First Home Buyer Loans for Nurses and Midwives
Discover First Home Buyer Programs and Schemes for Nurses
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Buying your first home as a nurse is one of the most significant financial steps you will take. At Nurse Loans, our Finance and Mortgage Brokers specialise in helping nurses and midwives access the right loan options, grants, and government schemes from lenders across Australia. Whether you are a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, or midwife, there are home buying programs for nurses designed to reduce your upfront costs and get you into your own home sooner.
As a nurse first home buyer, you may be eligible for a range of benefits, some of which are specific to nursing professionals. These include Lenders Mortgage Insurance waivers, the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, state-based grants, and stamp duty concessions. Understanding which programs apply to your situation is where our brokers add real value.
The support available to nurse first home buyers spans federal government schemes, state-based grants, and lender-specific benefits. The pages below cover each one in detail:
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme for Nurses: Buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI through the federal government scheme, with no income caps and no place limits from 1 October 2025.
Help to Buy Scheme: A shared equity program where the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home, reducing both your deposit and your mortgage.
First Home Owner Grant: A one-off state government payment of $50,000 in the NT, $30,000 in QLD, $20,000 in TAS, $15,000 in SA, and $10,000 in NSW, VIC, and WA for eligible buyers of new homes.
LMI Waivers for Nurses: Eligible nursing professionals may be able to purchase with a 10% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance at select lenders, with some lenders requiring a minimum income of $90,000.
There are several key home buying programs for nurses worth knowing about before you apply for a loan.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme allows eligible nurse first home buyers to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The scheme is also open to buyers who have not owned property in Australia in the last 10 years. Under this scheme, Housing Australia backs up to 15% of the value of the home loan for first home buyers, and up to 18% for eligible single parents and single legal guardians, who may be able to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit. Single parents and single legal guardians do not need to be first home buyers, but cannot keep another property interest at settlement. This means you do not need to save the full 20% deposit that lenders typically require to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
From 1 October 2025, there is no income cap for applicants, no limit on the number of places available, and property price caps have been increased across all locations. The scheme covers new and existing houses, townhouses, apartments, house and land packages, off-the-plan purchases, and vacant land with a building contract, provided the property falls below the price cap for your area. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over and apply through a Participating Lender authorised by Housing Australia. For more information, visit firsthomebuyers.gov.au.
First Home Owner Grant
The First Home Owner Grant is a state and territory government payment available to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. The grant is not specific to nursing, so any eligible first home buyer may be able to apply, including nurses and midwives. It was introduced in 2000 to offset the effect of the GST on home ownership and is funded and administered by each state and territory under their own legislation.
Grant amounts and eligibility rules vary. Current amounts include:
New South Wales: $10,000 for new homes valued up to $600,000, or up to $750,000 for house and land packages where the land and build are under separate contracts.
Victoria: $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000.
Queensland: $30,000 for eligible new homes valued up to $750,000.
South Australia: $15,000 for eligible first home owners purchasing or building a new home, with no property value cap for contracts signed on or after 6 June 2024.
Western Australia: $10,000 for new homes, with a property value cap of $800,000 for homes south of the 26th parallel, including Perth, and $1,000,000 for homes north of the 26th parallel.
Tasmania: $20,000 for eligible transactions commencing between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, with no property price cap.
Northern Territory: $50,000 under the HomeGrown Territory Grant for first home buyers building or buying a new home, with no cap on the build or purchase price.
ACT: The FHOG has been set to $0 since 1 July 2019. Instead, the ACT offers the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, and from 1 July 2026, eligible first home buyers in the ACT pay no stamp duty.
The grant generally applies only to new or substantially renovated properties and must be used for a home you intend to live in as your principal place of residence. Your broker can confirm the amount available in your state and whether your purchase qualifies.
Stamp Duty Concessions
Many states and territories offer stamp duty concessions or exemptions for first home buyers, including nurse first home buyers purchasing below certain price thresholds. These concessions can save you thousands of dollars at settlement.
