These measures can make it easier to qualify for a low-interest and low-fee loan with a smaller deposit.
There are also a number of state and territory schemes that we'll cover, but this article will primarily focus on Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) home loans.
IBA can trace its history back to 1968 when the first Indigenous Business Development Program was established, backed by federal funding.
As of 2025, IBA's home ownership program has supported more than 22,000 families with the organisation approving more than $4 billion in home loans.
What is an Indigenous Business Australia home loan?
IBA home loans helps eligible First Nations homebuyers to purchase:
An established residential property
An established residential property and upgrade
Land and newly-built homes
IBA won't provide home loans for investment properties or properties that may be used for business purposes.
That said, IBA also offers extensive services to First Nations Australians seeking business and investment finance and support.
How do IBA home loans differ to regular home loans?
IBA loans differ considerably from home loans on the commercial home loan market, as follows:
Lower deposit required
Eligible buyers may be able to get a loan with as little as a $1,500 deposit, depending on their income (see table below).
Minimum deposit required for first-home buyers
Total gross income | Minimum deposit amount |
|---|---|
Up to $87,332 | $1,500 |
$87,3333 - $143,842 | $3,000 |
$143,843 - $169,528 | $6,000 |
$169,529 - $256,860 | $9,000 |
Source: IBA. Correct as at September, 2025. Subject to change at any time.
(Note: Previous home owners must contribute any remaining proceeds from a recent sale of their previous home.)
No LMI
These low-deposit loans come without the requirement to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) as would generally be levied on low-deposit loans on the mainstream home loan market.
No application fees
IBA charges no home loan application fees on new housing loans although standard government and other charges still apply to property transactions.
Flexible interest rates
The interest rates lBA levies depends on individual circumstances and loan requirements. Low and moderate income borrowers may be given a low starting rate that increases yearly until it reaches IBA's standard variable home loan rate.
IBA outlines its current interest rates and interest rate policy on its website.
Extra assistance for remote borrowers
Additional assistance is available to those living in remote areas or relocating from a remote area (more on this below).
What are the eligibility requirements for an IBA home loan?
To be eligible for an IBA home loan, at least one applicant must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and declare they:
are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
are recognised as such by their community
Additionally, each applicant must:
be at least 18 years of age
be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
have the legal capacity to enter into a loan agreement
not be currently bankrupt
intend to live in the home
not own an investment property
How much can you borrow with an IBA home loan?
The IBA doesn't specify a maximum loan amount available, instead working on a case-by-case basis.
This is decided upon after you lodge an 'expression of interest' form online, where you detail where you might like to buy, and how much you may need to borrow.
The IBA takes into account things like your income, number of dependents, whether or not you're a first-home buyer, and your other expenses.
Depending on your income, IBA may provide only a portion of the amount necessary to buy the home.
If this is the case, you will have to borrow the remaining amount from another lender.
It's important to remember if the IBA can't fund the entirety of the loan and you need to borrow from another lender you'll be subject to this lender's lending criteria, which may require a larger deposit than the IBA.
Can I use other government assistance with an IBA home loan?
Yes, it is possible to access other government assistance such as Housing Australia's:
IBA assistance can also be used in conjunction with state and territory government grants and schemes (see more on these below), as well as stamp duty concessions and exemptions.
How to apply for an IBA home loan
Here are the steps you'll have to take when applying for an IBA home loan:
- Prepare by undertaking some of IBA's free online home ownership information sessions and workshops. IBA also provides a home loan calculator to give you some idea how much you may be able to borrow and what your repayments may be.
- If you'll be ready to buy a home within the next three months, you can register your interest by completing the expression of interest form online.
- Your eligibility will be assessed and IBA will either invite you to apply for a loan or discuss any barriers. (Waiting periods can vary.)
- If you are eligible to apply, you can submit a home loan application.
- IBA will conduct a formal loan assessment.
- If you are pre-approved, you can start looking for a property.
Remote Indigenous Home Loans
The IBA also offers support in the form of the Remote Indigenous Home Loan, a package of financial assistance and grants which may include:
- An IBA standard introductory interest rate loan with a longer introductory period
- Up to $13,000 grant to meet establishment costs, such as legal and/or financial advice, pest report, property valuation, and initial home insurance costs
- Potential $20,000 grant available for minor home renovations, repairs, and maintenance (subject to eligibility)
- Low deposit requirements (from $1,500 depending on income)
Under the package, assistance is available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who currently or previously lived in a remote location. Generally, remote locations are communities that lack a significant history of home ownership, including:
- Locations were land title is held communally
- Locations with mixed land tenure arrangements
- Locations on land partly owned under community title that is not Commonwealth land
- Communities classified as Remote or Very Remote under Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) along with the four NSW locations of: Narrabri, Coonamble, Lake Cargelligo, and Barradine
These applicants can take advantage of a home loan with a longer introductory period and lower incremental interest rates.
Additionally, applicants may be eligible for the Establishment Costs Grant and the Remote Indigenous Home Buyer Grant:
Establishment Costs Grant
Applicants may also be eligible for a grant of $13,000 to meet the costs of buying a home. These costs include:
legal advice and fees
financial advice
mortgage registration
preparation of security documentation
stamp duty
property valuation
pest and building reports
pest control
initial home insurance
project manager costs for new constructions or renovations
Remote Indigenous Home Buyer Grant
For properties which require repairs or maintenance, a grant of $20,000 may be available to cover:
minor house repairs and maintenance
other costs associated with home purchased not covered under the establishment costs grant
Eligibility
Those who have permanently moved from a nominated remote location or small Indigenous community after 1 August 2015 remain eligible for the Remote Indigenous Home Loan package for up to five years after their moving date.
The applicant must have been a permanent resident of the remote community for three consecutive years and moved for education or employment opportunities.
State and territory government home loan support for Indigenous Australians
In addition to the IBA home loan offerings, some Australian states also offer support for First Nations Australians to buy a home.
New South Wales
The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), in conjunction with the NSW government, provides Home Ownership Grants.
Victoria
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can participate in the Victorian Homebuyer Fund's shared equity scheme with a 3.5% deposit, with the government contributing up to 35% of the purchase price.
Queensland
The Queensland government's Remote Home Ownership Program assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to purchase their own homes.
Western Australia
Run by Keystart, the Aboriginal Home Ownership Scheme supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with affordable home loan options including full or shared ownership loans. Eligible participants can take part with a deposit as low as 2% of a home's purchase price and no LMI.
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If you're a First Nations Australian, there are loans and grants, along with numerous online resources and information, that may help you purchase your own home.
The online information and workshops offered by the Indigenous Business Association is a good place to start.
Its products can be used in conjunction with other federal and state government grants and concessions that can support you on the path to home ownership.
For more information on securing a home loan through IBA, you can call 1800 107 107.