How To Buy a House With No Deposit in Australia: Comprehensive Guide to Purchase Options and Strategies

I've been researching and working in the Australian property market for quite some time, and I've noticed that many people struggle with saving for a deposit when buying a home. This is especially true in Australia, where property prices are notoriously high. So, I thought I'd put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand the various no deposit home buying options and strategies available in Australia. My hope is that this information will empower you to make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing a property, even if you don't have a deposit saved up.

The challenges of saving for deposit in home buying

First, let's talk about why saving for a deposit can be so challenging in Australia. One of the main reasons is the high property prices, which have been steadily increasing over the past few years. This means that even if you're diligently saving, it can be tough to keep up with the rising costs of homes.

Another challenge is meeting the home loan eligibility requirements set by lenders. These requirements can be quite strict, and if you don't have a deposit saved up, it can be even more difficult to secure a loan. This is where the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) come in. They've been implementing measures to cool the investment property market, which has resulted in tightened lending criteria and increased home loan rates. This has made it even more challenging for potential home buyers to secure a loan without a deposit.

No deposit home loan approval using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Now, let's talk about a potential solution to the no deposit dilemma: Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). LMI is a type of insurance that protects lenders in case a borrower defaults on their loan. If you don't have a deposit saved up, some lenders may still approve your home loan if you agree to pay for LMI. This can be a great option for those who are struggling to save for a deposit but are otherwise financially stable and able to afford the monthly mortgage repayments.

However, there are some downsides to using LMI. For one, it can be quite expensive, and you'll need to factor this cost into your overall home buying budget. Additionally, not all lenders offer LMI for no deposit home loans, so you may need to shop around to find a lender that does.

Six no deposit home loan options in Australia

Now that we've covered LMI, let's dive into the six no deposit home loan options available in Australia. Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to carefully consider which one is the best fit for your unique situation.

Guarantor home loan

How it works:

A guarantor home loan is a type of loan where a family member (usually a parent) agrees to guarantee your loan, essentially putting their own property up as security. This means that if you default on your loan, the lender can claim the guarantor's property to recover their losses.

Advantages and disadvantages:

The main advantage of a guarantor home loan is that it allows you to secure a loan without a deposit. Additionally, you may be able to avoid paying LMI with this type of loan. However, there are some downsides to consider. For one, your guarantor is taking on a significant amount of risk by putting their property up as security. Additionally, not all lenders offer guarantor home loans, so you may need to shop around to find one that does.

Use equity as deposit

How it works: 

If you already own a property (or multiple properties), you may be able to use the equity in those properties as a deposit for a new home loan. Equity is the difference between the value of your property and the amount you still owe on your mortgage.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Using equity as a deposit can be a great option for those who already have a property portfolio, as it allows you to leverage your existing assets to purchase additional properties. However, this strategy does come with some risks. For one, if property values decline, your equity may decrease, making it more difficult to secure a loan. Additionally, if you default on your new loan, you may be putting your existing properties at risk.

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme

How it works:

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit. Under this scheme, the government essentially acts as a guarantor, allowing you to secure a loan without the need for a 20% deposit or LMI.

Advantages and disadvantages: 

The main advantage of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is that it makes it easier for first-time home buyers to enter the property market. However, there are some downsides to consider. For one, the scheme is only available to a limited number of applicants each year, so you may need to act quickly to secure a spot. Additionally, there are strict eligibility criteria that you'll need to meet in order to qualify for the scheme.

Gifted deposit home loan

How it works: 

A gifted deposit home loan is when a family member or close friend gifts you the money for your home deposit. This is a popular option for first-time homebuyers who may not have the savings for a deposit. The gift must be a genuine, non-refundable gift, and the person providing the gift must sign a declaration stating that they do not expect repayment.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of a gifted deposit home loan include not having to save for a deposit and potentially being able to buy a home sooner. However, some lenders may still require you to show evidence of genuine savings, and there may be tax implications for the person gifting the deposit.

Personal loan as home deposit

How it works:

Using a personal loan as a home deposit involves borrowing the money needed for a deposit and then using that loan as the deposit for your home loan. This option is generally only available to borrowers with a strong credit history and stable income.

Advantages and disadvantages:

The main advantage of using a personal loan as a home deposit is that it allows you to buy a property without having to save for a deposit. However, this option can be risky, as you will have two loans to repay, and it may be more difficult to get approved for a home loan. Additionally, the interest rates on personal loans are typically higher than those on home loans, which can increase your overall borrowing costs.

Using super for investment property

How it works:

In Australia, you can use your superannuation (super) to buy an investment property through a self-managed super fund (SMSF). To do this, you need to set up an SMSF, transfer your super into the fund, and then use the funds to purchase an investment property.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Using your super to buy an investment property can be a tax-effective way to invest in property, as the income generated from the property is taxed at a lower rate than your personal income. However, there are strict rules and regulations surrounding SMSFs, and managing an SMSF can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, using your super for an investment property means you are putting your retirement savings at risk if the property investment does not perform well.

Effects of tightened lending criteria and increased home loan rates

Tightened lending criteria and increased home loan rates can make it more difficult for no deposit home buyers to get approved for a loan. Lenders may require a higher credit score, more stable income, or additional documentation to prove your ability to repay the loan. Higher home loan rates also mean higher monthly repayments, which can make it more challenging for no deposit home buyers to afford a property.

To overcome these challenges, no deposit home buyers can focus on improving their credit score, paying down existing debts, and saving for a larger deposit. It's also essential to shop around for the best home loan rates and consider working with a mortgage broker who can help you navigate the lending process.

Options to build investment property portfolio without cash deposit

Using existing equity in home or other properties

If you already own a home or other properties, you can use the equity in those properties as a deposit for an investment property. This can be a great way to build your investment property portfolio without needing to save for a cash deposit.

Getting a guarantor loan from a family member

As mentioned earlier, a guarantor loan involves a family member or close friend providing security for your home loan. This can help you get approved for a loan without a deposit and can be a useful strategy for building an investment property portfolio.

Partnerships or joint ventures

Another option for building an investment property portfolio without a cash deposit is to enter into a partnership or joint venture with another investor. This can help you pool your resources and share the risks and rewards of property investment.

Deposit bond: securing contracts for all no deposit options

A deposit bond is a guarantee provided by an insurer that acts as a substitute for a cash deposit when purchasing a property. It is typically used when a buyer does not have immediate access to the funds required for a deposit.

Eligibility for deposit bonds

To be eligible for a deposit bond, you must have a pre-approved home loan and meet the insurer's criteria, which may include having a good credit history and stable income.

How to use deposit bonds

Deposit bonds can be used in conjunction with the no deposit home buying strategies discussed in this article, such as guarantor loans, gifted deposits, and using existing equity. They can help secure a property contract while you arrange the necessary financing.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several no deposit home buying options and strategies available in Australia, including guarantor loans, using equity as a deposit, the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, gifted deposits, personal loans as home deposits, and using super for investment properties. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to carefully consider your financial situation and goals before choosing a strategy.

If you're considering buying a home without a deposit, it's crucial to explore your options and seek professional advice from a mortgage broker, financial planner, or accountant. They can help you navigate the home buying process and ensure you make the best decision for your financial future. Remember, buying a home is a significant investment, and it's essential to be well-informed and prepared before taking the plunge.

About the author 

Harold Simmons

Harold is the founder and creator of the Asset Owners Discussion Project. He creates quality resources so investors can get access to information they wouldn't normally be able to access. He has been investing in real estate for almost three decades and is particularly experienced with mortgages and refinancing.

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