Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
Enhanced benefits for first home buyers purchasing in regional areas across Australia. Buy your home with just 5% deposit while enjoying the lifestyle and affordability of regional living.
Key Benefits
Just 5% Deposit
Lower deposit requirement for regional properties
No LMI
Government guarantee eliminates insurance costs
Regional Living
Better lifestyle, more space, lower property prices
More Affordable
Lower property prices mean bigger homes for your budget
How It Works
Find Your Regional Property
Search for properties in eligible regional areas across Australia. Regional areas typically offer more space, lower prices, and strong community connections.
Save Your 5% Deposit
You only need 5% of the property purchase price as your deposit. For a $400,000 regional home, that's just $20,000 instead of $80,000 (20%).
Government Guarantees 15%
The government provides a guarantee to your lender, eliminating the need for expensive Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Enjoy Regional Living
Move into your home and enjoy the benefits of regional living - more space, lower cost of living, and strong community connections.
Am I Eligible? (Updated October 2025)
Personal Requirements:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a natural person (not a company or trust)
- NEW: Not have owned property in Australia in the last 10 years (expanded eligibility)
- Meet income eligibility requirements
- Intend to live in the property as your primary residence
Property Requirements:
- Must be in an eligible regional area (outside major capitals)
- Property value under regional price caps (see updated table below)
- Can be established or newly built home
- Minimum 5% genuine savings deposit required (but less than 20%)
- Principal and interest repayments required
- 90-day pre-approval period to find and contract
October 2025 Regional Price Caps - INCREASED!
| State/Territory | Rest of State (Regional) |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | $800,000 |
| Victoria | $650,000 |
| Queensland | $700,000 |
| Western Australia | $600,000 |
| South Australia | $500,000 |
| Tasmania | $550,000 |
| Northern Territory | $600,000 |
Updated October 2025 - Regional areas offer more affordable entry points with increased caps
Popular Regional Areas
Victoria
- • Ballarat
- • Bendigo
- • Geelong
- • Warrnambool
- • Shepparton
New South Wales
- • Newcastle
- • Wollongong
- • Tamworth
- • Albury
- • Orange
Queensland
- • Toowoomba
- • Cairns
- • Townsville
- • Mackay
- • Rockhampton
South Australia
- • Mount Gambier
- • Whyalla
- • Murray Bridge
- • Port Augusta
- • Victor Harbor
Western Australia
- • Bunbury
- • Geraldton
- • Kalgoorlie
- • Albany
- • Port Hedland
Tasmania
- • Launceston
- • Devonport
- • Burnie
- • Ulverstone
- • Wynyard
Not sure if your area qualifies? Contact us to check if your preferred location is eligible under the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee.
Real Life Example
Tom & Maria's Regional Dream
Profile: Tom (32) and Maria (30), a couple working remotely with a combined income of $135,000. They were tired of city living and wanted more space for their growing family.
Challenge: They found a beautiful 4-bedroom home on a large block in Ballarat for $450,000, but only had $25,000 saved. City prices would have been $750,000+ for similar space.
Solution: Using the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, they only needed 5% deposit ($22,500) with no LMI, making regional homeownership immediately achievable.
The Numbers:
Property Price
$450,000
Deposit Required
$22,500 (5%)
LMI Saved
$18,000
Monthly Repayment
$2,850
Result: Tom and Maria now enjoy a spacious 4-bedroom home with a large backyard, lower cost of living, and a 90-minute train to Melbourne when needed. Their kids have space to play, and they're building equity while paying less than city rent.
Why Choose Regional Living?
More Affordable
Property prices are typically 30-50% lower than capital cities, meaning your money goes much further.
More Space
Get a larger home with land for the same price as a small apartment in the city.
Better Lifestyle
Enjoy cleaner air, less traffic, tight-knit communities, and easy access to nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a "regional area"?
Regional areas are typically defined as locations outside the greater metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Most areas with populations under 250,000 qualify, but it's best to check specific postcodes.
Can I work remotely and still use this scheme?
Yes! Many people are taking advantage of remote work opportunities to move to regional areas while keeping their city-based jobs. You just need to live in the property as your primary residence.
What if I want to move back to the city later?
You must live in the property as your primary residence initially, but you can later rent it out or sell it. There are no restrictions on moving or selling after the initial occupancy requirements are met.
Are services and amenities available in regional areas?
Most regional cities and towns have excellent services including schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and entertainment. Many also have strong job markets, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, and tourism.
How many places are available?
The government allocates specific places for regional applicants within the overall Home Guarantee Scheme. Contact us to check current availability and secure your place.
Ready to Make Your Regional Move?
Let us help you take advantage of regional first home buyer benefits and secure your dream home.