Still saving a 20% deposit? There’s another way to build in 2026
If you’ve been trying to save a 20% deposit, you’re not alone. Many first home buyers across Victoria are now exploring alternative ways to get started sooner — without waiting years to build.
For many first home buyers, saving a hefty 20% deposit has been the biggest barrier to owning a home — especially with cost-of-living pressure and everyday expenses continuing to climb. While paying rent, scrimping and saving, tens of thousands of dollars can make buying a home feel far away each year.
In today’s market, understanding your options early can make a big difference — especially when it comes to deposit size, location and timing.
So, can you really get your foot in the door of a new home with less than a 20% deposit in 2026?
With Homebuyers Centre’s $5K* deposit pathway, you certainly can. Here’s everything you need to know.
What the $5K* deposit pathway actually looks like
Homebuyers Centre’s $5K* deposit pathway is here to help eligible first home buyers move forward sooner, without waiting years to save a full deposit.
In partnership with Resolve Finance, this offer allows eligible applicants to secure a dedicated house and land package with just $5,000* upfront. It brings your move forward, and introduces structure into the entire process — making it easier to understand what’s possible and what your next steps could look like.
The pathway is based on your situation — your income, where you’d like to build across Victoria, and your timing. Your New Homes Consultant works alongside Resolve Finance to help you understand what’s possible and what your next steps look like.
For many buyers, this is where things start to click. Instead of trying to piece it together yourself, you’re guided through a clear process — so you know what’s required and what happens next.
How it works, step by step
It all starts with a conversation. Your Homebuyers Centre New Homes Consultant works in tandem with Resolve Finance to help you understand your situation, your borrowing capacity, eligibility and options.
From there, you’re guided towards selected house and land packages that suit your budget and goals. Once approved, a $5K* deposit, payable at the time of the Preliminary Works Contract, helps secure your new home and move you into the build process – with expert support in place from day one.
While the pathway starts with $5,000*, your overall position is still assessed based on your income, borrowing capacity and the type of home you choose.
Many buyers start by researching low deposit home loans or house and land packages in Victoria. This pathway brings those elements together into one coordinated approach — helping you move forward with more confidence.
Why this option is different
Many low-deposit offers or schemes still rely on long savings plans, with buyers counting their pennies while trying to piece everything together themselves.
This pathway is designed to remove that friction. For eligible applicants, the finance structure is set up to cover your home, land and key upfront costs – helping you move forward sooner, which can make a real difference as rents and the cost of living continue to rise.
You’ll be supported the whole way through
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially the first time around. So when there’s a helping hand on offer, it makes sense to take it.
That’s why Homebuyers Centre works alongside Resolve Finance to guide you through every stage, explain what’s possible and support you from your first conversation right through to move-in day.
Across Melbourne and Geelong, more buyers are turning to house and land as a practical way to enter the market, especially in growing communities where new homes are taking shape. See where we build.
Making it happen in 2026
2026 is the year to make it happen, and this is one way to start on the front foot.
A traditional 20% deposit can feel a long way off for many buyers. But a pathway like this can help bring your next step closer.
A $5K* deposit could be a way to move forward sooner than you might expect.
Even if you’re still early in your research, starting the conversation can help you understand what’s possible — and what your next step could look like.
*Terms & Conditions and eligibility criteria apply.
*Terms and conditions apply: $5,000 deposit is only available on selected and approved house & land packages. House & land package must include painting, flooring, window treatments, driveway, crossover paved and fencing. The $5,000 deposit consists of a $2,500 HIA deposit and $2,500 land deposit. Eligible customers will be required to pay deposits at Preliminary Works contract and must be eligible for the $10,000 First Home Buyers Grant. This offer does not consider your personal needs and financial situation, and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Finance options are available through Resolve Finance Solutions PTY LTD trading as Resolve Finance ABN 65 079 545 378 (Australian Credit License 385487). Funding arranged through Bluebay Homeloans Pty Ltd ABN 62 127 824 524 (Australian Credit License 389250). Lenders terms, conditions, risk fees and other applicable charges apply. Product structure is first loan with a 30‑year loan term and second loan with a 10‑year loan term. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other promotions or incentives. Making changes to inclusions or creating a custom package may not qualify, please speak to a New Homes Consultant for further information. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Homebuyers Centre reserves the right to alter both the terms of the offer and to end the offer at any time without notice. The building practitioner is ABN Group (Vic) Pty Ltd. Trading as Homebuyers Centre. CDB-U 49215.
Frequently Asked Questions
For eligible buyers, yes. The $5K* deposit pathway allows you to get started with $5,000 on selected house and land packages. Your full financial position will still be assessed to confirm what’s possible for you.
You start by speaking with a New Homes Consultant and completing a finance assessment with Resolve Finance. From there, you’ll be guided through suitable house and land options. Once approved, your $5K* deposit helps secure your place and move you into the process.
Not necessarily. While a 20% deposit is often seen as the standard, there may be other pathways available depending on your situation. This pathway is designed to help eligible buyers get started sooner.
The $5K* deposit is paid at the Preliminary Works Contract stage to help secure your home and move you forward in the process. Your New Homes Consultant will explain how this fits into your overall journey.
Eligibility is based on your individual circumstances, including your income, borrowing capacity and the home you’re looking to build. Resolve Finance will guide you through this as part of your assessment.