Government Grants & Schemes to Help Single Mothers Enter the Property Market Now

The dream of homeownership can feel distant for single mothers navigating the Australian property market, but 2026 brings renewed opportunities through targeted government grants & schemes for single mothers and property assistance programmes. With approximately 1.1 million single-parent families in Australia—81% headed by women according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics—specialised support has never been more critical.

Understanding the Financial Landscape

Single-parent households in Australia earn a median weekly income of $1,116, compared to $2,735 for couple families with children, data from the ABS reveals. This substantial gap makes accessing traditional home loans challenging, yet government grants for single mothers are specifically designed to bridge this divide.

The median house price across Australia reached $788,000 in late 2025, according to CoreLogic, creating significant barriers to entry. However, targeted assistance programmes are actively working to level the playing field for single mothers seeking property ownership.

First Home Guarantee Scheme for Single Parents

The cornerstone of government grants for single mothers remains the First Home Guarantee (FHBG) scheme, administered by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation. This programme enables eligible single parents to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5%, eliminating the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

For the 2025-26 financial year, the government allocated 35,000 places under the FHBG, with single parents receiving priority consideration. Properties purchased must be valued below $800,000 in Sydney and Melbourne, $700,000 in Brisbane and Perth, and $600,000 in Adelaide and regional areas.

Paul Virdi, Director of Alpha Real Property Group, observes: "Single mothers represent one of the most resilient segments of property buyers we encounter. With the right guidance and access to government grants for single mothers, they're not just entering the market—they're building generational wealth and stability for their families. The schemes available in 2026 provide unprecedented opportunities that shouldn't be overlooked."

Family Home Guarantee Programme

Specifically tailored for single parents, the Family Home Guarantee (FHG) offers 5,000 places annually, with single mothers comprising the majority of recipients. This scheme allows eligible single parents with dependents to purchase a home with just a 2% deposit while the government guarantees up to 18% of the property value.

Services Australia reports that successful FHG applicants in 2025 saved an average of $21,400 in LMI costs, representing significant financial relief. The scheme applies to properties valued up to $950,000 in Sydney, $850,000 in Melbourne, and varying amounts across other capital cities and regional areas.

State-Specific Support for Single Mothers

Beyond federal initiatives, state governments offer additional government grants for single mothers entering the property market:

Victoria provides the First Home-Owner Grant of $10,000 for properties valued up to $750,000, alongside stamp duty concessions that can save single mothers up to $55,000. The Victorian government's Homebuyer Fund also allows eligible purchasers to buy a home with the government contributing up to 25% of the property price as a shared equity partner.

New South Wales offers stamp duty exemptions for first home buyers purchasing properties under $800,000, potentially saving $31,000. The state's Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper scheme enables the government to contribute up to 40% of the purchase price, significantly reducing loan requirements.

Queensland delivers a $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for newly constructed homes, combined with stamp duty concessions. The Queensland Housing Finance Loan provides low-deposit loans specifically for single parents, with interest rates typically 0.5% below standard variable rates.

Western Australia maintains a $10,000 First Home-Owner Grant and provides stamp duty rebates worth up to $19,350 for eligible properties. Keystart loans, backed by the WA government, offer 2% deposit home loans with shared appreciation arrangements available.

Additional Financial Support Mechanisms

Single mothers accessing government grants for single mothers should also investigate complementary support:

The Rent to Buy Scheme, operating in several states, allows single parents to rent properties with a portion of payments contributing toward eventual purchase. In Victoria, this programme assisted 847 single-parent families during 2024-25.

Centrelink's Home Equity Access Scheme enables eligible single parents to access equity in their homes through fortnightly payments, providing crucial financial flexibility. The scheme allows borrowing up to 50% of property value for age pension recipients.

Navigating the Application Process

Accessing government grants for single mothers requires strategic preparation. Services Australia recommends gathering documentation including tax returns, proof of income (including child support payments), existing savings verification, and dependent children evidence before applying.

The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation suggests engaging mortgage brokers familiar with single-parent applications, as they understand the nuances of including Family Tax Benefit payments and child support as assessable income—potentially adding $15,000-$25,000 to borrowing capacity.

Future Ahead for Government Grants & Schemes

The 2026-27 Federal Budget proposes expanding the Family Home Guarantee to 6,000 places annually, reflecting growing recognition of single mothers' housing needs. Treasury projections estimate these combined schemes will assist approximately 42,000 single-parent households into homeownership over the next four years.

Homeownership rates among single-mother households currently sit at 34%, compared to 68% for couple families, according to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Government grants for single mothers are essential tools for closing this gap, providing pathways to financial security and intergenerational wealth creation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making property