuine savings. Lenders love seeing consistent savings habits even if you don't have a massive deposit. It shows discipline, reliability, and that you're serious.
Pro tip: Even small changes can unlock bigger borrowing potential. That extra $5K in savings or a cleared credit card could put you into the next tier.
Want a clearer idea of what you can borrow? Plug your numbers into our Borrowing Power Calculator for a quick estimate and start shaping your plan.
If your deposit is under 20%, most lenders will also charge Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can run into the thousands. But there are ways around it, even without a guarantor.
First Home Guarantee (FHG): Under the First Home Guarantee program, eligible buyers can purchase with just 5% down and no LMI. It's one of the best ways to save big upfront.
LMI waivers for professionals: Some lenders offer LMI exemptions if you work in certain fields, even with a 10% deposit. This often includes medical professionals, engineers, accountants, teachers, police, and/or other public sector workers, and legal professionals.
Compare lenders (not all are created equal). Different lenders have different rules. That's where an Aussie Broker comes in. They'll know which lenders are open to low-deposit borrowers, which waive LMI, and which match your situation the most.
With the right preparation, a smart plan, and someone who can guide you, you can get into your first home sooner. Up next: we'll show you how to build your buying strategy from the ground up and how Aussie can help you every step of the way.
How to buy your first home without family support
So, what's next? Here's how to shape a strategy that suits your income, deposit, and life.
Know what you could borrow. Before you fall for a property, work out what you can afford to borrow. It's a simple step that makes everything else clearer. Use the Aussie Borrowing Power Calculator to get a ballpark figure based on your income, expenses, and savings. From there, you'll better understand your price range and which suburbs, strategies, or savings goals are worth pursuing.
Check what government support you qualify for. You don't need to do it all on your own. There are grants and schemes out there that are designed to help you get in sooner.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): A one-off cash boost when you buy or build a new home.
First Home Guarantee (FHG): Buy with a 5% deposit and pay no LMI if you're eligible.
Stamp duty concessions: Some states offer full or partial exemptions for first-home buyers.
Not sure what applies to you? An Aussie Broker can help match you with the right support based on your income, location, and goals.
Compare low-deposit home loans. Not every lender treats low-deposit buyers the same. That's why it pays to shop around, or better yet, let us do it for you. A broker can help you avoid unnecessary costs or tap into special professional exemptions if they apply.
Get creative with your approach. If buying in your dream suburb feels out of reach right now, that doesn't mean you're out of options, including rentvesting (wherein you can buy in a more affordable location and rent where you love living) or co-buying (wherein you can partner with a friend or sibling to split the costs and the responsibilities).
Plan ahead: If now's not the moment, let's map out the next 12–24 months. Sometimes, just knowing the steps makes the path feel clearer.
Book a free^ appointment with an Aussie Broker. You don't have to figure it out alone. A quick chat with an Aussie Broker can help you:
Understand how much you can borrow.
Explore grants, guarantees and loan options tailored to your situation.
Build a strategy, from savings to settlement.
Book your free^ appointment today, and let's work out what's possible together.
Buying without family support requires determination. But with the right advice, smart tools and a plan built around you (not someone else's expectations), homeownership is absolutely within reach.
Let's take the first step.
No family financial help? No problem. An Aussie mortgage broker can help you navigate your options and secure a competitive home loan.
