Everything you need to know about buying your first home in Adelaide — grants, low-deposit options, stamp duty relief, and how an Adelaide mortgage broker can guide you from saving to settlement.
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can feel overwhelming. Between saving a deposit, understanding grants, and navigating the lending market, there's a lot to take in. The good news? South Australian first home buyers have access to some of the most generous support in the country.
As a family-owned Australian mortgage broker based in Adelaide, we help first home buyers across the country — from the Adelaide suburbs to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and regional Australia. We compare first home buyer loans from over 60 lenders and guide you through every grant and concession available in your state or territory.
$15,000 for eligible new homes in South Australia
Significant stamp duty concessions for eligible first home buyers in SA
Buy with as little as 5% deposit without paying LMI
From your first enquiry to collecting the keys, our Adelaide mortgage brokers handle the heavy lifting — comparing lenders, maximising grants, and making sure you understand every step.
We're not a call centre or an online comparison tool. We're a family-owned Australian mortgage broker with 17+ years of experience — and we help first home buyers in every state and territory.
We compare the whole market — not just the big four — to find the right loan and rate for your situation.
Based in Adelaide but helping first home buyers across every state and territory. We know the grants, concessions, and lenders nationwide.
We've helped hundreds of Australian families purchase their first homes across every state.
Our broking service is free for most standard applications. We're paid by the lender at settlement — not you.
The First Home Guarantee lets eligible Adelaide buyers purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit — without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Purchase a property with a deposit as low as:
5%
General applicants
2%
Eligible single parents
Without paying LMI!
The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan, which provides the lender with the security equivalent to a 20% deposit.
Example:
Your 5% deposit + Government's 15% guarantee = 20% security for the lender
This significantly lowers the barrier to entry into homeownership.
While this scheme significantly lowers the barrier to entry, it's important to understand the trade-off:
South Australian first home buyers can access the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant and significant stamp duty concessions. Here's how they work.
$15,000
Save Up To
~$21,000
Many Adelaide first home buyers are eligible for the FHOG, stamp duty relief, and the First Home Guarantee — all at the same time. That could mean getting into your first home with a smaller deposit and thousands in savings.
Check Your EligibilityEach state has different grants, stamp duty rules, and schemes. We know them all — here's a quick reference.
| State / Territory | FHOG | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia | $15,000 | No property value cap |
| New South Wales | $10,000 | Full stamp duty exemption up to $800k |
| Victoria | $10,000 | Full stamp duty exemption up to $600k |
| Queensland | $30,000 | Highest FHOG (temporary until 30 June 2026) |
| Western Australia | $10,000 | Cap up to $1M north of 26th parallel |
| Tasmania | $10,000 | Full exemption on established homes up to $750k |
| Northern Territory | $50,000 | Highest grant in Australia, no value cap |
| ACT | Concession scheme | Home Buyer Concession Scheme (FHOG replaced) |
Grants and concessions are subject to eligibility criteria and may change. We'll help you understand exactly what applies to you.
Saving a deposit is often the biggest hurdle. Here's how LMI works — and the options available to reduce or avoid it.
A deposit of less than 20% typically requires the borrower to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). LMI is a one-off insurance premium that protects the lender—not the borrower—against potential loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
Important:
LMI can add thousands of dollars to the upfront cost of buying a home, and it protects the lender, not you.
The traditional approach: Save 20% of the property value as your deposit
Government guarantees up to 15% of your loan, allowing a 5% deposit without LMI
Potential Savings
On a $500,000 property with a 10% deposit, LMI could cost you $10,000-$20,000. The First Home Guarantee eliminates this cost entirely!
Two more ways Adelaide first home buyers can strengthen their loan application — even without a large deposit.
Most lenders want to see at least 5% of the purchase price in genuine savings — funds you've accumulated over time through regular deposits into a savings account, term deposits, or shares held for at least three months.
What usually counts:
A family guarantor — usually a parent — can use the equity in their own property as additional security for your loan. This can help you buy with a smaller deposit and avoid LMI.
Key points:
Understanding the process before you start house hunting puts you ahead of other buyers.
Pre-approval gives you a clear budget before you start looking at properties. It also shows agents and sellers you're a serious buyer.
Lenders assess more than just your deposit. Here's what they review:
We've seen it all. Here are the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them.
House hunting without pre-approval can lead to disappointment. Know your budget before you fall in love with a property.
Stamp duty, conveyancing, building inspections, and moving costs add up. Budget for more than just the deposit.
Walking into your bank limits your options. A broker compares 60+ lenders to find the best deal for your situation.
Government grants and schemes have specific eligibility windows. We'll help you stay on top of what's available.
A few hundred dollars now can save tens of thousands in unexpected repairs. Always do your due diligence.
Buying your first home is a big decision. Take your time, do your research, and get professional advice before signing.
From saving your deposit to collecting the keys — here's your step-by-step guide.
Check Your Borrowing Capacity
Book a free consultation so we can assess how much you can borrow.
Save Your Deposit
Aim for 5-20% of the purchase price. We'll explain your deposit options.
Understand Your Budget
Factor in stamp duty, legal fees, LMI (if applicable), and moving costs.
Obtain Pre-Approval
We'll submit your application and secure pre-approval within 24-48 hours.
Find the Right Property
Start searching within your budget. Consider location, size, and future growth.
Sign the Contract
Engage a solicitor or conveyancer. Review the contract carefully before signing.
Final Loan Approval
We convert your pre-approval to a full application and manage the process through to unconditional approval.
Settlement
Funds are transferred, the title is registered in your name, and the property is officially yours.
Collect the Keys!
Congratulations — you're a homeowner! We'll stay in touch with ongoing loan reviews.
Let's break down the numbers on a typical $600,000 first home purchase in Adelaide so you can see exactly where your money goes.
Standard purchase, no first home buyer support
FHOG, stamp duty relief & First Home Guarantee
Here are the Adelaide suburbs first home buyers are targeting — from entry-level to aspirational.
~$400k – $500k
Affordable entry points with strong rental demand and infrastructure growth in Adelaide's north.
~$500k – $600k
Adelaide Hills lifestyle with new estates, families flocking to the area, and easy freeway access.
~$500k – $600k
Southern coastal suburbs popular with first home buyers, close to beaches and train line.
~$500k – $650k
North-eastern suburbs near Westfield Tea Tree Plaza, O-Bahn access, and good schools.
~$600k – $750k
Eastern suburbs with reliable growth, close to Linear Park and a short commute to the CBD.
~$650k – $850k
Inner-city lifestyle suburbs with strong capital growth and high buyer demand.
Property prices are indicative and change frequently. We can help you understand what's achievable in your target suburb.
Talk About Your Target SuburbsAnswers to the questions Adelaide first home buyers ask most.
We've helped hundreds of Adelaide first home buyers navigate grants, compare loans, and get their keys. Your free consultation is the first step.