For many aspiring home buyers in Australia, saving a deposit is the biggest hurdle to owning a home. But what if you could buy a home with no deposit and access up to $120,000 in grants and assistance?
In 2025, this is a real possibility. Thanks to a combination of federal and state government grants, stamp duty exemptions, and deposit support schemes, eligible Australians can now enter the property market sooner and with far less out-of-pocket expense.
If you’re a first home buyer — or even a returning buyer in some states — here’s what you need to know about buying a home with no deposit and accessing up to $120,000 in financial support.
Why This Matters: Deposit Barriers in 2025
The median house price in many Australian cities is well above $700,000. A traditional 20% deposit could mean needing over $140,000 upfront — not including stamp duty or legal fees. For the average Australian, especially younger buyers, this level of saving is unrealistic.
However, with smart planning and awareness of available home buyer grants, the need for a cash deposit can be dramatically reduced or even eliminated.
What Makes Up the $120,000?
The $120,000 figure is not a single grant but a combination of multiple programs that can add up to that amount or more, depending on the property price, location, and buyer’s eligibility.
Here’s how the total is made up:
1. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) – Up to $30,000
Most states and territories in Australia offer a First Home Owner Grant for buying a new home or building on vacant land.
- Queensland: $30,000 for new homes under $750,000
- Victoria: $10,000 in metro areas, $20,000 in regional areas
- New South Wales: $10,000 for eligible new homes under $600,000
- South Australia & WA: $15,000
These grants are non-repayable and go directly toward your home purchase.
2. Stamp Duty Exemptions and Concessions – Up to $25,000
Stamp duty is one of the most expensive upfront costs in a property purchase. Fortunately, first home buyers are eligible for full or partial exemptions depending on the purchase price and state.
- NSW: No stamp duty on properties up to $800,000 (worth up to $31,000 in savings)
- VIC: Full exemption up to $600,000 and reduced duty up to $750,000
- QLD: Home concession available for purchases under $550,000
Depending on the property price, you could save up to $25,000 or more in upfront stamp duty costs.
3. First Home Guarantee – Save $15,000 to $20,000 in LMI
The First Home Guarantee (formerly known as the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme) allows first home buyers to purchase with just 5% deposit and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
LMI can cost:
- $10,000 to $20,000 on average for homes over $600,000
- Higher for loans with lower deposits or larger property values
This scheme is backed by the federal government and is available through approved lenders. It allows buyers to save time and money — and get into the market sooner.
4. Family Guarantor – Skip the Deposit Entirely
Many buyers are entering the market by using a family member as guarantor. This allows you to:
- Borrow 100% of the purchase price
- Avoid saving any deposit
- Potentially avoid LMI even without using the First Home Guarantee
Although this doesn’t count as a “grant,” it allows you to combine government benefits with a no deposit home loan strategy.
5. Superannuation Contributions (FHSS Scheme) – Up to $30,000
The First Home Super Saver Scheme allows individuals to withdraw up to $15,000 (or $30,000 for couples) in voluntary super contributions to put toward a deposit.
This amount is usually taxed at a lower rate, allowing buyers to save faster and smarter.
6. Regional Buyer Incentives and Building Bonuses – Up to $10,000 or More
Some states offer regional buyer incentives or building bonuses for constructing a new home in growth areas. For example:
- WA and NT have building grants
- Regional VIC and QLD offer additional support for buying outside capital cities
These local bonuses can add $10,000 or more in additional support, especially if you’re building rather than buying an established property.
Can I Still Buy Without a Deposit?
Yes. Many Australians are buying homes without any deposit using government grants, family guarantees, or a combination of both.
Your pathway might look like this:
- Use a family guarantor to avoid the deposit
- Access $30,000 FHOG for your state
- Save $15,000–$20,000 in LMI via the First Home Guarantee
- Avoid $20,000–$30,000 stamp duty
- Withdraw $15,000–$30,000 from super under the FHSS scheme
- Tap into local regional grants or bonuses
Add it all up, and you could access up to $120,000 in grants, savings, and support — even if you haven’t saved a dollar.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for these benefits, you typically need to:
- Be a first home buyer
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be over 18 years old
- Live in the home (most grants require owner-occupier use)
- Meet income caps (especially under federal schemes)
- Buy a property under price thresholds (varies by state)
Couples buying together can double some benefits, especially under superannuation or income-based programs.
Where to Find the Best Opportunities in 2025
To maximise your chances of buying with no deposit and full grant access, target affordable or regional areas such as:
- Ipswich (QLD) – Eligible for full FHOG and concessions
- Wyndham Vale (VIC) – Regional bonuses apply
- Campbelltown (NSW) – Stamp duty-free under $800,000
- Elizabeth (SA) – Affordable land and building options
- Armadale (WA) – Eligible for building bonuses
These suburbs are not only affordable but also qualify for most government incentives and schemes.
Final Thoughts: A Rare Window of Opportunity
With house prices still growing, government schemes in full effect, and interest in no deposit home loans increasing, now may be the best time in recent years to become a homeowner — even if you haven’t saved a deposit.
The combination of:
- Government first home buyer grants
- Stamp duty exemptions
- LMI savings
- Family guarantees
- Superannuation withdrawal options
Can all work together to give you a head start worth up to $120,000.
What to Do Next
- Speak to a mortgage broker who understands no deposit home loans and government grants
- Check your state’s FHOG requirements and property price caps
- Ask a financial adviser about the superannuation scheme
- Run an LMI calculator to see your potential savings
- Check your credit score and debt level to ensure approval chances
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. Please consult a licensed mortgage broker or financial adviser for personalised advice.