Buying your first home used to be more straightforward. You'd knuckle down, save hard, and in a few years, you were in. But the game has changed. Living costs are up, lending rules are tighter, and the old-school playbook doesn't always apply anymore.
Still, at Aussie, we believe homeownership is still within reach. You might just need to go about it a little differently. We're here to walk you through the smart, unexpected, and very real ways you can make it happen.
What are the common barriers holding first-home buyers back?
You're not imagining it. Getting a foot on the ladder is tougher than it used to be. Here's what many first-home buyers are up against:
Property prices are sky-high in most metro areas.
Deposit hurdles feel overwhelming (20% of $700k? That's $140,000!)
Strict lending criteria mean more hoops to jump through.
Rising rents make saving feel like an uphill slog.
We hear it constantly: "How does anyone manage to buy these days?" The answer? Sometimes you need to get a little creative.
Let's talk about how.
What are the unconventional ways to own a property in Australia?
Trying to save a deposit while juggling rent, groceries, or bills can feel exhausting. But the good news is there's more than one way to buy a home, and not all involve a 20% deposit and years of sacrifice.
At Aussie, we're all about finding the path that works for you, even if it's not traditional. We've helped buyers across the country get into the property market using creative, real-word strategies.
Here are some clever, out-of-the-box ways to get a foot in the door.
1. Rentvesting
What is it? Rentvesting means purchasing a property in a more affordable area (often as an investment) while renting in a location that suits your lifestyle.
Why it works: You can start building equity sooner without giving up the location, convenience, or flexibility you need.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Jump into the market faster | Some first-home buyer grants need you to live in the property. |
Potential tax perks from an investment property | Owning and managing a rental has extra responsibilities. |
Maintain the lifestyle you love |
Perfect for: First-time buyers priced out of their ideal area, professionals chasing flexibility, and savvy savers keen to grow wealth early.
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker can help you run the numbers on rental returns, tax benefits and loan options.
Our tools make it easy to track your equity over time.
An Aussie Buyer’s Agent can spot suburbs with strong potential, so you're investing wisely, not cheaply.
2. Co-ownership agreements
What is it? Pooling your money and buying with a friend, sibling, or family member can make the dream more doable.
Why it works: You can split the costs and boost your borrowing power. Just make sure there's a clear agreement from day one.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Lower deposit and repayments per person | You'll need a legally solid co-ownership agreement. |
Shared costs like maintenance and rates | Life changes can make things complicated. |
Multiple incomes equal more borrowing potential |
Perfect for: Buyers who are open to partnering up to fast-track ownership.
How Aussie can help
We'll help you understand how joint applications work and find lenders that support shared ownership.
From loan options to exit strategies, we can help you set things up immediately.
3. Guarantor loans
What is it? With a guarantor loan, a close family member (usually a parent) uses the equity in their home to help you secure a loan.
Why it works: You could get into your home with as little as a 5% deposit and skip the sting of lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Smaller deposit needed | The guarantor's property is at risk if you can't meet repayments. |
Avoids LMI (which can be tens of thousands) | Not all lenders offer this; expert help is key. |
Boosts your borrowing power |
Perfect for: Buyers with steady income but low savings and families happy to back each other.
Wondering how much you can borrow to buy a home?
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker will explain how it works, outline the risks and benefits, and find lenders that offer this option.
4. Vendor finance
What is it? Vendor finance is when the seller agrees to finance part or all of the property purchase, and you repay them directly.
Why it works: It's a niche option, but in the right scenario, it could be your shortcut into the market.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fewer hoops than traditional lending | It's not common (and not every seller will agree). |
Flexible terms (depending on the seller) | Legal advice is a must. |
Good for buyers who need an alternative path |
Perfect for: Buyers who've been rejected by banks but are still determined to buy.
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker can help you weigh it up and explore other options, like low-deposit loans or alternative lenders, so you're making a move that works for your situation.
5. Fractional investing
What is it? You can chip into a property alongside other investors through fractional investing platforms and earn returns based on your share.
Why it works: It's a lower-risk, lower-cost way to enter the property market and grow your deposit while doing so.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Start from as little as a few hundred dollars | You won't have full control. |
Build equity without owning outright | Not eligible for first-home buyer perks. |
Passive exposure to the property market |
Perfect for: First-home buyers looking to grow wealth while still renting or saving.
How Aussie can help
Our tools can help you track the market and spot areas with potential.
We can help you when you're ready to go from fractional to full ownership.
6. Off-the-plan or house and land packages
What is it? Buying a home before it's built gives you more time to save and sometimes access to grants or discounts.
Why it works: You lock in today's price, score potential incentives, and have breathing room before settlement.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
More time to save | Build delays and potential changes in property value. |
May qualify for the First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions | You're buying based on plans, not a finished product. |
Often requires a smaller deposit |
Perfect for: Buyers needing more time or looking for a turnkey home in a new community.
