Single parent home loans
If you're a single parent keen to buy a home, there may be some lenders who will accept your Centrelink payments as part of your income.
If you're a single parent looking to buy a home, you have more options than you probably realise. Some lenders accept Centrelink payments when assessing your income on a loan application (we've listed some options below). And there's also a new government scheme that lets eligible single parents buy properties with 2% deposits.
Using Centrelink payments as income
As a single parent, you may be eligible to receive the Parenting Payment from Centrelink, and most lenders will accept it as part of your income. In addition to this, you may be eligible for the Childcare Benefit, which is also an acceptable form of income.
The federal government also offers the Family Tax Benefit, depending on your income. Once again, most lenders will accept this as a form of income, depending on the age of your children.
If you're receiving child support payments from a former partner, these are also taken into account when assessing your income.
For a full list of the Centrelink benefits lenders accept as income, read our guide.
The Family Home Guarantee
This federal government scheme allows single parents with incomes below $125,000 to qualify for home loans with 2% deposits. You need to borrow the remaining 98%, but you can avoid the extra cost of lenders mortgage insurance. This can save you thousands and help you buy a home sooner. It does mean borrowing quite a large amount of money, with minimal equity. So it might not be a good option, depending on your circumstances.
There is also a limit of 2,500 places a year for the scheme.
Finder survey: Do Australians use a mortgage broker to help choose a low-deposit loan?
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Yes | 70% |
| No | 30% |
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1112 Australians, December 2023
5 tips for saving a deposit on a single income
Trying to put together a deposit for a home while raising a child on a single income can be difficult, especially as the costs of both are increasing. Take note of the following if you're looking for ways to save for a home and you're the provider for a dependent child.
- Government assistance. Single income parents may be eligible for the federal government’s Family Tax Benefit A & B, Parenting Payment and the Child Care Benefit. Government assistance can help cover the incidental day-to-day expenses and larger expenses like rent and child care, which can give you a little more room in the budget to save.
- Estimate your borrowing power When it comes time to apply for your home loan, you will want to know how much you can borrow. A higher income means you can borrow more, and pre-approval will give you a ballpark figure. Once you’ve done a comparison of home loans, speak to the lender directly to find out whether parenting-related payments can be included on your home loan application.
- Budgeting. A budget is essential to any financial plan. List all the money you get, your income, and look at ways to cut down on your spending.
- Get a savings account. High-interest savings accounts are great if you’re saving for a goal, such as a mortgage deposit. Not only do the accounts let you earn interest, they also come with features to help you save. Automatic savings plans are a great way to save for a goal.
- Get the right home loan. Spend some time comparing home loans and find the loan that’s the right fit for you. The right loan charges less in fees and gives you the flexibility to change the features as your situation changes in the future. A comparison of fees versus features now will save you time and money later.
How to calculate your borrowing power
Get personalised help from a mortgage broker
Mortgage brokers specialise in helping borrowers in difficult or unique circumstances, including borrowers with Centrelink payments. They can help you find lenders who accept government assistance as a source of income, and will help you work out how much you'll realistically be able to borrow to avoid being rejected for a loan. Mortgage brokers get a commission from the lender, meaning you don't have to pay for their help.
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
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Can I use my super to buy a house?
How a self managed super fund can help, plus options for first-time buyers explained.
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House deposit calculator
Find out how much deposit you need to qualify for a home loan in Australia.
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The benefits of having a larger deposit
The larger your deposit, the better your chances of getting your home loan approved.
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Deposit Bonds
Deposit bonds benefit purchasers who do not have readily available access to a cash deposit or would prefer not to use their own cash.
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Using a gifted deposit for your home loan
Getting a home loan deposit from family as a gift? Cash gifts can help you get on the property ladder, but you need some genuine savings, too.
Ask a question
Hi, I have been looking for a way to buy a house on a low income. I have some savings in my bank, and I receive family tax benefits of $555.60 and child support of $628.33 per month. I’m looking for a comfortable new home for myself and my two daughters, aged 7 and 12. At the moment, I have a permanent part-time job like many other single moms, working five days a week. I’m reliable and earning, but sometimes it feels like all my money goes toward paying rent. This causes me anxiety, and I’m wondering if there is a way or option to buy my own home as soon as possible.
Thank you 🙏
Hello Samantha,
You’re doing your best in a tough situation. The housing market makes it so hard for single parents. We can’t really give you any personal advice here but some options you could consider are:
I hope this is helpful and I wish you luck in your search!
Hi… I have been looking the way to buy a house with low income, I got a saving around 2% plus family tax benefits forthrightly $240, child support $1,100 monthly just looking at new house a comfortable house for me and daughter 8 years old, at the moment I as a causal job like others single mum 5 days a week I always realisable and earning, but some time feeling the money have to gone for pay renting, I’m getting anxiety if there way and option to buy my own house as soon as I can please?
Hi Nittiya, It’s great to hear you are interesting in buying your home own home! There are a few programs that might be able to help you, such as the First Home Guarantee, that allows you to buy with a deposit from 2%.
It also might be a good idea to contact the National Debt Helpline. They can give you support with managing your budget and debts and they’re a free financial counselling service: https://ndh.org.au/
Hope this helps!
Hi,
if you earn over the $125 000 price cap is there any other schemes out there that you could be eligible for? meeting all other parts of the criteria.
Hi Jeffrey,
There’s a lot of grants and incentives you might be eligible for, you can learn more in this guide.
Hello
I would like to buy a home I am 41 years old I am single parent with 4 children’s under 12 years of age my income is child support and Centerlinc and I have a deposits
Please me let me know
Regards Dureti.
Hi Dureti,
Some lenders will accept Centrelink payments as income for a mortgage application. We are not able to recommend specific products to borrowers, we can only provide general information. A mortgage broker could help you with more personalised guidance.
Sorry we can’t be more help.
Richard
Hello,
I would like to buy a home. I am 48 years old, a perm p/t Qld gov employee (64 to 72 hrs / fn). I am a single parent of 2 children 13 & 16.
I am the sole provider. My average net income is $2100/ fortnight. Family tax $180/ ft. I do not have savings but do have a good credit history. I have currently have a personal loan owing $10,000. Could you tell me what options I have. If you think I would be eligible for a home loan who/ where to from here. Thanking you for your time.
Regards.
Hi Sue!
We know you’re doing your best to get qualified! :)
You can shoot an enquiry to your desired lenders of the choices below. They will have a broker to talk with you about the requirements.
All the best!
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan