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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
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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.
No-obligation consultation

Want to know if you can buy with a smaller deposit?

Book a chat with Jason or Steve. We confirm your eligibility for every available scheme and find the best pathway for your situation.

Lendology is paid by the lender at settlement. Our advice is at no cost to you.