But what if we told you that you can buy a home with little or even no deposit?
What Is a No Deposit Mortgage?
A no deposit mortgage means you can secure a home loan without putting any money down upfront or by using an alternative form of security instead of cash.
While Australian lenders typically require a 5–20% deposit, there are a few legitimate ways to access a house loan without deposit, including:
- Guarantor loans (a family member secures part of the loan)
- Equity in another property
- First Home Guarantee schemes
- Lender promotions or niche lending products
This option can fast-track your entry into the market but it’s not for everyone.
How Can You Buy a House With No Deposit?
Here are the most common ways Australians buy property with little or zero deposit:
1. Family Guarantor Loan (Applicable For Both First and Second Home Buyers)
A parent or family member uses equity in their own property as security for your loan. You still own the home, but their guarantee reduces the lender’s risk.
Pros:
- Skip the deposit
- Avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
- Enter the market sooner
Caution: If you default, your guarantor’s home may be at risk.
2. First Home Guarantee (Formerly FHLDS) – ( Applicable For First Home Buyers )
Offered by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), this scheme allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit, without paying LMI.
- Only 35,000 spots available per financial year
- Must meet income and property price thresholds
- You still need to qualify for the loan
Learn more about First Home Buyer Grants →
3. Equity in Another Property – (Applicable For Second Home Buyers)
Already own property? You can leverage existing equity to cover the deposit for your next home.
This is a popular route for property investors, where your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) is key.
4. Lender Offers (Applicable For Both First and Second Home Buyers)
Some non-major lenders occasionally offer limited time no deposit home loan promotions, particularly for professionals or specific buyer categories.
Always consult or talk to our experts at CreditHub to explore verified options.
Is It Smart to Buy Without a Deposit?
Here’s when a no deposit mortgage might make sense:
- You have a stable income and strong repayment ability
- You’re eligible for a guarantor setup or government support
- Property prices are rising, and waiting may increase your entry cost
- You have a long-term plan to build equity quickly
But remember — skipping the deposit doesn’t mean skipping risk.
You’ll likely be borrowing 95–100% of the property value, which means:
- Higher monthly repayments
- More interest over time
- Lower buffer in case property prices drop
Lender Considerations
Australian lenders will still assess:
- Your credit history
- Income & employment stability
- Living expenses
- Existing debts
At Credit Hub, we help assess your financial position and guide you through no deposit home loan options based on your goals.
Explore our Home Loan Solutions →
Tips Before Going Deposit-Free
- Get pre-approved so you understand how much you can calculate borrow.
- Work with a mortgage broker to find the right lender and product.
- Understand LMI – unless a guarantor or government scheme applies, you may still need to pay this insurance.
- Check eligibility for First Home Guarantee or other schemes.
- Budget conservatively – a no-deposit loan gives less wiggle room.
Start Your Journey With Credit Hub
Buying your first home is exciting and going deposit-free can be a smart move if done right.
At Credit Hub, our experienced mortgage specialists help you navigate every option from government schemes to guarantor setups so you can enter the property market with confidence.
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FAQ
1. What is a no deposit mortgage?
It’s a home loan that allows you to purchase property without needing to pay a deposit upfront, often using a guarantor or government support.
2. How can we buy a house with no deposit?
Through a guarantor loan, First Home Guarantee scheme, or by using equity in an existing property.
3. Is a house loan without deposit riskier?
Yes – higher LVR loans carry greater risk if property values fall, and often come with higher repayments.
4. Can I get a no deposit mortgage with bad credit?
It’s possible, but difficult. Most lenders require a strong credit score. Speak to a broker to assess your situation.
5. Will I still pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance?
You can avoid LMI through a guarantor or the First Home Guarantee. Otherwise, LMI may apply for loans over 80% LVR.
Disclaimer:
The information provided by Credit Hub and its affiliates is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, readers should verify any details before making financial decisions. Credit Hub accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this content.