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Low deposit home loans Adelaide

Buy sooner
with less deposit.

Lendology identifies the best pathway for buyers with smaller deposits - government guarantee schemes, LMI, or a professional waiver.

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Book a chat Call 08 8270 5138
Last reviewed: April 2026
Home›Home Loans›Low deposit home loans Adelaide
Low deposit pathways

You don't always need 20% - the options available in 2026

Saving a 20% deposit in Adelaide's property market takes time - and property prices can move faster than your savings. There are several government-backed pathways that allow eligible buyers to purchase with a much smaller deposit. Lendology identifies which pathway applies to your situation and manages the application.

Federal - First home buyers
First Home Guarantee - 5% deposit, no LMI
Eligible first home buyers can purchase with a 5% deposit - the government guarantees 15%, eliminating LMI. No income caps, no limit on places (from 1 October 2025). SA price cap $900,000 for Adelaide and regional centres. Available for new and established homes. Must apply through a participating lender. Source: Housing Australia
Federal - Single parents and legal guardians
Family Home Guarantee - 2% deposit
Eligible single parents or legal guardians with at least one dependent child can purchase with a 2% deposit. The government guarantees 18%. No LMI. 5,000 places per financial year. No income caps (from October 2025). Available to both first home buyers and previous owners. Source: Housing Australia
Option - If guarantee schemes don't apply
LMI - paying the premium to buy sooner
For buyers who don't qualify for a guarantee scheme, Lendology assesses whether paying LMI to enter the market sooner makes financial sense - including whether property price growth in your target suburb is likely to outweigh the LMI cost.
Option - Eligible professions
LMI waiver for certain professions
Some lenders waive LMI for eligible professionals - typically doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants and other specified occupations - borrowing above 80% LVR. Eligibility criteria, income thresholds and LVR limits vary by lender. Lendology confirms your eligibility before lodging.
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Scheme eligibility confirmation - Not all buyers qualify for guarantee schemes. Lendology confirms your eligibility before lodging - avoiding wasted time and unnecessary credit enquiries.
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Participating lender selection - For government guarantee schemes, only participating lenders can process applications. Not all participating lenders are equal - rates, features and service quality vary. Lendology identifies the best fit.
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LMI cost comparison - Where LMI applies, Lendology calculates the estimated premium - LMI costs vary because lenders use different insurers (Helia or QBE) with different rate schedules.
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Genuine savings requirements - Most lenders require genuine savings - funds held for at least 3 months - as part of your deposit. Lendology confirms what qualifies as genuine savings for your chosen lender.
How it works

The Lendology process

1
Eligibility assessment
We review your income, deposit amount, property goals and personal situation to identify which pathways and schemes you are eligible for.
2
Scheme application
For eligible buyers we manage the First Home Guarantee or Family Home Guarantee application through a participating lender - you cannot apply directly to Housing Australia.
3
LMI assessment (if applicable)
If you don't qualify for a guarantee scheme, we calculate the LMI cost, assess whether a professional waiver applies, and help you weigh up whether buying now with LMI makes financial sense.
4
Loan and settlement
We manage the loan application, formal approval and settlement - coordinating with your lender, conveyancer and agent throughout.
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Common questions

FAQs

What is the minimum deposit I need to buy a home?
For most standard loans, lenders require at least 10% (plus costs) to avoid LMI, or 20% to avoid LMI entirely. However, eligible buyers can access the First Home Guarantee with a 5% deposit and no LMI, or the Family Home Guarantee (single parents) with a 2% deposit. Lendology confirms which pathways apply to your situation.
Can I use gifted funds as my deposit?
Some lenders accept gifted funds from family members as part of the deposit. Requirements vary - some lenders require a statutory declaration confirming the gift is not a loan, and genuine savings requirements may still apply to a portion of the deposit. Lendology confirms the rules for your chosen lender.
What is LMI and can I avoid it?
LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) is a premium paid by the borrower when the deposit is below 20% of the property value. It protects the lender - not you. You can avoid LMI through a government guarantee scheme (if eligible), a 20% deposit, or a professional LMI waiver. Lendology assesses all three pathways for your situation.
How do I know if I qualify for the First Home Guarantee?
As of 1 October 2025 the First Home Guarantee has no income caps and no limit on places. You must be a first home buyer, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, intend to occupy the property as your principal residence, and purchase within the SA price cap of $900,000 for Adelaide and regional centres. Applications are made through a participating lender - Lendology manages this process. Source: Housing Australia.