In New South Wales, eligible first home buyers receive a full exemption on properties up to $800,000 and a concessional rate up to $1,000,000. In Victoria, eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties valued at $600,000 or less, with concessions up to $750,000. In Western Australia, for transactions entered into on or after 7 May 2026, first home buyers pay no stamp duty on homes valued up to $600,000, with concessions up to $800,000 statewide. The ACT abolished stamp duty for all eligible first home buyers from 1 July 2026. Each state has its own thresholds and rules, and your broker can walk you through what applies to your situation.
First Home Super Saver Scheme
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) allows eligible buyers to withdraw voluntary super contributions to use as part of their home deposit. The scheme is administered by the Australian Taxation Office and has been available since 1 July 2018. You can contribute a maximum of $15,000 in voluntary contributions in any single financial year, up to a total of $50,000 across all years. Because voluntary concessional contributions are taxed at 15% rather than your marginal income tax rate, your savings can grow faster than in a standard savings account. You also benefit from a 30% tax offset on assessable released amounts when you withdraw.
Once released, you must enter a contract to buy or build within 12 months, or re-contribute the amount back into your super. Your broker or financial adviser can help you plan contributions and withdrawals to align with your purchase timeline. For more information, visit the ATO's FHSSS page.
Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme
The Help to Buy Scheme is a shared equity program administered by Housing Australia, with applications open since 5 December 2025. Under Help to Buy, the Australian Government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home, or up to 30% for an existing home, in exchange for an equivalent equity share in the property. This may allow eligible buyers to purchase with a deposit as low as 2%, reducing both the deposit and mortgage required. You do not make regular repayments on the government's share, and you may be able to buy back some or all of it over time.
To be eligible, individual applicants must have a taxable income at or below $103,000 per year, or $165,000 for single parents and joint applicants, with thresholds indexed each year. Applicants must be Australian citizens aged 18 or over, must not currently own property, with limited exceptions, and must live in the home as their principal place of residence. Help to Buy can be used alongside the First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions, but it cannot be combined with the 5% Deposit Scheme or any other government shared equity scheme, loan or guarantee for the same purchase. The scheme is now available in every state and territory. Visit firsthomebuyers.gov.au for more detail.
Eligible nursing professionals may be able to access an LMI waiver at select lenders, including Westpac, BankVic, and People First Bank. Eligibility differs by lender. Westpac covers registered nurses and registered midwives earning $90,000 or more, People First Bank covers registered nurses, and BankVic's waiver may be limited to properties in specified locations. An LMI waiver may allow you to purchase a home with a 10% deposit and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which can otherwise add tens of thousands of dollars to your loan. Our brokers can confirm which lenders currently offer this benefit and whether your role, income and employment type qualify.
Enrolled nurses are generally not eligible for an LMI waiver at most lenders, but they can still access low deposit options through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. This scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI, making it a strong alternative for nurses at an earlier stage of their career. Government schemes, grants, and concessions can change over time, including adjustments to eligibility criteria, income thresholds, property price caps, and available grant amounts. Speak with one of our brokers to confirm the latest scheme details and your eligibility before making any decisions.
For more detail on how LMI waivers work for nursing professionals, visit our dedicated page on LMI waivers for nurses.
What home buying programs are available for nurses in Australia?
There may be a range of home buying programs for nurses in Australia, including federal schemes, state-based grants, and lender-specific benefits. At a federal level, these may include the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, which may allow eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance, and the Help to Buy Scheme, a shared equity program that may reduce the deposit and loan amount required. The First Home Super Saver Scheme may also allow you to use voluntary super contributions towards your deposit. Depending on your state or territory, you may also be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions. Some lenders may offer LMI waivers to registered nurses and midwives who meet certain income and employment criteria. Availability and eligibility can vary and may change over time, so it is worth speaking with one of our brokers to understand which programs could apply to your circumstances.
Can a nurse first home buyer combine multiple programs?
