2% Deposit Scheme for Single Parents in Australia 2026 | Home Buyer Guide | QLoans.au

The Family Home Guarantee: Your 2% Pathway to a Forever Home

Family Home Guarantee (part of the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme), specifically designed to help single parents and legal guardians purchase a home.

Key Features & Benefits

• 2% Deposit: Eligible single parents can buy a home with as little as a 2% deposit.
• No LMI: The government guarantees the loan, so you don’t have to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
• No Income Caps: Unlike other schemes, your income level does not restrict access.
• Unlimited Spots: There are no waitlists; you can apply as soon as you are ready.
• Property Flexibility: Applies to new and existing houses, townhouses, apartments, house/land packages, and building on vacant land (subject to price caps).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least 18 years old).
• Be a single parent or single legal guardian of at least one dependent child.
• Not own any other property at the time of settlement.
• Purchase a property at or below the location’s price cap.
• Intend to live in the home as an owner-occupier.
• Apply as a single applicant (no joint applications).

Definition of Single Parent/Guardian

• You must have no spouse or de facto partner (separated but not divorced is generally not considered “single”).
• A dependent child must be your natural/adoptive child or a person under your legal guardianship who meets Social Security Act definitions.

Ongoing Obligations

You must continue to live in the property as your principal place of residence to maintain the government guarantee. If you move out or change the use of the property, the guarantee may be removed, and you may be required to pay LMI or other costs.