Australian Home Loan Deposit Calculator
Work out the deposit needed for a home loan — deposit targets, LMI thresholds, and upfront costs at your price point in AUD.
AU Home Loan Deposit Calculator
Deposit, LVR, LMI & the 5% Deposit Scheme · 2025–26
Deposit Summary
FIRST HOME BUYERYour deposit summary
A plain-English read of the deposit position for this property — the loan size, LVR, and whether Lenders Mortgage Insurance is likely to apply. Deposit, loan and LVR are calculated directly from the inputs.
Deposit scenarios for this property
The deposit, loan and LVR at different deposit sizes for an AUD 800,000 property. The row closest to your current deposit is highlighted. Indicative LMI is an illustration only and varies by lender.
| Deposit % | Deposit (AUD) | Loan (AUD) | LVR | Indicative LMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | AUD 40,000 | AUD 760,000 | 95% | AUD 24,320 |
| 10% | AUD 80,000 | AUD 720,000 | 90% | AUD 11,520 |
| 15% | AUD 120,000 | AUD 680,000 | 85% | AUD 6,120 |
| 20% | AUD 160,000 | AUD 640,000 | 80% | Not required |
Lenders Mortgage Insurance & the 5% Deposit Scheme
LMI is a one-off cost generally payable when the loan exceeds 80% of the property value. It protects the lender, not the borrower. The figures below are indicative only — actual premiums are set by lenders and insurers (for example Helia and QBE) and vary. ASIC MoneySmart ↗
| LVR band | Indicative LMI (% of loan) | Est. on this loan | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% or below | 0% | AUD 0 | No LMI |
| 80.01% - 85% | 0.90% | AUD 6,480 | — |
| 85.01% - 90% | 1.60% | AUD 11,520 | ◀ This loan |
| 90.01% - 95% | 3.20% | AUD 23,040 | — |
| Above 95% | 4.50% | AUD 32,400 | — |
Deposit savings timeline
Based on your current deposit and monthly savings, the estimated time to reach common deposit targets for this property. This is an illustration that excludes interest earned, price changes, and other costs.
How a Home Loan Deposit Works in Australia
A reference guide to deposits, loan-to-value ratios, and lenders mortgage insurance — common scenarios, first home buyer programs, and worked examples. All figures verified against ABS, ASIC MoneySmart, and Housing Australia.
Deposits and the Australian Property Market
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the mean price of residential dwellings across Australia at approximately AUD 1,100,400 in the June quarter 2026, with the total value of the dwelling stock rising 8.5% over the year. For most buyers, saving the deposit is the largest single step in the purchase process.
The size of the deposit determines the loan-to-value ratio (LVR) — the loan amount as a percentage of the property value. A 20% deposit produces an 80% LVR, the level at which lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) generally no longer applies. A deposit below 20% produces an LVR above 80%, at which point LMI typically applies, unless a government guarantee covers the gap.
Common Deposit Scenarios
How different deposit sizes affect the loan, the LVR, and whether LMI applies. These are general descriptions only — individual lender policies vary.
20% deposit
A 20% deposit produces an 80% LVR, the level at which LMI generally does not apply. On a property priced at AUD 800,000, a 20% deposit is AUD 160,000 and the loan is AUD 640,000.
5%–10% deposit
A deposit between 5% and 10% places the LVR between 90% and 95%. LMI generally applies in a standard loan unless a government guarantee is used. A smaller deposit means a larger loan and more interest paid over the loan term.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance
LMI is a one-off cost that generally applies when the loan is more than 80% of the property value. It protects the lender, not the borrower, and can be paid upfront or added to the loan. Premiums are set by insurers and vary by lender, deposit size, and loan amount.
5% Deposit Scheme
Under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible first home buyers can buy with a 5% deposit while the government guarantees the gap to 20%, so LMI is not charged. Property price caps and eligibility rules apply.
Deposit & Program Comparisons
How deposit sizes change the loan and LVR, and how the main Australian first home buyer programs compare.
