Homebuyers up in the air despite new government home loan support

⚠ The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Labor's "Help to buy" home loan scheme

Labor's centrepiece cost-of-living policy announced during the election was its Help to Buy scheme, which aimed to slash the cost of buying a new dwelling by 40 per cent and an existing one by 30 per cent.

Up to 10,000 applicants could get smaller deposits, smaller mortgages and smaller repayments.

Low-income borrowers may still find it hard to qualify for a mortgage when relying on a 2 per cent deposit, especially given that other schemes have not been successful.

Home loan qualification

The federal government concedes that saving a 2 per cent deposit won't be nearly enough for most low- to middle-income borrowers to qualify for finance to buy a home.

This is particularly so given that the mortgage might still be over $600,000 even after the government’s contribution , depending on where the home is located.”

That said, the barrier to entry for battlers may not be permanent.

NHFIC’s existing first-home loan scheme, requiring applicants to put down 5 per cent has a 90 percent success rate.

It’s not much for the desperate battler looking to buy a home, but it might provide some hope for someone in need of a loan to purchase an $800,000 home with only $16,000 instead of $40,000 deposit.

First-home buyers who don’t have government help and a 20 per cent deposit will need to pay lenders mortgage insurance.

Home loan experts

It would be essential for first home buyers to consult experts where and what to buy, especially given they will eventually need to pay back the government's equity stake, including capital growth.

It is even more important when, fundamentally, they will have to give up a significant percentage of the home equity and any value gain if they choose to sell down the track. In fact, this may prevent them from upgrading at all.

A survey of 1000 Australians found 41 per cent want the new federal government to address housing affordability, as many as those wanting an improved healthcare system, and even more than those seeking action on climate change.

Published:Sunday, 29th May 2022
Source:

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

South Australia's Algal Bloom: A Challenge for the Marine Industry

29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Since March 2025, South Australia's coastal regions have been grappling with a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that has had profound effects on the marine environment and associated industries. This event has led to significant fish kills, adversely impacting the fishing and aquaculture sectors, as well as deterring beachgoers and affecting tourism operators along the affected coasts. - read more

Maritimo's Resilience: A Beacon in Australian Yacht Manufacturing

29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In an era where many Australian manufacturing sectors have faced decline, Gold Coast-based luxury yacht builder Maritimo stands out as a testament to resilience and innovation. Founded in 2003 by marine industry veteran Bill Barry-Cotter, Maritimo has not only weathered economic challenges but has also secured a robust order book, with production slots filled for the next three years. - read more

Mercury Marine's Dominance at the Sydney International Boat Show

29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, has solidified its position as a leader in the marine industry by accounting for 50% of all outboard engines displayed at the Sydney International Boat Show. This achievement not only highlights Mercury's market dominance but also underscores its strong partnerships with boat builders and dealers across Australia. - read more

Engage Marine Secures Funding Partner to Fuel National Expansion

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Engage Marine, a leading provider of marine services in Australia, has announced a strategic partnership with PGIM Private Capital to fund its growth opportunities and expand its services nationwide. PGIM Private Capital, the private capital arm of Prudential Financial, Inc., is a prominent source of private debt for public and private companies globally. - read more

Marinex Underwriting Sets Sail in Australian Marine Insurance Market

13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian marine insurance landscape has welcomed a new entrant with the launch of Marinex Underwriting. This agency, backed by global specialty insurance distributor Amwins, is the third venture incubated by the Rhodian Group, a company dedicated to developing specialised underwriting agencies in Australia. - read more

Austal Limited Bolsters U.S. Shipbuilding with $100 Million EFA Loan

13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a $100 million loan from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to support the expansion of its shipbuilding operations in Mobile, Alabama. This funding is earmarked for the development of Austal USA's Final Assembly 2 (FA2) project, a significant step in enhancing the company's capacity to construct vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Time to Refinance?

If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!

... start here ...