Federal scheme, Adelaide context
A federal scheme administered by Housing Australia that lets eligible single parents and single legal guardians with at least one dependent child buy a home with a 2% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. You do not have to be a first home buyer to use it.
Every item below is drawn from a primary source cited beside it. If the scheme or rule changes after this review date, the primary source is the version of truth.
Deposit required
2% minimum
Eligible buyers save a 2% deposit; the federal government guarantees the remaining portion up to 20% so buyers avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Income cap
Removed from 1 October 2025
The previous A$125,000 taxable income cap for the Family Home Guarantee was removed as part of the October 2025 changes to federal home buyer support.
First home buyer status
Not required
The Family Home Guarantee is available to single parents and legal guardians whether or not they have owned a home before. This distinguishes it from the First Home Guarantee.
SA property price cap: Adelaide capital city
A$900,000
Applies to the Adelaide capital city statistical area (which extends beyond the CBD into greater metropolitan Adelaide).
SA property price cap: rest of SA
A$500,000
Applies to purchases outside the Adelaide capital city statistical area (regional SA).
You must be a single parent or a single legal guardian of at least one dependent child. Married or de facto couples do not qualify (even if separated but not divorced).
All applicants on the loan must be at least 18.
Eligibility applies to Australian citizens and permanent residents under the current scheme rules.
The property must be your principal place of residence. Investment properties do not qualify.
Purchase price must not exceed the price cap for the location (A$900,000 Adelaide capital city, A$500,000 rest of SA at time of writing).
The loan must be a standard principal-and-interest loan through a Housing Australia participating lender. Interest-only structures are not eligible.
Scenario
You already own a home
Unlike the First Home Guarantee, the Family Home Guarantee does not require you to be a first home buyer. Prior ownership rules have been updated over time; check the current Housing Australia rules.
Scenario
Stacking with SA schemes
The Family Home Guarantee is a federal loan-side scheme. The SA First Home Owner Grant and SA stamp duty relief are state-based schemes with their own (different) eligibility rules that generally require first home buyer status. Whether you can also claim the SA schemes depends on your specific circumstances.
Scenario
Choice of property (new or established)
The Family Home Guarantee is not restricted to new homes. You can use it for a new build, off-the-plan, or an established home, provided the price is within the cap.
Scenario
Shared custody arrangements
The dependent-child rule is defined by Housing Australia. Shared custody and step-child arrangements have specific interpretations. Confirm your circumstances with a participating lender or Housing Australia before you commit.
Frequently asked
Next step
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Every fact on this page is drawn from the primary sources below. Verify current details on the primary source before you rely on them.
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