Deposit Sizes on the National Mean Dwelling Price
| Deposit | Deposit amount | Loan amount | LVR | LMI generally applies? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | AUD 55,555 | AUD 1,055,545 | 95% | Yes — unless a guarantee is used |
| 10% | AUD 111,110 | AUD 999,990 | 90% | Yes |
| 15% | AUD 166,665 | AUD 944,435 | 85% | Yes |
| 20% | AUD 222,220 | AUD 888,880 | 80% | No |
Based on the ABS national mean dwelling price of AUD 1,100,400 (June quarter 2026). Figures are illustrative.
First Home Buyer Support Programs
| Program | Deposit | How it works | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee) | 5% | Government guarantees the gap to 20%, so no LMI is charged | First home buyers; property price caps apply; places uncapped from 1 Oct 2025 |
| Family Home Guarantee | 2% | Government guarantees the gap to 20% for eligible single parents and guardians; no LMI | Single parent or legal guardian with at least one dependant; price caps apply |
| Help to Buy | 2% | Shared equity — government contributes up to 40% of the price for a new home or 30% for an existing home | Income caps AUD 100,000 single / AUD 160,000 couple; 10,000 places each year |
| First Home Super Saver Scheme | — | Lets eligible first home buyers release voluntary super contributions to put toward a deposit | Up to AUD 50,000 of voluntary contributions can be released |
Worked Examples
Illustrative scenarios showing how deposit size affects the loan, the LVR, and LMI. Figures are examples only and do not reflect any individual's circumstances.
Australian Home Loan Deposit Snapshot
Deposits by state, by size, and the 5% Deposit Scheme price caps
ABS dwelling values · June quarter 2026 · Released 9 June 2026Deposit by State
Mean dwelling price and indicative deposits by state
Deposit by Size
Deposit amount at each size on the national mean (AUD 1,100,400)
5% Deposit Scheme Price Caps
Capital city & regional centre caps by state (from 1 Oct 2025)
Indicative LMI by LVR Band
Illustrative only — not a quote. Premiums are set by insurers.
| State / Territory | Mean dwelling price | 20% deposit | 5% deposit | 5% Scheme cap (capital) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | AUD 1,304,900 | AUD 260,980 | AUD 65,245 | AUD 1,500,000 |
| VIC | AUD 918,400 | AUD 183,680 | AUD 45,920 | AUD 950,000 |
| QLD | AUD 1,130,600 | AUD 226,120 | AUD 56,530 | AUD 1,000,000 |
| WA | AUD 1,123,700 | AUD 224,740 | AUD 56,185 | AUD 850,000 |
| SA | AUD 979,600 | AUD 195,920 | AUD 48,980 | AUD 900,000 |
| TAS | AUD 733,200 | AUD 146,640 | AUD 36,660 | AUD 700,000 |
| ACT | AUD 981,700 | AUD 196,340 | AUD 49,085 | AUD 1,000,000 |
| NT | AUD 614,400 | AUD 122,880 | AUD 30,720 | AUD 600,000 |
Australian Home Loan Deposit News & Updates
Recent Housing Australia, Treasury, ABS, ASIC and ATO announcements affecting home loan deposits and first home buyers — sourced from official government channels.
National Mean Dwelling Price Reaches AUD 1.11 Million
The ABS released the Total Value of Dwellings for the March quarter 2026, putting the mean price of residential dwellings across Australia at approximately AUD 1,111,100, with the total value of the dwelling stock up 11.9% over the year.
Key Changes
- National mean dwelling price of approximately AUD 1,111,100 in the March quarter 2026
- Total value of residential dwellings rose 11.9% over the year
- NSW recorded the highest mean dwelling price at approximately AUD 1,324,800
- NT recorded the lowest state mean at approximately AUD 597,300
Why It Matters for Deposits
A 20% deposit on the national mean is around AUD 222,220, and a 5% deposit is around AUD 55,555. Deposit amounts at every percentage move with dwelling prices.
What to Watch
The figures are quarterly and the ABS revises earlier estimates as more data becomes available.
Help to Buy Shared-Equity Scheme Opens
The Australian Government's Help to Buy shared-equity scheme opened, allowing eligible buyers to purchase with a 2% deposit while the government takes an equity share in the property.
