First home buyers Adelaide.
Adelaide first home buyers who buy new pay no stamp duty at any price and get the $15K SA grant, the federal 5% Deposit Scheme gets them in with 5 percent and no LMI, and HomeStart helps borderline-eligible files. The math works at income levels where Sydney/Melbourne FHB is impossible.
Four reasons Adelaide FHB is achievable.
SA First Home Owner Grant is $15K (new homes)
SA pays first home buyers up to $15,000 toward a new home, with no value cap for contracts from 6 June 2024 (source: RevenueSA). Combined with no stamp duty on a new home and the federal 5% Deposit Scheme, the practical entry cost for Adelaide first-buyers is among the lowest in Australia.
No stamp duty on a new first home in SA
Since 6 June 2024, eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty on a new home, an off-the-plan apartment or vacant land to build on, with no value cap. Established homes don't qualify (source: RevenueSA). Buy new and the duty saving applies at any price.
HomeStart provides additional state-backed option
SA has the HomeStart Finance state-government lender for buyers who don't meet mainstream criteria. Lower deposit requirements (some products from 2 percent deposit), income tested, useful for borderline-eligible files alongside the 5% Deposit Scheme.
Adelaide is achievable at modest income
Combining lower entry prices, no stamp duty on a new home, the $15K grant and the federal 5% Deposit Scheme, qualifying Adelaide first-buyers on $80K to $100K income can genuinely buy without parental help. The math works at income levels where Sydney/Melbourne FHB is impossible.
From renter to owner, four phases.
Position + scheme eligibility
Income, savings, target Adelaide region. Map SA + federal schemes you qualify for.
Finance through a licensed broker
We refer you to a licensed broker in our network, who picks a lender that accepts your scheme and property type, including HomeStart where it fits. EWC takes no commission on your loan.
Find the property
Optional buyers agent support. Contracts include cooling-off, finance condition.
Settle + 12-month review
Conveyancing, settlement, key handover. 12-month review.
Six schemes worth knowing.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
5% deposit with no lenders mortgage insurance. No income caps and unlimited places since 1 October 2025. Price cap $900,000 in Adelaide, $500,000 in the rest of SA (source: Housing Australia).
SA First Home Owner Grant
Up to $15,000 toward a new home, with no value cap for contracts from 6 June 2024. Doesn't apply to established homes (source: RevenueSA).
SA first home stamp duty relief
No stamp duty on a new home, an off-the-plan apartment, a house and land package or vacant land to build on, with no value cap for contracts from 6 June 2024. Established homes are not eligible (source: RevenueSA).
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
Federal scheme: release up to $50,000 of voluntary super contributions toward a deposit, counting up to $15,000 from any one year (source: ATO).
HomeStart Finance (SA state-backed)
SA state-government lender for buyers who don't meet mainstream criteria. Some products from 2% deposit. Income + property caps apply.
Family guarantor loan
Parent's property equity as additional security.
Scheme details from RevenueSA, HomeStart Finance, Housing Australia and the ATO, checked November 2026. Thresholds change periodically; we confirm at engagement.
What Adelaide first-buyers ask us most.
What's the cheapest way to buy a first home in Adelaide?
Buy new and stack three things: the 5% Deposit Scheme (5% deposit, no LMI), no stamp duty on a new home at any price, and the $15K SA grant. On a $580K new Adelaide home, that's a $29K deposit with the $15K grant toward it, plus legal and loan costs. One of the lowest practical first home cash requirements in Australia.
Should I buy new build for the $15K SA FHOG?
In SA, buying new gets you both the $15K grant and no stamp duty, while an established home gets neither. If you like what new homes offer (modern layouts, lower maintenance), it is usually the cheaper way in. We model your options either way.
What is HomeStart and should I consider it?
HomeStart Finance is a SA state-government lender for buyers who don't meet mainstream criteria. Lower deposit requirements (from 2% on some products), but rates are typically higher than mainstream lenders. Useful for borderline-eligible files. A licensed broker in our network assesses whether the 5% Deposit Scheme or HomeStart suits you.
How does the 5% Deposit Scheme work in Adelaide?
5% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance for eligible first home buyers. Since 1 October 2025 there are no income caps and no limit on places, and the Adelaide price cap is $900,000 (source: Housing Australia). Combine it with no stamp duty and the grant on a new home.
How much do I need saved before approaching you?
Under the 5% Deposit Scheme the deposit is 5% of the price ($25K on a $500K home, $32.5K on $650K), plus legal and loan costs. A new home pays no stamp duty and gets the $15K grant. An established home pays full duty, so budget more if you buy established.
Can my first Adelaide home be an investment?
It has to be your home first. The grant, the stamp duty concession and the 5% Deposit Scheme all expect you to move in, usually within a year, and to stay for a set period (6 to 12 months depending on the scheme); breaking that can mean paying the benefit back. After that, many buyers keep their first home as an investment when they upgrade.
I work in Defence, does that help?
Defence income is treated as standard income by most lenders, including 5% Deposit Scheme panel lenders. Some lenders have specific Defence Force products with rate discounts. Adelaide has significant Defence employment so the lender market is familiar with these files.
What if I work for SA Health or Flinders?
Healthcare income is straightforward for most lenders. The Adelaide market has substantial healthcare employment so income recognition is well-established.
Pair with finance + acquisition.
Buy your first Adelaide home where the math actually works.
Book a 15-minute Adelaide FHB call.