| Big 4 variable owner-occupier P&I | 5.99-6.20% p.a. |
| Non-bank variable (Athena, ING, Macquarie) | 5.79-5.95% p.a. |
| 2-year fixed owner-occupier P&I | 5.79-5.99% p.a. |
| 3-year fixed owner-occupier P&I | 5.89-6.15% p.a. |
| Investor variable P&I | 6.20-6.50% p.a. |
- Adelaide median dwelling value (May 2026)
- $735,000
- Regional SA median
- $415,000
- FHG Adelaide property cap
- $700,000
- FHG regional SA property cap
- $500,000
SA home loan rates: national pricing
South Australian borrowers access the same nationally-set home loan rates as borrowers in any other state. The standard Big 4 and non-bank rate competition applies.
SA-specific lender considerations include Beyond Bank (Adelaide-headquartered customer-owned bank with strong SA presence), BankSA (Westpac-group regional brand for South Australia and NT), and HomeStart Finance (SA government low-deposit scheme).
South Australian first home buyer benefits
SA operates a moderate first home buyer benefit package. The First Home Owner Grant ($15,000) applies to new builds. Stamp duty concessions apply for first home buyers under specific thresholds. HomeStart Finance provides a state-specific low-deposit home loan alternative for eligible borrowers.
The HomeStart scheme is materially different from federal FHG. HomeStart provides actual home loans (lower deposit requirements, sometimes shared equity components); FHG provides an LMI waiver on standard home loans through participating mainstream lenders. The two can work in different scenarios for different borrowers.
Adelaide market context
Adelaide has been one of the stronger Australian capital city markets through 2026, with values rising at around 1 per cent monthly. The Cotality May 2026 data showed Adelaide annual growth in the mid-teens, supported by low listings and interstate migration.
For Adelaide first home buyers, the FHG property cap of $700,000 covers a substantial share of Adelaide metro purchases. Combined with SA state benefits, FHG provides meaningful first home buyer support. The market context is more accommodating than Sydney or Melbourne in absolute price terms but tightening fast.
SA first home buyer benefits
Frequently asked questions
What is HomeStart Finance?
HomeStart Finance is a South Australian state government home loan provider offering low-deposit home loans and shared equity products to eligible South Australian borrowers. HomeStart operates separately from federal FHG.
What is the SA First Home Owner Grant?
A $15,000 grant for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building new homes in South Australia.
What is the FHG property cap in SA?
Adelaide and large regional centres: $700,000. Elsewhere in SA: $500,000.
Which lenders are strongest in SA?
Beyond Bank (Adelaide-headquartered customer-owned bank), BankSA (Westpac-group regional brand), and the Big 4 are the strongest options. HomeStart Finance is the SA government alternative for eligible low-deposit borrowers.
Can I use HomeStart with FHG?
HomeStart and FHG operate as alternative paths rather than necessarily combined products. Each is designed for different borrower profiles; a broker can advise which is the appropriate path for your specific file.