Your repayments
The lender assesses your financial circumstances, needs and objectives. Extra security does not replace the checks on whether the loan is suitable for you. [5]
Leave room for everyday life →
FAMILY GUARANTEE HOME LOANS
A helping hand.
A helping hand.
With clear boundaries.
You may be ready for home-loan repayments while still building your deposit. A family guarantee is one possible way a willing family member can support the purchase.
Let’s understand what it could make possible for you—and what it would mean for the person helping.
SUPPORT FOR THE DEPOSIT GAPFamily equity can support
Family equity can support
your next move.
A family member offers property as extra security and agrees to meet the obligations in the guarantee if you cannot. This can help address a deposit or security shortfall. It is a legal commitment, rather than a cash contribution. [2]
Depending on the lender and structure, it may allow a smaller deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). Neither outcome is automatic. A guarantee also does not pay your regular repayments. [3]
Still working through the upfront costs? Build a buying-cost plan →
THE FRF APPROACHSupport with an
Support with an
agreed limit.
Our preference is always to use a limited guarantee where possible.
We start by exploring the smallest clearly defined commitment that could support the proposed loan, together with a plan to review its release. The lender must agree to the structure.
A limited guarantee still carries real risk. Ask what debts it covers and whether interest or enforcement expenses can be added to the stated limit. Even a part-loan guarantee can put the property securing it at risk. [1] [4]
Understand limited and unlimited guarantees →TWO HOUSEHOLDS. A CONSIDERED DECISION.
What needs to stack up?
The family member
Eligible relationships, acceptable property and available equity vary by lender. An existing mortgage and the guarantor’s position need consideration. [3]
Read the guarantor’s guide →The other options
Before choosing a guarantee, put it beside saving more, a family gift or loan, and any government support you may qualify for. Start with what each household wants to preserve.
Compare ways to help →START WITH A CONVERSATIONA plan for the purchase.
A plan for the purchase.
And for life afterwards.
You do not need to decide on a guarantee before talking with us.
Bring both sets of priorities
Talk about your purchase budget and the family member’s own plans: retirement, moving, cash reserves or helping other children.
Compare a proposed structure
We can discuss lender options, the proposed guarantee amount, costs and alternatives. Ask us to explain how FRF is paid, too. Read about fees and commissions.
Give the guarantor space to decide
Independent legal and financial advice helps the guarantor consider their own position. They must be free to decline. [4]
Discuss release from the beginning
Agree when to revisit the arrangement. Release requires the lender’s assessment; there is no universal date or automatic equity milestone. See how release works. [2]
General information, checked 13 October 2026. This guide is not a personal recommendation, legal advice or a loan approval. Lender policies, scheme rules and individual circumstances matter. Obtain independent legal and financial advice before giving a guarantee.
Sources and further reading
- [1] CommBank: Guarantor guide (PDF) ↗
- [2] NAB: Home loan guarantors ↗
- [3] Westpac: Family Security Guarantee ↗
- [4] ASIC Moneysmart: Going guarantor on a loan ↗
- [5] ASIC: Responsible lending ↗
Bank pages describe their own policies; they are not promises that another lender will offer the same terms.
For the family member helpingUnderstand limits, risks, advice and planning for release.Compare the ways to helpPut a guarantee beside a gift, family loan and government support.Understand the FRF approachLearn how relationships guide the way we work.
Talk through family supportBring the question you want to understand. We can work through the lending possibilities before anyone decides on a guarantee.Phone, video or office appointment. You can start with questions.
Choose a time with Chris ↗