Guarantor home loans

Buy sooner with a little help from family

A family guarantee lets a parent or close relative use the equity in their home as extra security for your loan. You could buy with a small deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance. We explain how it works to both of you, clearly and honestly.

Your guarantor is welcome to join the chat. No cost to you in most cases.

How it works

How a family guarantee works

It's one of the fastest ways into your own home, as long as everyone understands what they're agreeing to.

Their equity, not their cash

Your guarantor doesn't hand over any money. Part of the equity in their property is used as extra security for your loan.

Limited to a set amount

A guarantee can usually be limited to part of the loan, such as the gap between your deposit and 20% of the price.

You make the repayments

The loan is yours. You still need to show the lender you can afford the repayments on your own income.

No mortgage insurance

With the guarantee covering the gap, you can usually avoid lenders mortgage insurance, which can save thousands.

Release it later

Once your loan is below 80% of your home's value, you can usually apply to have the guarantee removed.

Who can be a guarantor

Usually parents. Some lenders accept other close family, such as grandparents or siblings. Each lender has its own rules.

For your guarantor

The full picture for your family

A guarantee is a big decision. We'll explain it to your guarantor honestly, and they should get their own independent legal advice before signing.

The risks

Moneysmart

Being a guarantor is a serious commitment, even within a family.

  • If you can't make the repayments, your guarantor may have to pay up to the guaranteed amount
  • The property they offer as security could be at risk
  • Lenders may take the guarantee into account if they apply for credit themselves
  • Money problems can put pressure on family relationships
Source: Moneysmart

Their protections

Credit law and Banking Code

The law gives guarantors important rights before and after they sign.

  • They get a copy of your loan contract before the guarantee takes effect
  • Banks give them time to get independent advice, and they sign away from you
  • They can withdraw before the loan is first drawn down
  • Saying no is always an option
Source: Law Handbook SA

Questions to ask first

Before anyone signs

Talk these through as a family before you apply.

  • Exactly how much is being guaranteed, and when does it end?
  • Could the guarantor cover that amount if they ever had to?
  • Which property is being used as security?
  • What's the plan to have the guarantee released?
Source: Moneysmart

No family guarantor?

Government schemes

There are other ways to buy with a small deposit and no mortgage insurance.

  • Eligible first home buyers may be able to buy with a 5% deposit under the First Home Guarantee
  • Eligible single parents and legal guardians may be able to buy with a 2% deposit under the Family Home Guarantee
  • Eligibility criteria and price caps apply
  • We'll check which option suits you best
Source: Housing Australia · Our first home buyer guide
Your options

Guarantee, mortgage insurance or keep saving?

There's no one right answer. Here's how the three most common paths compare.

Family guaranteePay mortgage insuranceSave 20%
Deposit you needSmall, sometimes noneUsually at least 5%20% of the price
Mortgage insuranceUsually noneYes, paid upfront or added to the loanNone
Family involvedYes, their property is extra securityNoNo
When you can buySoonerSoonerLater, while you save

First home buyer? The First Home Guarantee may let you buy with 5% and no mortgage insurance. See our first home buyer guide.

How we help

Looking after you both

We keep the guarantee as small as possible and help release it as soon as we can.

  1. A free chatWith you, and with your guarantor too if they'd like to join.
  2. Work out the numbersYour borrowing power, and the smallest guarantee that will do the job.
  3. Choose the lenderEach lender treats guarantors differently. We find one that suits your family.
  4. Independent adviceYour guarantor gets their own legal advice before anyone signs.
  5. Release the guaranteeWe keep an eye on your loan and help remove the guarantee when you can.
Questions

Guarantor home loan FAQs

Who can be a guarantor on my home loan?

Usually a parent. Some lenders also accept other close family, such as grandparents or siblings. Your guarantor will normally need enough equity in their own property to cover the guaranteed amount. Each lender has its own rules, so we'll find one that suits your family.

Can I buy a home with no deposit?

With some lenders, yes. A family guarantee can cover the full 20%, and some lenders will lend up to 100% of the price, subject to eligibility. You'll usually still need money for stamp duty and other costs, and you must be able to afford the repayments on your own income.

Does my guarantor have to pay anything?

Not while you keep up your repayments. Your guarantor doesn't hand over any money. Part of the equity in their property is used as extra security. If you can't make your repayments, they may have to pay up to the guaranteed amount, and the property they offered as security could be at risk.

How do I get the guarantee removed?

Once your loan is below 80% of your home's value, through repayments, extra payments or growth in value, you can usually apply to have the guarantee removed. The lender will normally need a new valuation. We keep track of your loan and let you know when it's worth applying.

Will being a guarantor affect my parents' ability to borrow?

It can. Lenders may take the guarantee into account if your guarantor applies for credit themselves, even if you're keeping up your repayments. That's one more reason to keep the guarantee as small as possible and release it as soon as you can.

Can my guarantor be retired?

Some lenders accept guarantors who are retired, as long as they have enough equity in their property. Each lender's rules are different, so we'll check before you apply.

How much does it cost to use Monza Finance Group?

In most cases there's no cost to you. We're paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles. If a fee ever applies, we'll tell you in writing before we go ahead.

Thinking about a family guarantee?

Book a free chat, and bring your guarantor if you like. We'll explain how it works so everyone can decide with confidence.

General information only. Not financial advice. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Speak to a licensed broker about your situation.

Guarantors should get independent legal advice before signing a guarantee.

Lending criteria, fees and charges apply, and all loans are subject to lender approval.

Monza Finance Pty Ltd, ABN 21 617 504 186. Michael Barton is an Authorised Credit Representative (CRN 497244) of LMG Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 390222.

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