Bank of Mum & Dad: 1.8 million Australians had family help to buy a home
Key takeaways
- 30% of homeowners say they got family help to purchase their property.
- Contributions towards a deposit were the most common form of assistance.
- 8% say their family paid for their home outright.
Getting onto the property ladder is increasingly becoming a family affair, according to a report by Finder.
Finder's 2026 Home Loan Report found 3 in 10 Australians (30%) – equivalent to 1.8 million people – received financial help from family to buy a home.
Contributions towards a deposit were the most common form of assistance, with 11% of Australians saying their family helped them with the upfront cost.
Almost 1 in 10 (8%) say their family paid for their home outright, highlighting the growing role intergenerational wealth plays in Australia's property market.
A further 6% say a family member went guarantor on their home loan, while 5% had their entire deposit covered by family.
Another 5% received help with ongoing mortgage repayments, while 3% were given a lump sum of cash above the deposit amount.
Richard Whitten, home loans expert at Finder and report author, said family wealth is playing a growing role in determining who can buy property, and when.
"The Bank of Mum and Dad has become a major player in Australia's housing market.
"For buyers with family backing, that support can cut years off the journey to homeownership and put them well ahead financially from the start.
"But for those without that extra level of support, saving a deposit on top of rent and day-to-day costs can be one of the toughest hurdles to clear."
Whitten said family assistance is not the only pathway to homeownership, but buyers should understand all the options available.
"Government support schemes, low-deposit loans and comparing home loan rates can all help reduce the upfront cost of buying a property."
Whitten said whether you're giving or receiving help to buy a home, it's important to have a clear understanding of what that support means.
"Is it a gift, a loan, or an ownership arrangement?
"Having those conversations upfront can help avoid financial and family disputes down the track."
Read Finder's 2026 Home Loan Report here.
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