Family Home Guarantee & more
Single Parent Home Loans
Buying — or buying back in — as a single parent is very achievable with the right structure. Between the Family Home Guarantee, lender policies that count family payments as income, and realistic deposit planning, there is usually a path. We map yours before you fall in love with a property.
The Family Home Guarantee, in plain English
The Family Home Guarantee lets eligible single parents and single legal guardians buy with as little as a 2% deposit and no LMI, because the government guarantees part of the loan. You do not need to be a first home buyer — re-entering the market after a separation counts.
Places, price caps and eligibility settings change with federal budgets, so we confirm the current rules and participating lenders on the day you enquire — not what a blog said last year. If the scheme is not the right fit, we compare it honestly against a standard low-deposit loan with LMI.
How lenders assess single-parent income
Serviceability is the real test. Lenders differ widely on how they treat Family Tax Benefit, child support and part-time or casual income. Some count child support in full with a court order or BCA agreement; others shade it or ignore it. Picking the right lender first can change your borrowing power by six figures.
We also model the household budget honestly — childcare, school costs and a buffer — so the repayment works in real life, not just on a bank calculator.
Deposit options when saving is hard
Beyond the Family Home Guarantee, options can include a family guarantor for part of the deposit, first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions if you have never owned, and lenders who accept smaller genuine-savings histories.
If the numbers do not work today, we tell you that too — with a concrete plan for what changes it: a deposit target, a debt to clear, or a scheme window to watch.
FAQ
Single Parent Home Loans — common questions
Can I buy a home with a 2% deposit as a single parent?
Potentially yes, through the Family Home Guarantee if you meet the income, price-cap and dependant criteria and a place is available. We check live eligibility and participating lenders before you commit to anything.
Do I need to be a first home buyer for the Family Home Guarantee?
No. Single parents who have owned property before — for example prior to a separation — can qualify, provided you do not currently own property and meet the other criteria.
Will lenders count my Centrelink payments as income?
Some lenders include Family Tax Benefit A and B for dependants under a certain age; policies differ on parenting payments. Lender choice matters enormously here — that is a large part of what we do.
Does child support count towards my borrowing power?
Often yes, if it is formalised (court order or registered agreement) and has a track record, with some lenders requiring the children to be under a certain age. Informal arrangements are harder — we match you to lenders whose policy fits your situation.
I work part-time. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily. Lenders want stable, provable income. Part-time and casual income is widely accepted with the right employment history, and can combine with family payments and child support for serviceability.
What happens to the loan if I later re-partner or sell?
The guarantee applies while you meet the scheme conditions; selling or refinancing is allowed and the guarantee simply falls away. We explain the exit rules before you enter.
Is there a fee for your help?
Most residential loans pay us via lender commission at settlement, including scheme loans. We disclose remuneration before you appoint us.
Ready to compare lenders?
Tell us what you are trying to do. We will come back with a shortlist, not a product dump.