Use this calculator to determine whether buying a home now or saving for a larger deposit is the better option for you.
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By saving a 20% deposit, you can avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) but you’ll pay more in rent by delaying your purchase. In the meantime, house prices may grow out of your reach.
Find out which option is best for you using our simple calculator above.
Are the properties in your area increasing in value? The long term average growth for most capital city locations is around 8% per annum. Our calculator will use the average growth in your state over the last 25 or 50 years.
Hover your mouse over the ‘?’ icons in our calculators to find additional information on using the calculator.
It’s worth pointing out that having a bigger deposit (low LVR home loan) will give you the best deal on your home loan. But waiting to save up that extra cash may not always be feasible.
In most cases, you’ll find that it makes more sense to buy now rather than to save a larger deposit. It is because the cost of LMI is typically much less than the growth rate of a property.
However, if your local area isn’t increasing in value, there’s no harm in waiting. You can delay your purchase until you are sure about your financial position. Just make sure you have a savings plan and stick to it!
If the market is falling, then, of course, don’t buy!
Waiting will obviously leave you in a better position but try not to listen to the media. Instead, you can determine the market direction by looking at reliable sources such as RP Data, Residex and Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Not every lender has the same LMI premium rates. So, we’ve created a mortgage insurance calculator which compares lenders and lets you know if you’re eligible for any LMI discounts/waivers.
Yes, you can. However, you’ll need the support of your parents to guarantee your loan. The lender will use your parents property as additional security for your loan so you won’t have to pay LMI.
You can read more about this option on our guarantor mortgage page.
In addition, the very in-demand federal government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme allows first home buyers to borrow up to 95% of the property value without paying LMI.
We can find out which lenders can approve your loan.
Compare Costs of Buying Now vs. Saving
Assess the total costs of purchasing a property today versus waiting to save more, factoring in market conditions, deposit size, and interest rates.
Calculate Potential Property Value Growth
See how property values might change over time, helping you understand whether waiting to save more will result in a better deal or if buying now makes more sense.
Estimate Future Savings Impact
Understand how your savings can grow over time with different savings strategies, and whether it’ll help you secure a better property in the future.
Explore Loan Repayment Differences
Compare monthly loan repayments for a smaller deposit today versus a larger deposit in the future, helping you decide which option fits your budget.
Understand Market Conditions
Take into account current interest rates, property market trends, and inflation to help you decide whether to buy now or wait for better conditions.
Assess the Financial Impact of Delaying
See how waiting to buy could affect your long-term financial goals, including how much more you’ll need to save and the opportunity costs involved.
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