For many Australians, saving for a 20% deposit feels like a major hurdle on the road to home ownership - and as property prices keep rising, it can feel like the goalposts are moving. Alternative deposit strategies, including low and no-deposit home loan solutions, offer a different path. They allow you to restructure your finances so you can purchase a home sooner, without needing to wait years to build a deposit the traditional way.

In this article, we’ll discuss how these strategies work, whether they could be right for you, and what to consider before taking the next step.

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The Deposit Dilemma

It’s a frustration we hear often: “I know I can afford the repayments, but I just can’t get the deposit together”. 

Even with a steady income and good credit, setting aside tens of thousands for a deposit isn’t easy. The cycle of earning, renting and saving (slowly) - only to see prices climb - is often disheartening, and the reality is that for many people the deposit is the only thing in the way of homeownership. The Super Property team understands the challenges of getting a traditional home loan, so we use alternative financing to help people trapped in this cycle to enter the market on their own terms.

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What are Low or No-Deposit Home Loans?

Traditionally, lenders require a deposit of 10–20% of a property’s purchase price.

However, some buyers may be eligible for low-deposit loans (e.g. 5%) or structured no-deposit arrangements, depending on their financial position, employment history, and available assets.

In certain cases, it may be possible to fund the deposit using:

• Superannuation (via a self-managed super fund)
• Family guarantees, or support from a third party
• Debt consolidation to improve serviceability and access non-cash assets
• Shared equity or community funding models

These approaches are complex and not universally suitable - but when guided by professionals, they can open doors for buyers who would otherwise remain sidelined.

Wondering if these strategies could be right for you? Talk to our expert team

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Could You Benefit From A Low Or No-Deposit Home Loan?

Low or no-deposit strategies aren’t just for first-time buyers - they’re also helping single-income earners, young families, and those getting back on their feet after a life change. 

At Super Property, we’ve worked with everyday Australians in all kinds of circumstances. While everyone’s journey is different, we’ve found that people who meet the following criteria are often well-suited to alternative deposit strategies:

• You’re earning consistently but can’t seem to get ahead.
  Maybe you’ve got a full-time job, a solid rental history, and a bit of super saved, but the deposit still feels out of reach. You’re not alone. We often work with people in this exact position, using existing assets to help fast-track their path to homeownership. 
• You’ve gone through a major life change and need a fresh start.
  Separation or divorce can shift your financial footing. If you’ve had to start over, there may still be a way forward. We’ve helped people rebuild sooner by using tailored strategies that don’t rely on traditional savings.
• You’re thinking long-term and want to retire securely.
  You’ve spent years working and contributing to your super, but worry about what retirement might actually look like. For some clients, entering the property market now is a key part of their plan to build lasting wealth and stability.
• You’re cautious about investing and want something tangible.Other investments require time, research and experience that most everyday Aussies just don’t have access to. Investing in the share market can often feel volatile or complex, and it’s hard to know which of the many voices to listen to. Many of our clients prefer the familiarity of property, especially when guided by people who understand the financial landscape and can help them make confident, informed decisions.

Sound familiar? Take our eligibility quiz

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What to Consider Before You Apply

Low or no-deposit strategies can open new doors, but like any financial decision, they work best when approached with care and the right advice. There are a few things we encourage every client to consider before moving forward:

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• The way your finances are structured matters. It’s important to have a clear plan in place - ideally with input from professionals who can help you weigh the short-term benefits against your long-term goals.
• Not every lender works the same way. Alternative deposit strategies often sit outside the traditional lending box. That means it’s crucial to work with brokers and advisers who know how to navigate these models and can connect you with lenders who understand your situation.
• Affordability is still important. Even if you’re not contributing a deposit upfront, lenders will still assess your ability to meet repayments. Demonstrating stable income, manageable debt, and a pathway to equity growth will all work in your favour.

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Taking the first step

If you're feeling stuck between what you can afford and what’s on offer, you're not alone - and you're not out of options. The Super Property team has worked with hundreds of Australians who thought homeownership was out of reach, only to discover that the right strategy made it possible.

Whether you're ready to act or just want to understand your options, our free eligibility quiz is a great place to start. It only takes a few minutes, and it could be the beginning of a whole new chapter.