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker can help you time your loan application, understand your deposit commitments, and flag government grant options.
7. Fixer-uppers and renovation loans
What is it? A fixer-upper can cost less upfront, and with a reno loan, you can finance the upgrades as part of your mortgage.
Why it works: You make the home your own and potentially boost its value from the get-go.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Lower entry price | Renovations can be unpredictable. |
Add value through renos. | May be harder to finance if the property needs major work |
Some loans bundle purchase and reno costs. |
Perfect for: Buyers ready to roll up their sleeves (or hire a tradie) and unlock value.
How Aussie can help
We can help you find a loan that covers the property and reno costs since we know which lenders are reno-friendly.
We've got tools to help estimate costs and keep your project on track.
8. Lease-to-own
What is it? Lease-to-own agreements let you rent a home today with the option to buy it later, often with a portion of the rent going towards your deposit.
Why it works: It's a practical bridge between renting and owning, especially if you need more time to save.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Lock in a price early. | If you don't buy, you could lose your rent credits. |
Stability while you prepare for purchase. | Contract terms vary; a legal review is a must. |
Some rent may count toward your deposit. |
Perfect for: Buyers close to being ready, but not quite ready yet.
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker can review the agreement with you and your legal team to ensure it's fair.
We'll also help you find the right loan and step confidently into full ownership.
9. Property syndicates
What is it? Syndicates let a group invest in a property together, sharing ownership and profits.
Why it works: It's a team effort that makes property more accessible and spreads the risk.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Smaller individual investment | Less control over decisions |
Shared costs and decisions | Needs solid agreements and clear communication |
Learn the ropes of property investing |
Perfect for: Groups of friends, family, or like-minded investors looking to grow together.
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker can help you understand how property syndicates work, what to watch for, and whether it's the right strategy for your goals.
We're also here for the long run, whether you're building wealth or planning your next move.
10. Alternative lenders and fintech home loans
What is it? Fintech lenders are reshaping the game with faster approvals, digital tools, and more flexible criteria.
Why it works: They're often open to self-employed buyers with smaller deposits or non-traditional incomes.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quicker applications and approvals | Not all lenders are equal; check features, service and support. |
Lower deposit options (sometimes 5–10%) | A broker can help compare your options. |
Flexible for different income types |
Perfect for: Buyers looking for smarter, faster, more flexible home loan solutions.
How Aussie can help
An Aussie Broker can compare options from alternative lenders and fintechs, helping you find the right fit for your income, lifestyle, and plans.
What are the government grants and schemes that could help me?
There's more support out there than most buyers realise, and we're across it all.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Available for new builds or off-the-plan properties
One-off payment (up to $10k or more)
Varies by state, so chat with an Aussie Broker to check if you're eligible
First Home Guarantee
Buy with just a 5% deposit; no LMI
The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan
Limited spots, so timing is everything
Stamp duty savings
Full exemptions or major concessions are available in most states
In NSW and VIC, some buyers can opt for annual land tax instead of upfront duty
These can save you tens of thousands, so you don't leave money on the table.
Key financial considerations before taking the alternative path
Get pre-approved before diving in.
It's the most ideal way to know what you can afford, strengthen your offer, and spot any issues early.
An Aussie Broker will handle the paperwork, giving you more room to think and decide wisely.
Understand the risks.
Co-ownership, vendor finance, and syndicates all have their fine print. Make sure you protect yourself by getting specialised legal and financial advice.
Get the right broker in your corner.
You don't have to figure it out on your own. An Aussie Broker can:
Match you with lenders who support non-traditional paths
Unlock access to over 25+ lenders and thousands of home loans
Guide you through schemes, grants, and lender policies
We're not just here to find you a loan but to help you on your property journey.
How can an Aussie Broker help with fast-tracking homeownership?
We know where to secure low-deposit loans.
Some lenders accept as little as a 5% deposit. An Aussie Broker can show you who they are and what you'll need to qualify.
We unlock access to government-backed schemes.
We'll help you apply for the First Home Guarantee, the FHOG, or any stamp duty exemptions if you qualify.
We offer options tailored to your personal strategy.
From fixer-upper plans to shared purchases, we tailor your finances to your situation and help you grow.
Let's make a plan that works for you.
At Aussie, we've been helping Australians into homes for over 30 years. Whether you're just starting out or ready to make a move, we'll help you:
Crunch the numbers with smart tools like our borrowing power calculator
Get insights with suburb reports and property data
Connect with a Buyer's Agent for expert help on the ground
Ready to chat? Book a free^ appointment with your local Aussie Broker. Owning a home is possible and within reach.