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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

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Finance News

Is the 5% Deposit Scheme Driving Up Home Prices?
Is the 5% Deposit Scheme Driving Up Home Prices?
15 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
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. - read more
Growing Trend of First-Home Buyers Over 40 in Victoria
Growing Trend of First-Home Buyers Over 40 in Victoria
15 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Victoria is witnessing a notable shift in the demographics of first-home buyers, with a growing proportion making their initial property purchase after the age of 40. Recent data from the State Revenue Office indicates that over 1,000 Victorians in their 60s bought their first home in the past financial year. - read more
Significant Uptick in First-Home Buyer Loans in Late 2025
Significant Uptick in First-Home Buyer Loans in Late 2025
07 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian housing market witnessed a notable increase in first-home buyer activity during the final quarter of 2025. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates that the number of new first-home buyer loans rose by 6.8% to 31,783, marking the most substantial quarterly rise since late 2023. This surge reflects a growing confidence among first-time buyers, despite ongoing affordability challenges. - read more
Rising Age of First-Home Buyers in Australia: A Growing Trend
Rising Age of First-Home Buyers in Australia: A Growing Trend
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Recent data reveals a significant shift in the demographics of first-home buyers in Australia. The average age of individuals purchasing their first home has risen to 34, an increase of nearly two years since 2020. This trend highlights the evolving challenges and considerations faced by Australians aspiring to enter the property market. - read more


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Knowledgebase
Volatility:
A statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index. Higher volatility indicates higher risk.