Navigating Housing Affordability in Australia: Can First-Time Buyers Still Get Ahead?
- Lupo Finance
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
For many Australians, the dream of homeownership can feel like it’s slipping further out of reach. The latest figures show that median-income households may need up to 10.6 years just to save a 20% deposit in some capital cities. Add rising living costs and a competitive property market, and it’s no wonder many first-time buyers feel they’re running a race they can’t win.
At Lupo Finance, we believe you can still lead the pack — but it takes strategy, smart financing, and knowing where to hunt for opportunities.
The Current Affordability Landscape
Deposit hurdles: In Sydney, the median house price is around $1.1M, meaning a 20% deposit could exceed $220,000.
Loan serviceability: Stricter lending assessments mean you need to show you can handle repayments even if rates rise by 3%.
Price resilience: Despite high rates in recent years, property prices have held firm or risen in many regions due to limited supply.
The good news? Falling interest rates in 2025 could boost your borrowing power — but that same shift could push prices higher, so timing is key.
Strategies to Get Ahead
Look Beyond the City CoreRegional areas and outer suburbs are seeing strong growth while offering lower entry prices. Towns within commutable distance of capital cities can be smart long-term plays.
Leverage Government IncentivesPrograms like the First Home Guarantee or state-based stamp duty concessions can shave years off your savings timeline.
Consider a Smaller Deposit with LMIWhile avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is ideal, paying it can get you into the market sooner — especially if price growth is likely to outpace your savings rate.
Use a Broker to Widen Your Lender PoolWith access to over 75 lenders, Lupo Finance can find flexible options beyond the big four banks, including products with lower deposit requirements or non-standard income policies.
The Lupo Approach
Wolves don’t waste energy chasing every opportunity — they focus on the moves that bring the biggest reward. We take the same approach with your finance strategy:
Identifying markets where you get the most buying power for your budget.
Matching you with lenders who understand your circumstances.
Structuring loans so you’re not just buying now, but setting up for future moves.
Lead Your Financial Hunt
The market is competitive, but with the right strategy, first-time buyers can still break through. Your homeownership journey doesn’t need to start with compromise — it needs to start with confidence.
Let Lupo Finance help you lead the pack and secure your place in the market while opportunities are still within reach.
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