By Jason Given · April 2026 · 6 min read
Buying on a single income is harder than buying as a couple — that is just maths. One income means lower borrowing capacity and a single source of repayment risk. But harder does not mean impossible, and Adelaide is one of the most accessible capital city markets for solo buyers in Australia.
The key is understanding exactly where you stand, which government support applies to you, and which lenders will give you the best borrowing capacity on your specific income profile.
Every first home buyer scheme in SA is available to single applicants. The First Home Guarantee allows purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI — with no income cap since October 2025. Single parents with dependents can access the Family Home Guarantee with just 2% deposit.
For new builds, the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant and zero stamp duty dramatically reduce upfront costs — potentially saving a solo buyer $25,000+ in entry costs.
Lender selection matters enormously for single-income buyers. The difference between the most and least generous lender can be $80,000+ in borrowing capacity. We test your application across our full panel to find the lender that maximises your capacity while keeping the rate competitive.
Buying solo? Book a free chat — we specialise in getting the best result for single-income buyers and will show you exactly what you can achieve.
On a single income of $80,000, most lenders will approve $380,000–$450,000 depending on your expenses and the lender. On $100,000, that rises to $480,000–$560,000. The range exists because lenders assess the same income differently — Lendology finds the one that gives you the best result.
At a borrowing capacity of $450,000 plus a 10% deposit, you are looking at properties around $500,000 — which opens suburbs like Morphett Vale, Hallett Cove, Noarlunga, Lonsdale and parts of the outer south and north. With the First Home Guarantee reducing deposit requirements to 5%, your deposit goes further and can open more options.