General information only. This article explains a federal government scheme. It is not financial advice, and eligibility is confirmed by a participating lender. Correct as at November 2026.
Family Home Guarantee Perth, the short answer: yes. Eligible single parents and single legal guardians can buy a home with a deposit of as little as 2% of the property value.
The Australian Government, through Housing Australia, guarantees up to 18% of the property value. That guarantee is what lets you buy with 2% down without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) on the loan.
Since 1 October 2025, the price cap for a home in Perth under the Home Guarantee Scheme is $850,000. Here is how the Family Home Guarantee Perth buyers use actually works, step by step.
The Family Home Guarantee is one of the Home Guarantee Scheme products run by Housing Australia. It is designed for single parents and single legal guardians who want to buy a home to live in.
With the Family Home Guarantee Perth buyers still need a home loan from a participating lender and must meet that lender’s normal credit and serviceability rules. The guarantee replaces part of the deposit, not the loan assessment.
Housing Australia sets the core Family Home Guarantee eligibility rules. You must be:
Housing Australia defines a dependent child in two ways:
Housing Australia lists the Western Australian caps that apply from 1 October 2025:
This is where you need to check carefully. Housing Australia’s key terms page says that from 1 October 2025, income caps and the limit on available places were removed for all Guarantees.
Some of its older FAQ pages still show a $125,000 income cap and 5,000 Family Home Guarantee places for 2025-26. Because the two sources differ, confirm your eligibility with a participating lender before you rely on either figure.
A single parent home loan under the scheme works like a normal home loan, with one difference: the guarantee covers the gap between your 2% deposit and the 20% a lender usually wants before it waives LMI.
For example, on a $600,000 Perth home, a 2% deposit is $12,000. The guarantee could cover up to 18%, or $108,000, of the property value. You still need to budget for stamp duty, legal fees and moving costs.
The property must be your home. Housing Australia says the guarantee ends if you stop living in the property without an exemption, or if you rent it out.
If the guarantee ends, your lender may require LMI. Talk to your lender before you move out, even temporarily, so you understand your options.
You apply through a participating lender or a broker who works with participating lenders. The usual steps are:
Both are part of the Home Guarantee Scheme, but they suit different buyers. The Family Home Guarantee is for single parents and single legal guardians, needs a deposit of as little as 2%, and is open to previous owners who will hold no other property.
The First Home Guarantee is for first home buyers and needs a deposit of as little as 5%. If you are a single parent, compare both with your broker before you choose.
Have these ready before you apply for the Family Home Guarantee Perth lenders offer:
Avoid these when you use the Family Home Guarantee Perth buyers rely on:
Often, yes. Using the Family Home Guarantee Perth buyers can still apply for state support. Eligible first home buyers in WA may also qualify for the First Home Owner Grant on a new home and WA stamp duty concessions. Each has its own rules, so check them separately.
Our stamp duty calculator helps you estimate upfront costs, and our guide to buying a first home in Perth with a 5% deposit explains the First Home Guarantee if you are not a single parent.
Buying on one income takes careful planning. We assess your borrowing power using real lender policy, check your Family Home Guarantee Perth eligibility, and match you with a participating lender.
We will also tell you plainly if another option suits you better, such as the First Home Guarantee or waiting until your deposit grows.
As a first home buyer mortgage broker in Perth, we also manage your pre-approval and the paperwork. Our guide to home loan pre-approval in Perth explains what to expect.
You need a deposit of at least 2% of the property value. The government guarantee covers up to 18%, so you can buy without the usual 20% deposit.
No. You can be a first home buyer, or a previous owner who will have no other property interest once the new home settles.
From 1 October 2025, the cap for WA capital city properties is $850,000, and $600,000 for regional WA. Confirm the cap for your postcode with Housing Australia’s search tool.
Housing Australia’s key terms say income caps were removed for all Guarantees from 1 October 2025, but some older FAQ pages still list $125,000. Confirm the current rule with a participating lender.
The guarantee ends if you rent the property out or stop living there without an exemption. Your lender may then require LMI, so speak to them first.
Yes. A broker who works with participating lenders can check your eligibility, assess your borrowing power and lodge your pre-approval to secure the guarantee.
The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial advice. Home Guarantee Scheme eligibility, price caps and places are set by the Australian Government and Housing Australia and may change. Eligibility is confirmed by a participating lender. Sahil Saini is an authorised Credit Representative (no: 526177) of ratesonline.com.au Pty Ltd (ACN 122 052 582), Australian Credit Licence 384404. Lending is subject to lender credit criteria, terms, conditions and fees. Correct as at November 2026.
