Deciphering Property Deposits: What You Need to Know

Caroline Gillies • November 9, 2023

So, you've probably asked around about how much cash you need to snag a house, and you've likely received a bunch of different answers. Well, it's no surprise because the deposit game is a bit of a maze. Your magic number depends on the type of property you're after, the bank you're cozying up to, and whether you qualify for any government sweeteners. Plus, don't forget there's more to it than just the bank's demands – there are those extra costs lurking around the corner.


You've probably heard the classic "20% deposit" rule to dodge that dreaded Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which is slapped on if your deposit is on the lean side. But guess what? Going super lean might cost you more in fees but can still make sense for some.


Imagine time traveling to the pre-COVID era. You'd snatch up a property, no matter the cost, knowing it could skyrocket by over 200 grand in just a year. Or perhaps you're currently shelling out rent and buying could mean smaller monthly bills. Maybe you've stumbled upon that dream property that you just can't resist. Regardless, there are ways to sneak into the property game with a tiny upfront sum.


Let's break it down by the different scenarios for the smallest possible deposit based on a $500,000 property:


First Home Buyer (FHB): Total $30,000 with these costs:

Bank Deposit: $25,000

Stamp Duty: $0

Lenders Mortgage Insurance: $0

Other Expenses: $5,000


Owner Occupier (excluding FHB): Total $44,000 with these costs:

Bank Deposit: $15,000

Stamp Duty: $9,000

Lenders Mortgage Insurance: $15,000

Other Expenses: $5,000

(Note: This low deposit option is available to First Home Buyers too but watch out – the major bank offering this won’t let you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance, making them not-so-pocket-friendly for first-time buyers.)


Investor: Total $61,000 with these costs:

Bank Deposit: $25,000

Stamp Duty: $16,000

Lenders Mortgage Insurance: $15,000

Other Expenses: $5,000


Finally, the most budget-friendly option: the Family Guarantee or Guarantor loan.

This option is available to First Home Buyers, Second Home Buyers, and even Investors with certain lenders:


Family Guarantee: With this ace in your sleeve, you'd need $0 in upfront costs. You can roll all your deposit and fees into the loan, and there's no Lenders Mortgage Insurance to worry about.


A quick note for “Other Expenses”. This will cover things like Conveyancing ($1,800), Transfer fees ($1,500), Mortgage fees ($500), Building and Pest inspections ($500), and stash $700 for any unexpected curveballs.


In an ideal world, avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance is the goal. But if you can't dodge it, weigh up the perks of snagging your dream property or entering the market sooner versus the cost. At 3% of the purchase price, a 3% growth in the first year can cover this expense. Or, you can always opt for a Family Guarantee or a 20% deposit to dodge that bullet. If you've got questions about your options or need advice on the best bank for your needs, reach out to the friendly team at Plex Finance Group for expert mortgage guidance. They've got your back!

https://plexfinancegroup.com.au/cva-clients

By Caroline Gillies March 26, 2026
More data doesn’t mean better decisions. Many business owners are drowning in numbers but starving for direction, tracking everything and understanding nothing. The result? Decisions based on gut feel, cash flow surprises, and growth that looks good on paper but doesn’t actually strengthen the business. Vanity metrics can be misleading. Total revenue, website traffic, or social media likes might feel positive, but they don’t always reflect real performance or profitability.  Real KPIs tell a different story. They give you clarity, control, and confidence in your decisions. While every business is different and the right KPIs will vary, here are some examples of powerful KPIs businesses often track: • Profit Margin – Are you actually making money? • Cash Flow – Do you have enough cash to operate and grow? • Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) – What does it cost to win a new customer? • Debtor Days – How quickly are you getting paid? • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) – How much is each customer worth over time? If you’re not tracking the right numbers for your business, you’re essentially flying blind. Because success isn’t about more data—it’s about the right data.
By Caroline Gillies March 1, 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Federal Government will introduce one of the most significant changes to superannuation administration in recent years: “Payday Super.” These reforms fundamentally shift how and when employers meet their Superannuation Guarantee (SG) obligations. What’s Changing? Under the new rules, SG contributions must be paid at the same time as salary and wages and received by the employee’s super fund within seven business days of payday. This replaces the current quarterly payment system. The changes apply to all eligible employees, including those captured under the expanded definition of “employee,” and extend to salary sacrifice amounts and other qualifying earnings (QE). Employers will calculate SG at the legislated 12% rate on QE, which includes ordinary time earnings and relevant additional payments. Contributions remain subject to the Maximum Contribution Base, limiting employer liability to approximately $30,000 per employee per financial year. Employers will also be required to report QE and SG liabilities through Single Touch Payroll (STP), enabling the ATO to monitor compliance more closely and identify underpayments earlier. Operational Impact for Employers The shift to payday reporting and payment means payroll systems must be updated to calculate, process, and remit super contributions each pay cycle. Businesses will need to ensure their software can manage QE calculations and facilitate timely electronic payments to super funds. Cash flow management will also require attention, particularly for small businesses accustomed to quarterly payments. Super will become a real-time obligation rather than a periodic liability. Importantly, failure to meet the new deadlines will trigger the revised Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), including penalties and interest. While late contributions and SGC amounts remain tax deductible, interest and penalties do not. Employers currently using the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House must transition to alternative payment solutions before its closure on 30 June 2026. Preparing Now Although implementation begins in 2026, early preparation is essential. Reviewing payroll systems, assessing cash flow impact, and updating internal processes will help ensure a smooth transition and minimise compliance risk. Payday Super represents a move toward greater transparency and timeliness, but it also demands proactive planning from employers. If you would like assistance preparing your business for Payday Super, our team at Clear Vision Accountancy Group is here to help. Please contact us on 4688 2500 to discuss how we can support your transition and ensure you remain compliant. We drew inspiration for this article from the ATO
By Caroline Gillies December 11, 2025
The ATO is cracking down on people who claim too many tax deductions for properties that they use both personally and as rentals — especially holiday homes. A new draft ruling says that if you use a property for both personal use and renting it out, you must split (apportion) the expenses in a fair and reasonable way. You can only claim deductions for the portion of time or space used to earn rental income. If the ATO thinks your property is really a holiday home — for example, you block out peak times for your own use and only rent it occasionally — they can classify it as a “leisure facility.” If that happens, you cannot claim big expenses like mortgage interest, council rates, land tax or maintenance. You’ll only be allowed to claim small costs like cleaning, advertising and platform/agent fees. The ATO says many owners of holiday homes have been claiming too much by showing “rental losses” every year. They are now looking more closely at cases where the owner keeps the property unavailable for rent during busy periods.  How do I stay off the ATO naughty list? If you mix personal use with rental use, be careful. Only claim the rental part of your expenses, or the ATO may deny most of your deductions.