Key Changes
- Minimum deposit of 2% for eligible buyers
- Government contributes up to 40% of the price for a new home or 30% for an existing home
- Income caps of AUD 100,000 for a single buyer and AUD 160,000 for a couple
- 10,000 places each year, delivered through participating lenders
Why It Matters for Deposits
Shared equity reduces both the deposit and the loan needed, because the government funds part of the purchase price in exchange for an equity share.
What to Watch
Places, income caps, and property price limits apply, and the government holds an equity share that is settled later.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme Expands
The First Home Guarantee was expanded and renamed the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, letting eligible first home buyers purchase with a 5% deposit while the government guarantees the gap to 20%, so no LMI is charged.
Key Changes
- 5% deposit with no lenders mortgage insurance — the government guarantees the gap to 20%
- Income caps removed for the scheme
- Number of available places uncapped from 1 October 2025
- Property price caps raised across all states and territories
- Available to eligible first home buyers
Why It Matters for Deposits
Eligible first home buyers can enter the market with a 5% deposit and without the one-off cost of LMI, subject to the relevant price cap.
What to Watch
Property price caps vary by state and territory and are set by the Australian Government.
Home Loan Deposit — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about deposits, loan-to-value ratios, lenders mortgage insurance, and first home buyer support — verified against official Australian government guidance.
Lenders generally look for a deposit of at least 5% to 20% of the property price. A 20% deposit produces an 80% loan-to-value ratio (LVR) and generally avoids lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). A smaller deposit is possible but usually means LMI in a standard loan, unless a government guarantee applies. On the ABS national mean dwelling price of AUD 1,100,400, a 20% deposit is around AUD 220,080 and a 5% deposit is around AUD 55,020.
ASIC MoneySmartLVR is the loan amount as a percentage of the property's value. If you borrow AUD 640,000 against an AUD 800,000 property, the LVR is 80%. A larger deposit lowers the LVR. Lenders use LVR to assess a loan application and to decide whether LMI applies.
ASIC MoneySmartThe loan is generally the property price minus the deposit. On an AUD 800,000 property with a 20% (AUD 160,000) deposit, the loan is AUD 640,000. A smaller deposit means a larger loan and more interest over the loan term. Upfront costs such as stamp duty and fees are usually paid separately from the deposit.
ASIC MoneySmartA larger deposit lowers the amount borrowed, which reduces total interest over the loan term, and a deposit of 20% or more generally avoids LMI. The estimated loan and indicative LMI shown by the calculator change as the deposit changes. Actual interest rates and fees are set by lenders.
ASIC MoneySmartBeyond the deposit, buyers generally face costs such as stamp duty (transfer duty), conveyancing or legal fees, loan establishment fees, building and pest inspections, and LMI where applicable. These vary by state and lender. The calculator includes a separate field for other upfront costs.
ASIC MoneySmartLMI is a one-off cost that generally applies when you borrow more than 80% of a property's value (a deposit under 20%). It protects the lender, not the borrower, if the loan cannot be repaid. It can be paid upfront or added to the loan. Premiums are set by insurers and vary by lender, deposit size, and loan amount.
ASIC MoneySmartLMI premiums are not published by government and are set by mortgage insurers such as Helia and QBE. They vary with the loan amount and the LVR — broadly, the smaller the deposit, the higher the premium. Any LMI figure shown by the calculator is indicative only and not a quote; a lender provides the actual premium.
ASIC MoneySmartLMI generally does not apply at an LVR of 80% or below, which usually means a deposit of 20% or more. It may also not apply where a government guarantee covers the gap to 20% — for example under the 5% Deposit Scheme or the Family Home Guarantee — or where a lender waives it for certain professions. Conditions are set by lenders and the relevant scheme.
ASIC MoneySmartNo. LMI protects the lender if a borrower cannot repay the loan. Mortgage protection insurance is a separate, optional product that may cover a borrower's repayments in events such as illness or job loss. The calculator's indicative LMI figure refers to lenders mortgage insurance only.
ASIC MoneySmartEligible first home buyers can buy with a 5% deposit under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, where the government guarantees the gap to 20% so no LMI is charged. Income caps were removed and places became uncapped from 1 October 2025. Property price caps apply by state and territory.
