Owning a home in Australia can feel out of reach for many new arrivals, particularly those starting out as students or early-career professionals. For Shemil, a post-doctoral research fellow working in the agricultural sector, that perception shifted after learning about a government-backed support scheme that reduced the upfront cost of buying property.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Shemil arrived in Australia in 2019 as an international student. After completing his PhD, he secured a research role and later became a permanent resident. Like many in similar positions, home ownership was not an immediate priority, largely due to the financial barriers involved.
That changed when a conversation with colleagues introduced him to the First Home Guarantee, often referred to as the 5 per cent deposit scheme. The programme allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with a smaller deposit while avoiding lenders mortgage insurance, a cost that can add thousands to a loan.
Shemil used the scheme to purchase a two-bedroom apartment in New South Wales. He said the reduced deposit requirement made a noticeable difference to his timeline, allowing him to move away from renting sooner than expected. Without it, he estimates it would have taken several more years to save the amount typically required.
His decision to buy an apartment rather than a house was shaped by practicality. Living alone, he focused on what would suit his needs and budget, rather than stretching finances for a larger property. The process involved careful planning, including calculating costs and assessing what was manageable within his income.
Receiving the keys marked a personal milestone. He describes it as a moment of quiet pride, reflecting years of study, work and adjustment to life in a new country. The move has also brought changes to his daily routine, from managing household responsibilities to becoming part of a local community.
Having his own space has been one of the most noticeable shifts. Previously living in shared student accommodation, he now has the flexibility to set his own schedule. Everyday routines, including cooking, have taken on a different feel without the constraints of shared facilities.
Shemil also points to a growing sense of connection to his surroundings. Getting to know neighbours and participating in the building’s owners’ corporation has helped him feel more settled. Access to nearby shops offering South Asian groceries has added a sense of familiarity, linking his current life with his background.
Government schemes aimed at first-home buyers have been a key part of housing policy discussions in Australia. Supporters argue they can help people enter the property market sooner, especially those who might otherwise struggle to save a large deposit. Critics, however, have raised concerns that such measures can place additional pressure on housing demand, particularly in markets where supply is already tight.
For Shemil, awareness was the main barrier. He said he had not heard of the scheme until it was mentioned casually in conversation, suggesting that some eligible buyers may be unaware of the options available to them. He now encourages others in similar situations to research support programmes and assess their eligibility.
His experience reflects a broader pathway taken by many migrants who arrive for study or work and later decide to build long-term lives in Australia. While access to housing remains a challenge for some, targeted schemes continue to shape how first-time buyers approach the market.
As housing affordability remains under scrutiny nationwide, individual stories like this highlight both the opportunities created by policy measures and the ongoing debate around their wider impact.
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