Introduction

For many South Australians, saving for a house deposit feels impossible. You’re trying to get ahead while juggling rent, bills, groceries, car costs, and maybe even student loans. And every time you get close, prices go up again.

So let’s talk honestly about why it’s so hard to save, and what real alternatives are available to help you build your first home — without waiting another 5 or 10 years.

The Reality: Why Saving a 20% Deposit Feels Out of Reach

In 2025, the average cost to build a new home in SA (including land) sits between $500,000–$650,000. A traditional 20% deposit would mean you need $100,000 to $130,000 saved — before stamp duty and fees.

Here’s why that’s tough for most first-time buyers:

• You’re still paying high rent while trying to save

• Everyday cost of living keeps rising- You may have HELP/HECS debts

• You might be starting or growing a family

• Property values increase faster than savings accounts

The Good News: You Don’t Always Need 20%

There are real pathways available in South Australia for people who have just 3–5% deposit, and are ready to build or buy now — not 10 years from now.

Some examples include:

• HomeStart Low Deposit Loan — Build from as little as 3% deposit, no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

• Graduate Loans — Borrow up to 97% if you’ve completed study in the last 3 years

• FHOG — Get $15,000 toward your home as a first-time buyer (can often be used as part of your deposit)

• Shared Equity Options — Borrow less and reduce your repayments now

Many buyers combine these options — and end up building sooner than they thought possible.

How We Help

We work with everyday people — singles, couples, young families — who feel stuck renting and unsure if they’ll ever get a home of their own.

As a New Home Broker, I don’t just sell homes. I:

• Walk you through your borrowing options

• Show you packages that fit your budget

• Help you qualify for low deposit finance options

• Connect you with trusted builders and lenders

• Provide step-by-step support from enquiry to key handover

What You Actually Need to Get Started

You don’t need six figures saved. In many cases, you just need:

✔️ A 3–5% deposit (this can include FHOG or gifts from family)

✔️ A stable income (minimum $30,000 p.a. for singles, $50,000 combined)

✔️ A willingness to explore real solutions — not wait forever

Your First Step Is Free — And Could Change Everything

Even if you’re not sure you qualify — that’s where I come in. One quick chat can help you figure out:

• What you could borrow

• Whether you qualify for HomeStart or FHOG

• Which land and build packages might suit your budget

Contact Dan Coperich, New Home Broker at 369 Home Broker:

📞 0422 529 992 📧 dan@369homebroker.com.au | dancoperich@gmail.com

⭐️ 5-star rated for service, knowledge, and helping people get into their first home — even when they thought they couldn’t.

Don't let the myth of the “perfect deposit” stop you. Start where you are, and let’s make it work.