You generally need a deposit of 20% of the property’s value to avoid paying lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). LMI is a one-time insurance premium that protects the lender if your deposit is less than 20% and you can’t repay the loan. However, you may have other options.
You might be able to buy with a smaller deposit in certain situations. For example, first home buyers can use government incentives like the First Home Owner Grant to help front a deposit. First-time buyers can also use a guarantor, like a family member, who agrees to use their property as security to assist with getting a home loan.
While 20% is a target for many homebuyers, there are schemes that can help you buy a house with a deposit as low as 5%. In addition to saving for a deposit, you’ll also need to think about other upfront costs, such as stamp duty, legal fees, and moving expenses.
How much deposit you need will come down to how much you plan to borrow to buy a home.