The federal government’s expansion of the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme has been making headlines - and for good reason. On one hand removing the income cap and allowing buyers to enter the market with just a 5 per cent deposit is a meaningful step, especially for those who’ve been struggling to get a foot on the property ladder.
24.10.2025
NAB reveals 33% increase in friends and family buying a home together in the last year
Highest growth in Victoria (up 47%), South Australia (up 37%), and New South Wales (up 34%)
Siblings Ellie (19) and Logan (21) pooled their savings to get on the property ladder faster
After picking up the keys to their new house, siblings Ellie and Logan dropped their mattresses on the floor, ordered pizza, and enjoyed their first night as homeowners.
“A floor picnic,” Ellie said.
“We were just excited to be homeowners.”
Like many young Australians, the pair had been living with their parents while saving for a house deposit. Buying separately would have taken a lot longer, so by teaming up they could get on the property ladder much sooner.
Joint home loans to friends or family buying together are up over 33% across the past 12 months*, new NAB data shows.
Highest growth has been seen in Victoria (up 47%), South Australia (up 37%), and New South Wales (up 34%).
NAB Home Lending Executive Felix Sekulla says with lower rates and confidence in the market returning, more buyers are looking to re-enter the market.
“For several years, higher interest rates kept many would-be buyers on the sidelines,” said Mr Sekulla.
“With confidence in the market improving, helped in part by lower rates and more support available through various first-home buyer schemes, many Australians are back looking for their dream home.
“Buying with someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member, might not be the right strategy for everyone, but for many, this allows them to buy sooner, or buy in an area they might not be able to afford on their own.”
Ellie and Logan began the house hunt around Easter this year, inspecting about a half dozen properties before finding the house they now call home. A light-filled, four-bedroom house in Leopold, close to their grandfather’s home.
“As soon as we walked in, we knew it was the right place. The house has a nice kitchen, lots of natural light, and a huge outdoor entertainment area,” said Ellie.
Neither knew too much about the homebuying process, relying on family advice and online research before speaking to a NAB home loan expert who took them through the process. Through this conversation, they discovered they were eligible for the Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme, now called the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme.
“When it happens, it happens quickly. We signed the contracts in May, and the keys were unlocking the door by mid-June,” said Logan.
Mr Sekulla said many first-home buyers are getting creative in their search, exploring various paths to homeownership.
“Some are teaming up with family or friends to purchase together, sharing the financial responsibility to crack the market sooner,” Mr Sekulla said.
“Others are opting to rent-vest. Continuing to rent where they want to live while buying in a more affordable location.
“Many are also broadening their search, considering townhouses instead of standalone houses or looking at different suburbs to find better value.”
Notes :
*NAB proprietary home lending data (owner occupier loans) between August 2024 – July 2025 vs the year prior. Joint loans where borrowers are not listed as being in a relationship.
| State | Uptick |
|---|---|
| VIC | Uptick 47% |
| SA | Uptick 37% |
| NSW | Uptick 34% |
| WA | Uptick 30% |
| QLD | Uptick 19% |
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