Housing AustraliaCaps vary by state and territory and between capital cities or regional centres and other areas. From 1 October 2025, the NSW capital-city cap is AUD 1,500,000 (AUD 800,000 elsewhere), with capital caps of VIC AUD 950,000, QLD AUD 1,000,000, WA AUD 850,000, SA AUD 900,000, and TAS AUD 700,000. A property above the relevant cap is not eligible.
Housing AustraliaUnder the 5% Deposit Scheme, the buyer owns 100% of the property and the government guarantees the gap to 20%, so LMI is not charged. Under Help to Buy, the buyer can purchase with a 2% deposit, but the government takes an equity share of up to 40% of a new home or 30% of an existing home. Each has its own eligibility rules and caps.
Housing AustraliaThe First Home Super Saver Scheme lets eligible first home buyers release voluntary super contributions — up to AUD 50,000 of contributions plus associated earnings — to put toward a first home deposit. A maximum of AUD 15,000 of voluntary contributions per financial year counts toward the limit. The ATO determines the release amount on application.
ATOThe time depends on the deposit target and how much is saved each period. As a simple example, saving AUD 2,000 a month toward a 20% deposit of AUD 160,000 on an AUD 800,000 property, starting from AUD 80,000, would take about 40 months. The calculator's savings timeline estimates this from your inputs; it does not account for interest earned on savings or changes in property prices.
ASIC MoneySmartA First Home Owner Grant, where available, is a separate state or territory payment and is not the same as a deposit. Grant amounts and eligibility differ by state. The calculator estimates the deposit, loan, and indicative LMI from the property price and savings entered, and does not include any grant.
Housing AustraliaImportant Disclaimer
For educational and informational purposes only. This calculator produces estimates of a home loan deposit, loan amount, and loan-to-value ratio (LVR) in Australian dollars (AUD) based on the inputs provided and on published property values and government scheme parameters current at the time of writing. Mean dwelling values are drawn from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and scheme price caps and eligibility settings reflect the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee) administered by Housing Australia. The calculator simplifies many aspects of property finance and does not capture every cost, lender policy, or individual circumstance.
Estimates only — indicative LMI is not a quote. Any Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) figure shown is an indicative illustration only, generated from a simplified percentage band based on the loan-to-value ratio. It is not a quote and is not sourced from any insurer or lender. Actual LMI premiums are set by the mortgage insurer (such as Helia or QBE) and vary by lender, loan amount, deposit size, property type, and borrower profile. Stamp duty, conveyancing, lender fees, government charges, and other upfront costs vary by state and territory and by transaction, and the figures shown may differ materially from amounts payable in practice.
No warranty of accuracy. While Money Snap takes reasonable care to source figures from official authorities (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Housing Australia, ASIC MoneySmart, ATO), this calculator is provided "as is" without any express or implied warranty as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or fitness for any particular purpose. Property values, scheme caps, eligibility rules, interest rates, and lender policies change frequently — figures shown may be out of date, and individual circumstances not captured by the inputs may materially affect actual deposit requirements and loan outcomes.
Not financial advice. Information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Results do not constitute financial, credit, tax, or legal advice and use of this calculator does not create an advisory relationship. Eligibility for the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy, the First Home Super Saver Scheme, or any LMI waiver is determined by the relevant authority or lender, not by this calculator. For personal guidance, a licensed mortgage broker, an Australian Credit Licence holder, or a licensed financial adviser can be consulted, and official program details are available from Housing Australia and ASIC MoneySmart.
Limitation of liability. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Money Snap accepts no liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense — direct or indirect — arising from reliance on this calculator or the information it produces. Users are responsible for verifying all figures with the relevant authority or lender before relying on them. Use of this calculator is subject to our Terms of Use.
Official data sources
Data sources: Mean dwelling prices from ABS Total Value of Dwellings, March quarter 2026 (released 9 June 2026). Price caps from Housing Australia — 5% Deposit Scheme. LMI concept: ASIC MoneySmart. Indicative LMI percentages are illustrative only and not a quote.