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From 1 October 2025, the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme allows more first-home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and skip lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). It’s a big accessibility boost, but in a city like Canberra where stock is tight and price movement is steady, the impacts could be sharp under the median.
At Hayman Partners, we see this as a shift in behaviour, not a fix in affordability. Here’s what you need to know.
5% deposit: Eligible buyers can enter with less upfront cash
No LMI: Avoids costs of $10k+
Higher price caps: More Canberra suburbs fall within the range
No income limits: Opens the scheme to more households
Perfect timing: Lands right as spring stock picks up
Increased competition under the $800k mark
Auction clearance rates may rise, if pricing is realistic
Mid-tier demand could lift from pass-up buyers
Canberra doesn’t boom overnight. But when buyer pools expand fast, especially in targeted brackets, price pressure can build quickly in pockets with limited listings.
It depends. Here’s the short answer:
Yes, it helps you access the market sooner
No, it doesn’t reduce loan repayments or long-term costs
You’ll need buffers for rising rates, insurance, and ongoing costs. This is not a free ride – it’s a leg-up, but only if you buy smart.
Yes. From October 1, the expanded scheme applies nationally with updated thresholds. Many ACT properties now qualify.
No. It reduces upfront entry costs (deposit + LMI), but overall affordability is still dictated by interest rates and repayments.
Possibly – especially for well-located homes under the cap. It adds heat to an already tight market segment.
Depends. Townhouses often hold land value better, but some units near town centres or light rail corridors offer solid value. Always check strata and build history.
Get pre-approved early and run conservative loan buffers
Set a ceiling – and stick to it
Prioritise location, land content and liveability
Inspect strata reports carefully
Don’t chase average properties with premium money
Guide price inside the new buyer pool
Focus on presentation – clean, styled homes stand out fast
Early spring is the sweet spot before listing volumes build
The best sellers this spring will read the room. The scheme is a lever, not a ladder to record prices – play it wisely.
No. Demand-side schemes like this don’t add homes – they just redistribute urgency. But Canberra has one bright spot:
Turner build-to-rent project: 15% of dwellings priced below 75% of market rent
Pipeline: ACT policy settings are leading on BTR, with more to come
It’s a small but smart move toward long-term affordability.
This scheme changes how fast homes sell – not how many get built.
If you’re buying, focus on location, liveability, and long-term value.
If you’re selling, price where the buyers are, and be ready to compete for attention.
If you’re unsure, talk to us.
We’ll help you find value where it actually exists – not just where it trends.
📞 Contact Hayman Partners today for a tailored suburb brief or listing strategy.
Have a question we haven't quite answered? Use this form and we'll touch base within 24 hours.