In some cases, a nurse first home buyer may be able to use more than one program, although this depends on the specific schemes involved and individual eligibility. For example, the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme may be used alongside the First Home Super Saver Scheme and state-based benefits like the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions. Some programs have restrictions on how they can be combined. The Help to Buy Scheme, for instance, cannot be used together with the 5% Deposit Scheme or any other government shared equity scheme, loan or guarantee for the same purchase, although it may be used with grants and stamp duty concessions. Other benefits, such as an LMI waiver and the 5% Deposit Scheme, may serve a similar purpose, so one may be more suitable than the other depending on your income, deposit, and lender. Because rules and eligibility criteria can change, speak with one of our brokers to explore which combination of programs may be available to you.
The process begins with a conversation about your property goals and financial situation. Our Finance and Mortgage Brokers explain the nurses first home buyer loan process, assess your borrowing position, and begin identifying suitable loan options from a wide panel of banks and lenders across Australia. This is also where we confirm which first home buyer programs for nurses you may be eligible for, including government grants and LMI waivers.
Your broker conducts a detailed review of your finances, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and savings. They determine your borrowing capacity and explain key terms such as loan-to-value ratio (LVR), Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and any government schemes or concessions available to nurses first home buyers. This includes confirming eligibility for the 5% deposit option and any state-based stamp duty concessions.
With a clear picture of your financial position, our Finance and Mortgage Brokers research and compare a range of loan options suited to nurses first home buyers. These may include fixed or variable interest rate loans, products with offset accounts, or loans with flexible repayment features. Your broker will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can choose the one that aligns with your needs as a first home buyer nurse.
Securing loan pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and strengthens your position when making offers on a property. For nurses first home buyers, pre-approval also confirms which grants or waivers have been factored into your borrowing position. Your broker prepares and submits the required documents, such as payslips, tax returns, and bank statements, to the lender for assessment.
Once you have selected your preferred loan, your broker completes and submits the formal application to the lender. They manage all required documentation, respond to any lender queries, and keep you informed throughout the process. This stage is particularly important for nurses first home buyers accessing specific schemes or waivers that require additional verification of your registration and employment status.
After your loan is formally approved, your broker reviews the loan agreement with you and confirms that all terms, including the interest rate, fees, and repayment schedule, are clear. They also assist with setting up your loan account and arranging any necessary insurance. For nurses first home buyers, this stage is where your eligibility for grants and concessions is finalised and applied.
At settlement, the lender advances the funds and ownership of the property transfers to you. Our brokers coordinate with your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure the process runs smoothly. After settlement, our Finance and Mortgage Brokers remain available for ongoing support, whether that involves managing repayments, exploring refinancing options, or planning your next property purchase.
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Thea Edwards
Nick and the team were so lovely. Professional, genuine, responsive and easy to deal with. Would highly recommend.
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simon preshaw
Nick and the team were a pleasure to work with. They answered all of my questions and if they weren't immediately available, they were always quick to call me back.
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sarah ander
As a first home buyer, Carl and the team at Azura were incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. They made everything feel straightforward and were always there to answer any questions along the way. I’ve already recommended them to friends and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get a mortgage!
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Alannah Paige
I am a first home buyer and had Carl as my mortgage broker. He worked diligently to follow up any issues or questions I had and made the process as smooth as it could. I highly recommend! Thank you Carl.
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Shaun Cunningham
As a founder, getting a mortgage requires a couple more hoops to jump through, which is why I couldn't recommend Nick O'Sullivan and the Azura team more highly. Not only were they able to offer a seamless process, but Nick was also patient with us as we changed our minds about when to buy (over a period of years!). The truth is anyone can approach a bank and get a mortgage, but when things don't go perfectly (e.g. abrupt government changes), that's when you want a pro on your team like Nick.
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Van Tran
Nick and the team at Azura Financial exceeded our expectations at every step. Their guidance was clear, their expertise was evident, and they handled every financial detail with care — giving us complete peace of mind throughout the process. We couldn't have asked for a better team by our side. Thank you very much, V&V.
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Philip Woods
Carl and team were absolutely impressive with their attentiveness to answering questions no matter how stupid they were. The urgency they put into attending to timelines and requests was superb. I would recommend them without hesitation.
