For me, it’s more than a home; it’s stability, security, and the start of a new chapter in my life.
For many young Australians, the dream of owning a home can feel out of reach – especially in a competitive property market. But for 28-year-old university lecturer Manvi, HomeSeeker SA made that dream a reality.
Having moved to Australia in 2018 as an international student, Manvi worked hard to build a career and a life in her new home. Becoming an Australian citizen was a proud milestone. Still, it was the purchase of her first home that truly made her feel grounded.
“As a single, full-time working woman, the HomeSeeker SA website made it possible for me to enter the property market without the stress of competing in the private market,” she said. “Thanks to this program, I was able to secure a home at an incredibly affordable price – something that would have been much harder otherwise.”
Manvi first discovered HomeSeeker SA through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website. Unlike traditional property listings, the initiative stood out for its clear focus on people who don’t currently own a home but are determined to buy one. “It gave me hope that home ownership wasn’t just a dream – it was something I could actually achieve.”
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the straightforward information provided on the HomeSeeker SA website. The step-by-step guidance on eligibility and the application process helped remove the usual stress and confusion that comes with buying a home for the first time. “The dedicated properties reserved for eligible buyers made me feel like I had a fair chance, without competing with investors,” she explained. “And the team was always approachable whenever I had questions.”
In addition to the support offered through HomeSeeker SA, Manvi also benefited from broader financial assistance initiatives introduced by the South Australian Government. These include the First Home Owner Grant, which now offers up to $15,000 to eligible buyers, and the abolition of Stamp Duty for first homebuyers purchasing or building a new home – saving some buyers as much as $36,000. Together, these measures can reduce upfront costs by over $50,000, making home ownership significantly more attainable.
“These supports really helped bridge the gap and made purchasing my home achievable much sooner than I expected… Financial assistance is a powerful tool when used wisely. For many first-home buyers, it can be the deciding factor that turns the dream of owning a home into reality.”
HomeStart’s Shared Equity Option also creates pathways for buyers who may have limited borrowing power, further easing the financial burden. This product allows buyers to borrow up to 25% of the property value as an interest-free, repayment-free loan. HomeStart shares in the property's value change when it's sold or refinanced, helping buyers afford more without increasing monthly repayments.
Additional financial support is also available to help first-home buyers in South Australia. The Graduate Loan, offered through HomeStart, enables eligible buyers to buy or build a home with just a 2% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) – significantly reducing upfront costs.
The Low Deposit Loan enables buyers to purchase established homes with deposits as low as 3%, without the burden of LMI. These initiatives are designed to make home ownership more accessible, especially for those who may not have access to traditional lending pathways.
The moment Manvi received the keys was unforgettable. “I felt a mix of joy, relief, and pride – joy because I had achieved something I once thought was impossible, relief because the long process was finally complete, and pride because I had done it on my own…For me, it’s more than a home; it’s stability, security, and the start of a new chapter in my life.”
Looking ahead, she’s eager to share her experience with others who may be in a similar position. “I would absolutely recommend HomeSeeker SA to anyone who feels like the odds are stacked against them. My advice is to check your eligibility early, explore all available financial assistance options, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The support is there – you have to take the first step.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that with the proper support, home ownership is not only possible – it’s life-changing.
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