It finally feels like the property market is giving first‑home buyers a bit of a break. Interest rates have climbed, investor tax rules are tightening, and the heat has come out of the market.

But even with these shifts, many young Aussies still find it incredibly hard to buy their first home.

And for a lot of parents, this moment feels like a rare chance to give their kids a small leg-up.

According to Jarden Australia, BOMAD – the Bank of Mum and Dad – now supports more than 60 per cent of first‑home buyers.

So if you’re thinking about helping, what are your options?

How parents typically help

Most parents assume the only way to help is to hand over cash. In reality, there are three common approaches.

• Parental guarantee – You use the equity in your own home to secure part of your child’s loan. This helps them avoid lenders mortgage insurance (saving them thousands) and buy sooner, without you needing to hand over cash.
• Cash gift – Simple and direct. A gift boosts your kids deposit and reduces how much they need to borrow. But remember: gifts are irreversible, and your money can be exposed if your child later separates or divorces.
• Family loan – You lend the money formally, with agreed repayment terms. When documented properly, it protects your funds and keeps expectations clear for everyone involved.

Where the money usually comes from

The average parental contribution was around $70,000 in 2023 – and closer to $100,000 in NSW. So where does that money actually come from?

Parents naturally start with savings, investments and super, but that can be tricky if you’re nearing retirement and relying on those funds for day‑to‑day living. Let’s not forget we are in a cost of living crisis.

Some consider downsizing to provide an early inheritance, but many aren’t ready for such a big move.

If you’re over 67, the Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) is really worth a look. It’s alittle‑known government scheme that allows you to unlock your home equity at a very low interest rate – currently 3.95%. It’s generous, but the amount you can access is deliberately restricted.

For those who need more flexibility, reverse mortgages work very similarly to the government’s HEAS. The loans are offered by specialist lenders and allow you to borrow more than is available through HEAS.

Because HEAS is still unfamiliar to many people, we’ve put together a simple guide that explains how it works and how it compares to other ways of unlocking home wealth.

What’s next?

Helping your kids into the market is a generous act – but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your own financial security. With the right structure, you can support the next generation and protect your own retirement.

If you’d like to explore your options, our e‑book breaks down the different ways to access home equity and what each one means for your long‑term finances.

If you prefer to start privately, our free home wealth calculator gives you a personalised snapshot you can use to start a conversation with your family.

Compliance disclosure

Money at 60 Pty Ltd, ABN 23 694 415 337. Authorised Credit Representative CRN 577820 under Invictus Finance Solutions Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 392962. AFCA member.

This content contains general information only and is not personal financial advice.

Sources

Australian Financial Review, The Parent Trap, 22 December 2023, viewed 3 June 2026.

Reserve Bank of Australia 2026, Cash Rate Target, viewed 19 May 2026,

https://www.rba.gov.au/statistics/cash-rate/.

Services Australia 2026, Home Equity Access Scheme, Commonwealth of Australia, viewed 19

May 2026, https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/.

UNSW BusinessThink 2026, Why Australia’s Home Equity Access Scheme Remains

Underused, UNSW Business School, viewed 19 May 2026,

https://www.businessthink.unsw.edu.au/articles/home-equity-access-scheme-retirement-income-australia.

Chris Moutzikis is the  CEO & Principal Retirement Funding Specialist, Money at 60