Getting approved for a home loan these days can be difficult for anyone, but what if you're a single parent on a single income? We sat down with home owner and single parent Rozi Hemara to get her tips, experiences and advice.

Do your research

Preparation is key – especially when it comes to something as complex as buying a home. Taking the time to do your research up front could help make the process much smoother in the long run.

“Don’t be in a rush if you can help it – taking time to research the steps of how to apply for and buy a house will alleviate a lot of stress. Know the lingo, general timeframes and who and what’s involved in the process,” Rozi said.

“Also make sure you’re familiar with the real estate market over time, not just when you’re thinking of or are actually buying.

“It can be exhausting but going to as many open homes as you can will give you a good idea of what you do and don’t want­, and how much homes that tick your boxes are selling for. They’re also a great way to get the kids excited and involved – they’ll love sharing their opinions and choosing who gets which room!”

Check out our guide on how to get a home loan, the Home Buyer’s Glossary  and tips on how to research property online for extra support.

Ask for advice

Although going through the home buying process alone may feel daunting, chances are you have family and friends who have done this before and would be more than happy to share their tips and experiences.

“Find ‘experts’ within your circle of friends. I worked with a lady who owned seven houses and was able to ask her questions throughout the whole process,” Rozi said.

“Her advice was always reliable and trustworthy because she didn’t have anything to gain and had my best interests at heart.

“Once you’re a bit further along in the journey you’ll be surrounded by people with years of expertise in this area – your broker or lender, solicitor, real estate agent – so don’t be afraid to ask lots of dumb questions and always get them to clarify if there’s something you don’t understand.”

Save, save, save!  

Food, clothes, new shoes, school fees, books, swimming lessons, haircuts – did we mention food? Raising children isn’t cheap and on a single income it can be hard to save. But patience is a virtue.

“Set up a budget and save as much for your deposit as you can – you’ll not only have to borrow less, which will decrease your monthly mortgage repayments, but you might also avoid having to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance”, Rozi said.

“Be patient, you will one day have a home loan but the time before that when you’re saving will come to an end so make the most of it and save as much as you can.”

A high-interest savings account can help you reach your savings goals sooner. Check out Suncorp Bank’s range of savings accounts and how you could be rewarded for consistent savings!

Discover savings accounts

Know your limit

Being solely responsible for a home loan is no mean feat. A mortgage is a big commitment that’s with you for the long haul, so it’s important to take a good look at your income and expenses and determine how much you can realistically afford to pay each month.

“Not having a second income to fall back on if needed can be scary but the key is to not overcommit yourself,” Rozi said.

“This is especially important as a single parent, as unexpected expenses pop up all the time when you have kids, so you need to allow a buffer for these.

“Once you know your borrowing capacity you have a much clearer idea of what you can afford, and what you would be able to afford in the future if you keep saving.”

Suncorp Bank’s Borrowing Limit Home Loan Calculator is a great way to get an idea of how much you could potentially afford to borrow and what the repayments will be. Though this amount won’t be exact, having even a rough idea of your borrowing limit can help to narrow down your property search and you’ll be more aware of your top bidding amount at auctions.

Make use of first home buyer benefits

First Home Owners Grant

The First Home Owners Grant is a one-off grant that offsets the cost of GST on home ownership for eligible first home buyers. It’s a national scheme, however the grant details and eligibility criteria differ from state to state.

First Home Super Saver Scheme

The First Home Super Saver Scheme allows eligible individuals to save for their first home via their superannuation fund. To learn more, visit the ATO website or contact your super fund.

Suncorp Bank’s offers for First Home Buyers

Suncorp Bank’s offers and competitive rates for First Home Buyers could help see you in your own home sooner.

Discover offers for first home buyers

Buying a home as a single parent can be scary. Try to enjoy the process and not to stress and remember that with a little patience and planning your dream of owning your own home could become a reality.

Published 3 December 2022