Cancel unused subscriptions and reduce discretionary spending like frequent dining out.
While 20% is the "gold standard" to avoid , several 2026 schemes let you enter much sooner: help buying a home for the first time
A shared equity program where the government contributes up to 40% for new builds or 30% for existing homes . You only need a 2% deposit, but you will share future capital gains with the government. help buying a home for the first time
You can use voluntary super contributions (up to $50,000) to save for your deposit more tax-effectively than a standard savings account. 3. Budget for the "Hidden" Costs help buying a home for the first time
Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating your first purchase, from saving that first dollar to picking up the keys.