First Home Buyer :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Is the 5% Deposit Scheme Driving Up Home Prices?

Understanding the Impact on First-Home Buyers

Is the 5% Deposit Scheme Driving Up Home Prices??w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Recent analyses indicate that the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme, designed to assist first-home buyers, may inadvertently be contributing to rising property prices.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a significant increase in mortgages issued to first-time buyers, with $19.310 billion recorded in the December quarter of 2025—a 16% rise from the previous quarter and the highest since early 2021.

Furthermore, the average size of these mortgages has reached a new peak of $607,500, marking an 8.3% increase in the same period. This trend suggests that while the scheme facilitates easier market entry, it also intensifies competition for affordable properties, potentially driving up prices.

Experts caution that this dynamic could lead to higher loan-to-value ratios for buyers, increasing financial vulnerability, especially if interest rates rise or property values stagnate. Prospective buyers are advised to consider these factors carefully and seek professional financial advice to navigate the complexities of the current housing market.

Published:Wednesday, 15th Apr 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Finance News

What Renewed Price Growth Means Before You Buy
What Renewed Price Growth Means Before You Buy
02 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s housing market is again showing signs of upward price pressure, with recent property reporting pointing to renewed gains across several capital cities and regional markets. For first-home buyers, the message is not simply that homes are becoming harder to reach. It is that every moving part of the purchase needs to be checked before making an offer. - read more
Could HELP Debt Relief Improve Your First-Home Loan Chances?
Could HELP Debt Relief Improve Your First-Home Loan Chances?
26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s student debt changes are becoming an important finance story for aspiring first-home buyers, especially graduates who have been carefully saving while also carrying a HELP balance. A lower study debt can make the path to a first home buyer home loan feel more achievable, but it is not a simple switch from “not ready” to “approved”. - read more
Why Mortgage Stress Headlines Matter Before You Apply
Why Mortgage Stress Headlines Matter Before You Apply
19 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent property and finance reporting has again highlighted pressure on Australian mortgage holders, with higher repayments, insurance costs, council rates and everyday bills leaving some households with less room to move. For first-home buyers, the main lesson is not that buying is out of reach. It is that preparation matters more when lenders and borrowers are both watching affordability closely. - read more
What Falling Fixed-Rate Offers Could Mean for First-Home Buyers
What Falling Fixed-Rate Offers Could Mean for First-Home Buyers
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Competition among Australian lenders is again showing up in fixed-rate home loan offers, with some banks and non-bank lenders adjusting pricing to win borrowers who want more certainty around repayments. For first-home buyers, the shift is worth watching because it may create more choice at the point where loan structure, deposit size and borrowing capacity all need to line up. - read more


Home Loan Articles

Understanding How Interest Rates Affect Your Home Loan Payment
Understanding How Interest Rates Affect Your Home Loan Payment
Interest rates might seem like just a number, but they play a crucial role in determining how much you ultimately pay for your home. Simply put, the interest rate on your home loan is the cost you incur for borrowing money from a lender. - read more
First Home Buyers: Mastering the Jargon of Home Loans
First Home Buyers: Mastering the Jargon of Home Loans
Buying your first home is a thrilling milestone, filled with anticipation and the promise of a new chapter in your life. For many Australians, it's a dream to own a place they can truly call their own. However, alongside the excitement, comes the reality of navigating the complex property market, which can be daunting for first-time buyers. - read more
Budgeting Blunders to Avoid When Buying Your First Home
Budgeting Blunders to Avoid When Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting experience, especially for young Australians. The journey is filled with challenges ranging from navigating the real estate market to securing a mortgage that won't stretch your finances too thin. - read more
How Credit Scores Can Affect Australian Home Loan Interest Rates
How Credit Scores Can Affect Australian Home Loan Interest Rates
Your credit score can influence more than whether a lender is willing to consider your home loan application. It may also affect the interest rate and loan terms you are offered, because lenders use credit history as one part of assessing repayment risk. Even a small rate difference can change monthly repayments and total interest over a long mortgage term. - read more

Knowledgebase
Consumer Credit Code:
An act of Parliament that governs the relationship that exists between borrowers and lenders.