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Nick was amazing to work with. He's easygoing, quick to reply, and genuinely a very competent broker. He made my loan possible and secured a great deal for me. Highly recommend:)
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Carina
Nick O’Sullivan helped me with my first investment property purchase last year. As it was my first time, I had plenty of questions, but he was always happy to help and made the whole process seamless. I recently used Nick again to refinance my loan and secure a great interest rate, and once again everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend Nick and his team and look forward to working with them again in the future.
In some cases, a nurse first home buyer may be able to use more than one program, although this depends on the specific schemes involved and individual eligibility. For example, federal schemes such as the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme may, in certain circumstances, be used alongside state-based benefits like the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions. Some programs may have restrictions on how they can be combined. The Help to Buy Scheme, for instance, is not able to be used with other shared equity programs. Other benefits, such as an LMI waiver and the 5% Deposit Scheme, may serve a similar purpose, so one may be more suitable than the other depending on your income, deposit, and lender. Because rules and eligibility criteria can change, speak with one of our brokers to explore which combination of programs may be available to you.
The deposit required will depend on the lending pathway a nurse is eligible for. Under the Australian Government's Home Guarantee Scheme, eligible first home buyer nurses may be able to purchase with a 5 percent deposit without paying LMI, as the government guarantees up to 15 percent of the property value. Some nurses may also qualify for an LMI waiver through a lender, which at Westpac Group lenders requires a minimum 10 percent deposit and a $90,000 gross annual income threshold. Standard lending without any scheme support or LMI waiver generally requires a higher deposit, though lender requirements vary.
There are no Australian Government first home buyer programs that are exclusive to nurses. Nurses buying their first home may be eligible for the Australian Government's Home Guarantee Scheme on the same terms as other eligible first home buyers, with the scheme having removed income caps and place limits from 1 October 2025. Some lenders separately offer LMI waiver policies for registered nurses and registered midwives that may reduce the deposit required to 10 percent, though these are lender policies and not exclusive to first home buyers.
First home owner grants and stamp duty concessions are administered by individual state and territory governments and are not specific to the nursing profession. Whether a nurse buying their first home is eligible for any grant or concession will depend on the state or territory, the purchase price, the property type and whether the home is newly built or established. For example, in New South Wales a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant applies to newly built homes, while a full transfer duty exemption applies to properties valued up to $800,000. In Victoria, the First Home Owner Grant is $10,000 for newly constructed homes valued up to $750,000. Current conditions should be confirmed with the relevant state revenue office at the time of application.
Guarantor arrangements, where a family member uses equity in their own property to support a first home buyer's application, may be available at some lenders. Whether this option is accessible to a nurse first home buyer will depend on the lender's policy on guarantor structures, and some LMI waiver programs may not be available in combination with family guarantee arrangements. Individual lender conditions should be confirmed before proceeding.
The process of buying a first home generally involves assessing borrowing capacity, seeking pre-approval, identifying a property, making an offer, progressing through formal loan approval and completing settlement. For nurses with shift-based income, confirming with a broker which lenders will include all relevant income components in their serviceability assessment before seeking pre-approval may affect the borrowing capacity outcome.
The Australian Government's Help to Buy scheme, which launched on 5 December 2025 and is administered by Housing Australia, allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 2 percent deposit. Under the scheme, the government contributes up to 40 percent of the purchase price for new homes and up to 30 percent for existing homes through a shared equity arrangement. The scheme is not exclusive to nurses and is subject to income thresholds, set at $100,000 for individual applicants and $160,000 for joint applicants and single parents, increasing to $103,000 and $165,000 respectively from 1 July 2026. Up to 10,000 places are available annually and property price caps apply by state and territory. Current eligibility conditions should be confirmed at housingaustralia.gov.au.
Trustee for the O'Sullivan Family Trust ABN: 29 235 649 437, Credit Representative #482294 and is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.
Disclaimer: This page provides 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 and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Names & Locations of users have been changed to protect their privacy and are illustrative only.
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