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First Home Buyers5 min read

First Home Guarantee Expanded: 50,000 Places Now Available

The federal government has expanded the First Home Guarantee scheme. Here's who qualifies and how to apply.

Raj Bhangu

Principal Mortgage Broker

15 August 2025

Key Takeaways

  • 1First Home Guarantee expanded to 50,000 places annually (up from 35,000)
  • 2Buy with 5% deposit and avoid LMI - government guarantees remaining 15%
  • 3Income caps: $125,000 singles, $200,000 couples; must be Australian citizen/PR
  • 4Example: Save ~$28,000 in LMI on a $700,000 property with 5% deposit

Great news for first home buyers: the First Home Guarantee scheme has been expanded to 50,000 places annually, up from 35,000.

What is the First Home Guarantee?

The scheme allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Income cap: $125,000 for singles, $200,000 for couples
  • First home buyer: Never owned property in Australia before
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • At least 18 years old
  • Intend to live in the property

Property Price Caps (2025-26)

Location Price Cap
Sydney $900,000
Melbourne $800,000
Brisbane $700,000
Regional areas $550,000-$650,000

Example: The LMI Savings

On a $700,000 property with 5% deposit ($35,000):

  • Without the scheme: You'd pay ~$28,000 in LMI
  • With the scheme: $0 LMI
  • Your savings: $28,000

How to Apply

You can't apply directly to the government. Instead, you apply through a participating lender or mortgage broker. We can help you:

  • Check your eligibility
  • Access participating lenders
  • Lodge your application

Spots fill fast. Contact us today to secure your place in the scheme.

Related Tool

Stamp Duty Calculator

Calculate stamp duty and upfront costs for your first purchase.

Sources & References

This article references information from the following authoritative sources:

RB

Raj Bhangu

Principal Mortgage Broker

FBAA MemberLicensed Credit Representative

Expert mortgage broker helping Australians achieve their property dreams with personalized home loan solutions.

Published: 15 Aug 2025

Transparency & Disclosures

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As a mortgage broker, iSmart Finance receives commissions from lenders when we successfully arrange a home loan. This does not affect the interest rate or fees you pay. Our service is free for you, and we're committed to finding the best loan for your needs.

About iSmart Finance

iSmart Finance Group ACN 608 986 554 is Credit Representative 481761 of BLSSA Pty Ltd ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237). We are members of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) and comply with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

Our content is based on industry expertise, regulatory guidelines from ASIC and APRA, and data from the Reserve Bank of Australia. All information is current as of the publication date and subject to change.

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