Finance focus
Smart ways to save for a deposit

Owning your own home is one of the major life goals for most people. Saving for a deposit can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are a number of things to consider to get you started and on track for home ownership sooner than you think.

Analyse your current financial situation

Ok, this one seems a little obvious, but knowing where you’re starting from will help you set up for success. Think of it as your first brick on the foundation! Understanding your financial situation will get you in a good place to start setting your budget. Scrutinising your current financial situation should include things like current assets, income, any debts and living expenses. Now you’re able to see how much you’re able to save each month to put away for a deposit.

Know how much you can borrow

Having an idea of the amount you can borrow – which is determined by your current financial situation – can help you figure out how much you’ll need to save. There are a number of borrowing calculators out there that can help give you a ballpark figure, but they don’t confirm the size of repayments you’ll be able to make after you meet your other living expenses and financial commitments.

It’s always best to speak to your broker to get a more detailed assessment. With a loan pre-approval, you’ll know exactly how much you can afford to pay for a property. It gives you a solid understanding of your finances and a clear spending limit. Getting pre-approved through a reliable broker can also help identify possible issues that you may not be aware of, as well as spot something that may have been overlooked.

Know how much you need to save

Once you have an idea of your borrowing capacity, you should also consider additional fees and associated costs when purchasing a property. These include:

How long will you be saving for?

So, if you know how much you can save per month and how much you can borrow, you can now figure out roughly how long it’s going to take to save that deposit!

Check out this handy savings goal calculator to work out:

When you’re close to your goals, seek pre-approval, which means lender has agreed in principle, to provide finance towards the purchase of a home without committing to final approval.

Consider if you’re eligible for any government grants

If you’re a first home buyer, you may qualify for the following:

Tips for saving your deposit

One of the easiest ways to get the ball rolling with your home loan deposit is to reach out to your mortgage broker. We’re here to help you with anything you need, and with years of experience, we will be able to get you on the road to home ownership in no time.

Contact us today.


The information provided is general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. Your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. This article does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.