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Learn more →Home Loans for Recent Graduates in Sydney
You've just started your career, your income is stepping up, and you want to get into the property market — but you have a HECS debt, a short employment history, and maybe not much deposit. The good news is that several lenders are more accommodating of graduates than you might think. We compare 60+ to find them.
Who this suits
Buying a home as a recent graduate can feel out of reach, but several lenders have policies that work in your favour. If any of the following sound like you, we can help:
- You've graduated recently and started your first professional role.
- You have a HECS debt and a short savings history.
- You're on a graduate program or starting salary with clear income growth.
- You want to buy your first home but think you need years of savings first.
- You're renting and wondering whether buying is even possible yet.
- You have family who might help with a guarantor and want to understand it.
What lenders look for from recent graduates
The main challenges for recent graduates are a short employment history, limited savings, and a HECS debt. But lenders also see a graduate with a professional qualification and an income that's likely to grow — and some are more willing to lend on that basis than you'd expect.
The key factors are the stability of your current income, how long you've been in your role, your deposit (including any gifts or grants), and how the lender calculates your HECS. We'll match you to lenders that read each of these factors most generously.
How HECS affects graduate borrowers
Income reduction vs monthly debt
Some lenders reduce your assessable income by the HECS repayment percentage; others treat it as a monthly debt. The income reduction method is generally more generous and results in a smaller reduction to your borrowing capacity.
Threshold proximity
If your income is near the HECS repayment threshold, some lenders won't reduce your borrowing capacity at all. We'll identify those lenders if your income is close to the threshold.
Paying down HECS
If you have savings above your deposit requirement, paying down part of your HECS may increase your borrowing capacity — but only with certain lenders. We'll run both scenarios so you can see the actual impact.
Deposit options for graduates
Most graduates don't have a 20% deposit, and that's okay. A 5% deposit is the minimum with most lenders, and a guarantor structure can take you further. The First Home Owner Grant ($10,000 for new homes up to $600,000) and the First Home Super Saver Scheme (up to $50,000 in voluntary contributions) can both supplement your deposit.
If your deposit includes a gift from family, some lenders will accept it as genuine savings if it's been in your account for three months, or with a statutory declaration confirming it's non-repayable. A guarantor can bypass the genuine savings requirement entirely.
What it costs you
Nothing. The lender pays us a commission for introducing the loan — you don't pay us a fee. We'll tell you exactly what commission we receive before you commit, in writing, as the law requires.
Common questions
Yes, if your income supports the loan. Some lenders accept graduates who've been in their role for as little as three to six months, especially if you're in a stable profession with a clear income trajectory.
No. HECS reduces your borrowing capacity but doesn't prevent you from getting a loan. The key is choosing a lender that calculates HECS fairly — we'll compare the options.
5% is the minimum with most lenders. If your deposit includes a family gift, some lenders will accept it. A guarantor can let you buy with an even smaller deposit and avoid LMI.
Yes. If you've made voluntary super contributions under the FHSSS, you can withdraw up to $50,000 plus associated earnings to put towards your first home. This can supplement your deposit significantly.
Some lenders will approve with three months in a new role, especially if it's in the same field as your degree. Others want six to twelve months. We'll find the lenders most likely to say yes.
Let's find out what you can borrow
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