Case studies

Supporting home ownership: Beth's story

For Beth, buying her first home meant more than owning a property, it meant coming home. Beth had been saving for around 18 months while planning her path to home ownership. During that time, she moved in with her parents in a new area but always hoped to return to the community where she grew up and had strong local connections. 

Woman painting a wall

With guidance from her mortgage broker, Beth applied for the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, which helped ensure she was eligible and able to move forward with confidence.

The Scheme allowed Beth to purchase a unit in the Skye area, Victoria, where she had grown up - something she says wouldn't have happened without the Scheme. "It was really important for me to move back home," said Beth. "The Scheme helped me do that."

Now a young home owner, Beth says the change has brought a strong sense of stability, independence and pride. "It's really good not having to rent," she said. "To have something of my own - if I want to paint, I can, because it's mine."

One moment made it all feel real for Beth. "Having my friends over for the first time," she said. "That's when it hit me, I'm finally a home owner."

Remaining connected to her local community was a key factor in Beth's decision to purchase in Skye. She continues to play soccer in the area and says those ties mean a great deal to her. In fact, the first person she told when she found out she could buy her home wasn't family - it was her soccer coach.

For Beth, the 5% Deposit Scheme didn't just support her into home ownership. It helped her return to the place where she feels she belongs, providing security, independence and a strong foundation for the future.