Data collected by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) shows that 5,500 guarantees have already been issued through the scheme while a further 4,500 first home buyers have been reserved guarantees for property purchases in the coming months.

Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar said the scheme had proven popular despite the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic.

"Despite the COVID-19 health crisis causing a slight flattening of demand in the Scheme in mid-March, first home buyers have shown huge confidence in the housing market and have moved quickly to secure the remaining guarantees available before the 30 June deadline," Mr Sukkar said. 

Over half (58%) of the guarantees were made to borrowers under the age of 30, while 59% were made to singles.

The average income of single borrowers was $67,387 while the average combined income of couples who received guarantees was $109,525.

Interestingly, 11% of applicants for the scheme were over 40 years of age.

"This is is a clear indication the Scheme is helping Australians who are a bit older and may have struggled in the past to get a deposit together," Mr Sukkar said.

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest variable interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

Update resultsUpdate
Filters
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
6.04% p.a.
6.06% p.a.
$2,408
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
70%
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  • Immediate cashback upon settlement
  • $2,000 for loans up to $700,000
  • $4,000 for loans over $700,000
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,396
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
 Featured Apply In Minutes
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
  • Immediate cashback upon settlement
  • $2,000 for loans up to $700,000
  • $4,000 for loans over $700,000

More details
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

First home buyers who missed out will get a second chance to apply for the scheme when it reopens from July 1 for a further 10,000 guarantees.

If you can't wait until then, first home buyers could still be in with a chance.

"While all places have been reserved,  some places may become available again when they expire or applicants do not proceed to buying a property," the NHFIC said.

"As such, it is still possible for borrowers to reserve a Scheme place should one become available."

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme allows eligible first home buyers to purchase property with as little as 5% deposit and avoid paying costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). 



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