Home Loan Deposit Calculator Australia
Estimate the deposit you need, your starting LVR, and likely upfront costs before applying for an Australian home loan.
Reviewed: March 13, 2026
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This calculator shows that the real home-loan decision is not just the deposit size. You also need to compare LVR, LMI, stamp duty, and the total cash left after settlement, especially if you are a first-home buyer using a smaller deposit.
Who this page is for
Use this page if you are deciding whether a 5%, 10%, or 20% deposit is realistic, comparing owner-occupier and investor entry points, or trying to separate the deposit from the rest of your upfront cash.
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A home loan deposit is the cash contribution you put into a property purchase before the lender funds the rest. A larger deposit usually lowers your LVR, can reduce or remove LMI, and can shrink the total cash pressure at settlement.
What this calculator helps you compare
Use this page to compare 5%, 10%, and 20% deposit scenarios, see how each deposit changes LVR and LMI, and understand how much extra cash may be needed for stamp duty and purchase fees.
Key Australian takeaways
- A smaller deposit can still be workable, but it usually increases LVR and LMI exposure.
- Deposit, LVR, LMI, and total upfront cash are linked but not interchangeable.
- First-home buyers may use support schemes or guarantor structures, but they still need to budget for duty and fees.
Compare common deposit scenarios
Tap a preset to jump between the most common home-loan deposit levels.
Estimated total cash needed
$160,000 + $33,159
Compare common deposit scenarios
Tap a preset to jump between the most common home-loan deposit levels.
How deposit size changes your outcome
- Smaller deposits increase LVR and can trigger LMI above 80% LVR.
- A larger deposit reduces the loan amount and often improves borrowing resilience.
- Stamp duty and fees still need separate cash, so the deposit is only part of the upfront budget.
What happens below a 20% deposit
Once the deposit drops below 20%, many borrowers move above 80% LVR and can face LMI or tighter lender policy settings. That does not always stop the purchase, but it usually means more risk, less buffer, and a greater need to compare lender rules carefully.
First home buyer deposit strategy
A first-home buyer does not always need a full 20% deposit to enter the market. A lower deposit may still work if lender policy, guarantor support, or a support scheme fits your profile, but you still need to understand LMI and whether you have enough separate cash left for duty and fees after settlement.
Australian example
Example only: on an $800,000 property, a 5% deposit is $40,000, a 10% deposit is $80,000, and a 20% deposit is $160,000. The smaller deposit gets you in sooner, but it can raise LVR, increase LMI, and leave less cash for the rest of the purchase costs.
Important notes
- LMI is an estimate only. Actual pricing varies by lender, product, and borrower profile.
- First Home Guarantee, guarantor support, or state grant eligibility is not fully modelled in this estimate.
- Use this as a planning tool, then confirm assumptions with a broker or lender.
Sources
- Public lender guidance on LVR, LMI, and low-deposit lending settings
- State revenue office transfer-duty schedules for deposit-plus-cash planning
- ASIC Moneysmart budgeting and first-home-buyer planning guidance
Deposit calculator FAQ
How much deposit do I need for a house in Australia?
Many borrowers target 20% to avoid LMI, but some buy with smaller deposits. The right amount depends on lender policy, your income, your risk tolerance, and how much extra cash you still need for stamp duty and fees.
Can I buy with a 5% deposit?
Yes, some borrowers can buy with a 5% deposit, but the loan may attract LMI or require eligibility for a government support scheme. A low deposit also means a higher LVR and a tighter cash buffer after settlement.
Does this calculator include LMI and stamp duty?
Yes. This page estimates LMI, stamp duty, and standard government or service fees so you can compare total cash needed, not just the deposit itself.
What happens if I have less than 20% deposit?
You may move above 80% LVR, which can trigger LMI and stricter lender settings. That can increase both your upfront cash requirement and long-term borrowing costs.
Do first home buyers need a full 20% deposit?
Not always. Some first-home buyers purchase with a smaller deposit, but they still need to understand LMI exposure, scheme eligibility, and whether they have enough separate cash for duty and fees.
Related tools
Use these pages together when planning an Australian home purchase: compare full upfront cash, borrowing range, and state-based duty.