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Low-deposit home loan for regional Queenslanders (Queensland Housing Finance Loan Regional Trial)

If you can afford to repay a home loan but are struggling to save the deposit, you may be able to get a low-deposit home loan from us.

To qualify for a Queensland Housing Finance Loan, you usually must have a maximum gross (before tax) annual household income of up to $141,000.

However, if you live and plan to buy or build a home in one of 45 eligible local council areas, you can qualify for the loan with an income of up to $201,000 (other eligibility criteria apply).

This higher limit is part of 2-year regional trial that ends on 30 June 2026.

The loan can be used to buy an established house, unit, townhouse or duplex; or to build a house.

See map of eligible local council areas (PDF, 616.6 KB)

  • Balonne
  • Banana
  • Barcaldine
  • Barcoo
  • Blackall-Tambo
  • Boulia
  • Bulloo
  • Burke
  • Burdekin
  • Carpentaria
  • Cassowary Coast
  • Central Highlands
  • Charters Towers
  • Cloncurry
  • Cook
  • Croydon
  • Diamantina
  • Douglas
  • Etheridge
  • Flinders
  • Gladstone
  • Goondiwindi
  • Gympie
  • Hinchinbrook
  • Isaac
  • Livingstone
  • Lockyer Valley
  • Longreach
  • McKinlay
  • Maranoa
  • Mareeba
  • Mount Isa
  • Murweh
  • North Burnett
  • Paroo
  • Quilpie
  • Richmond
  • Scenic Rim
  • Somerset
  • South Burnett
  • Southern Downs
  • Tablelands
  • Western Downs
  • Whitsunday
  • Winton

Loan deposit

To qualify for the loan, you need to have the higher of the following:

  • a minimum deposit of 2% of the property’s purchase price

or

  • the difference between the maximum loan you’re eligible for and the property's purchase price.

Other eligibility criteria apply.

Deposit examples

Example 1

Mary is eligible to borrow the full amount of $500,000 to purchase the property she wants. She’ll need to pay a deposit of $10,000, which is 2% of the purchase price.

Example 2

Paul is eligible to borrow a maximum of $450,000, but the property he wants is priced at $500,000. He’ll need to pay a deposit of $50,000, which is 10% of the purchase price.

Who can apply

To be eligible for this loan you must:

  • be 18 years of age or older
  • live in Queensland and be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia
  • intend to live in the home
  • have been employed for the past 1+ year (permanent), 2+ years (casual), or 3+ years (self-employed)
  • not own or part-own another property
  • have a maximum gross (before tax) annual household income of up to $201,000
  • have enough savings to cover the loan deposit and other homebuying costs
  • be able to repay the loan without hardship, including having:
    • a regular savings history
    • a good credit history
    • no significant debts
    • earning potential for the term of the loan.

The loan can be applied for jointly by, for example, family or friends—if all the applicants meet the eligibility criteria.

Call to check your eligibility

Loan at a glance

Basics

Loan amount Up to the maximum amount you can afford to borrow, as calculated by us.
Loan term Depends on circumstances (e.g. the age you intend to retire); maximum term is 30 years.
Repayment type Principal and interest
Interest rate type Variable or 3-year fixed
Loan security We take a registered mortgage over your home.

Rates and fees

Application fee $817.56. This fee increases on July 1 each year, in line with the consumer price index (CPI).
Minimum deposit 2% of the property’s purchase price or the difference between the maximum loan you’re eligible for and the property's purchase price (whichever is higher).
Interest rates (p.a.) To find out what our current rates are, call us on 1300 654 322 or email us.
Repayment amount Your repayments will start at 30% of your gross (before tax) monthly household income and will never be more than 35% of your income.
Account keeping fees $0
Direct debit dishonour fee $19.58
Fixed rate change fee If you have a fixed rate and reset it before the end of the 3-year period, you may have to pay the equivalent of up to 3 months of interest.

Features and benefits

Repayment frequency Flexible (e.g. weekly, fortnightly, monthly)
Extra repayments allowed Yes
Lender’s mortgage insurance Not required
Hardship assistance Yes—if you qualify
Financial advice rebate $100—if your loan application is approved.
Offset account No
Redraw facility No
Increase loan No—but you have the option to refinance your home loan
Line of credit No

Upfront costs you must pay

When buying or building a home, you’ll also need to pay these third-party costs:

  • building inspection
  • conveyancing fees
  • transfer and mortgage registration fees
  • transfer duty (stamp duty)
  • home insurance.

Some of these costs vary depending on the purchase price of your home, location, and other factors.

Your solicitor can give you an estimate of these costs based on your circumstances.

Ongoing costs you must pay

As well as the upfront costs of buying a home, you’ll need to pay ongoing homeownership costs, including:

  • home insurance
  • council rates and utility charges
  • repairs and maintenance.

Call to check your eligibility

To find out whether you’re eligible for a Queensland Housing Finance Loan (regional trial), call us on:

1300 654 322 (Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm)

It takes 15–20 minutes for us to confirm your eligibility. You can speed up the process by having information handy about all the applicants':

  • income
  • savings
  • debts.

What next?

If we determine you could be eligible for a loan and your offer to buy the property is accepted by the seller, we’ll send you loan application forms.

You’ll then have 3 months to complete the forms and return them to us.

Managing your home loan

Already a Queensland Housing Finance Loan (regional trial) customer? Find out about:

More information

Last updated:
22 April 2025
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