Buy sooner
Stop chasing a 20% target while prices move, and start building equity earlier.
BUY WITH LESS THAN 20%
Low deposit home loans in Brisbane.
No 20% deposit yet?
You may still have options.
Saving a full 20% deposit is hard when prices keep rising. Low deposit loans, government schemes and family support can help you buy sooner. We compare the options from our lender panel and show the full cost of each. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group’s mortgage brokers in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.
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Into the market sooner.Let’s find the right path for you.
FROM5% deposit,
if eligible.
if eligible.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for home loans
Local careBrisbane & Sunshine Coast
HOW LOW DEPOSIT LOANS WORK
Borrow more than
80% of the value.
Low deposit loans are high loan-to-value ratio (LVR) loans. Some lenders lend up to 90% or 95% of the property value, depending on your income, credit profile and their policies.
LMI usually applies
Lenders mortgage insurance offsets the lender’s higher risk, unless a scheme or waiver applies.
Suits many buyers
First home buyers, professionals and investors who meet specific lender criteria.
Not sure how much deposit you need? We’ll work out your LVR, costs and which options you may qualify for.
Start with a free chatWAYS TO BUY WITH A SMALLER DEPOSIT
Four paths into
the market.
Each path has different eligibility and costs. We compare the ones that apply to you.
5% Deposit Scheme
Eligible first home buyers can buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI through a participating lender.
Pay LMI
Borrow above 80% and pay LMI. Some lenders let you add it to the loan, though you’ll pay interest on it.
Family guarantee
A family member’s property equity secures part of your loan, which can help you avoid LMI.
Professional LMI waiver
Some lenders waive LMI for eligible professions, such as doctors, on loans up to 85–90% LVR.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Wait for 20%, or buy sooner?
| What you compare | Wait for 20% | Buy sooner |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 20% of the price | From 5–10% |
| LMI | Generally none | Usually, unless exempt |
| Loan size | Smaller | Larger, more interest |
| Time to buy | Longer | Sooner |
Neither option suits everyone. Prices can rise while you save, but a larger loan means higher repayments.
Compare my optionsKNOW YOUR NUMBERS
How far are you
from 20%?
See your LVR today and how long it could take to save a full 20% deposit at your current rate.
Then weigh that against buying sooner with a smaller deposit. We’ll show the real cost of each path.
- Your LVR with today’s savings
- The gap to a 20% deposit
- LMI and buying costs
- Schemes you may qualify for
YOUR DEPOSIT, AT A GLANCE
How long to save 20%?
$100k$2m
Your LVR today92.9%
Gap to a 20% deposit$90,000
Time to save it3 yrs 9 mths
Illustration only. Excludes stamp duty, buying costs, interest on savings and price changes while you save. Your borrowing capacity also depends on income and expenses.
Check my actual optionsBEFORE YOU COMMIT
The trade-offs of a
smaller deposit.
A smaller deposit can get you in sooner, but it usually costs more over time. Strong income, secure work and a solid credit history can help you access better terms.
THE COST OF A SMALLER DEPOSIT
More than just LMI.
Beyond LMI, high LVR loans can carry a higher interest rate, and a larger loan means more interest over its life.
We compare these costs across lenders and schemes, so you can see what buying sooner really costs.
The 5% Deposit Scheme
Run by Housing Australia (formerly NHFIC). Since 1 October 2025, there are no income caps or limits on places. Property price caps, owner-occupier requirements and lender approval still apply.
Deposit bonds
A deposit bond can stand in for the cash deposit when you sign a contract. It doesn’t reduce what you need at settlement, and not every seller accepts one.
We can explain whether one suits your purchase.
Scheme rules, lender policies and LMI premiums vary and can change. Confirm current eligibility before you rely on any option.
Let’s compare your paths. We’ll show the deposit, LMI and repayments for each option you qualify for.
Check my next stepsBEFORE YOU APPLY
What lenders look for
with a low deposit.
Not every lender offers high LVR loans, and criteria are stricter than at 80% or below.
Stable employment
Secure, consistent income helps lenders accept a smaller deposit.
Credit history
A clean history can mean better rates and more lender options.
Genuine savings
Many lenders want evidence you’ve saved part of the deposit over time.
Property type
Some lenders limit high LVR loans on certain units or rural properties.
BEYOND THE DEPOSIT
Other costs to
budget for.
Your deposit isn’t the only upfront cost. We help you plan for each one so there are no surprises at settlement.
Transfer duty
Queensland offers concessions for eligible first home buyers, depending on the property.
LMI premium
Paid upfront or added to the loan, unless a scheme, waiver or guarantee applies.
Legal and lender fees
Conveyancing, searches, registration and any lender application fees.
A safety buffer
Savings set aside for rate rises, repairs and life’s surprises.
A family member willing to help? A guarantee may let you buy without LMI.
Explore family guaranteesFROM FIRST CHAT TO FIRST KEYS
Six steps.
One team beside you.
We explain each stage, compare your deposit options and keep you informed through to settlement.
UNDERSTAND
Talk through your goals
Meet by phone, Zoom or in person. Tell us about your savings, income and the property you have in mind.
GATHER
Build a clear picture of your finances
We collect income documents and savings history, and check scheme eligibility.
ANALYSE & PLAN
Compare deposit paths
We compare schemes, LMI, guarantees and waivers, then discuss conditional pre-approval.
APPLY
Turn your choice into an application
Once you’ve found a property, we finalise the application and liaise with the lender.
FINALISE
Manage settlement
We coordinate with your lender and conveyancer and keep you informed through to settlement.
SUPPORT
Review as your equity grows
Once you pass 80% LVR, a review could open up sharper rates.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
WHY CHOOSE AUSFIRST LENDING GROUP
Your first step is personal.
Your broker should be, too.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
Richard brings more than 30 years of hands-on broking experience. He takes the time to understand your savings, income and goals before comparing low deposit options from our panel.
From buying a home to refinancing or investing later on, you get clear advice and a long-term lending partner on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane.
Personal attentionOngoing loan reviews2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Talk to a broker
More about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Debbie made the process of buying a new house frictionless, by providing excellent support throughout”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Low deposits.
Real questions.
The questions we’re asked most about buying with a smaller deposit. Your circumstances matter, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my depositWhat’s the smallest deposit I can buy with?
Eligible first home buyers may buy with 5% through the 5% Deposit Scheme. Otherwise, some lenders lend up to 90–95% with LMI. A family guarantee can reduce the cash needed further.
Can I get a low deposit loan from any bank?
Not all lenders offer them. Major banks and non-bank lenders may have options, depending on your financial profile and the property you’re buying.
Can I still get a competitive interest rate?
It’s possible. Rates depend on your deposit, income, profession and credit history. Some eligible professionals may borrow 85–90% without LMI, subject to lender policy.
Are low deposit loans more expensive?
They can be. Expect LMI and possibly a higher rate, plus more interest on a larger loan. Strong income and credit can help you access better terms.
Can LMI be added to my loan?
Many lenders allow it, so you don’t pay it upfront. You’ll pay interest on it over the loan term, which adds to the overall cost.
Will major lenders accept my application?
Some major lenders offer low deposit loans, but eligibility varies. We assess your situation and identify lenders that suit your goals.
LET’S MAKE A START
Your home may be
closer than you think.
Tell us about your savings and the property you’re aiming for. We’ll show which deposit paths you may qualify for and what each would cost.
Your LVR and deposit gap worked out
Schemes, LMI and guarantees compared
Personal guidance from an experienced team
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR FREE DEPOSIT CHAT
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