First Home Loan Deposit Scheme

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is an Australian Government initiative designed to help eligible first home buyers enter the property market sooner by significantly reducing the deposit requirement.

Key Updates (from 1 October 2025)

  • No income caps – open to all first home buyers

  • Unlimited places – no more waiting lists or missing out

  • Higher property price caps – up to $850,000 in metro WA

  • Wider lender access – including smaller and customer-owned banks

Aisha keys

How it Works

First home buyers typically need a 20% deposit to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can delay homeownership by years. Through the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) guarantees up to 15% of your home loan from a participating lender, allowing you to:

 

  • Purchase with just a 5% deposit
  • Avoid costly LMI payments
  • Enter the property market years earlier
  • Start building equity sooner
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The Breakdown

Standard First Home Purchase:

  • Home value: $850,000 (New metro WA cap)
  • Required 20% deposit: $170,000
  • LMI costs if using 5% deposit: Approximately $30,000+

With the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme:

  • Home value: $850,000
  • Minimum 5% deposit needed: $42,500
  • LMI costs: $0
  • Potential savings: $30,000+

As experienced Perth building consultants, Emily Rose Homes specialises in guiding first home buyers through this scheme when building a home. Our team coordinates with reputable mortgage brokers who understand the scheme’s requirements.

Eligibility and Application

To qualify for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, you must:

  • Be an Australian citizen over 18 years old
  • Be a genuine first home buyer (not previously owned property)
  • No income caps (previous $125k / $200k limits removed) (adjusted annually)
  • Intend to live in the property as your principal place of residence
  • Purchase a property up to $850,000 in metro Perth (regional WA caps vary)

Ready to take your first step toward building your dream home in Perth? Contact our building consultants today for personalised guidance on accessing the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.

Do more research

For official program details, eligibility requirements, and price caps for Perth and regional WA, visit the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation website.

References:

www.alp.org.au

www.housingaustralia.gov.au

Information current as of September 2025. Terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Please contact Emily Rose Homes for the most up-to-date information.

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