Most banks want a 20% deposit to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance, but you can buy with as little as 5% if you are prepared to pay LMI or use a guarantor. On Brisbane's south side that means a real deposit range of roughly $47,000 to $340,000 depending on the suburb you are targeting.
What is the standard deposit for a house in Brisbane?
Lenders think of the deposit as your loan-to-value ratio, or LVR. A 20% deposit gives you an 80% LVR, which is the sweet spot banks like because they do not need to charge LMI. On a $1,000,000 house that is $200,000 in the bank plus stamp duty and legal costs on top.
Can I buy with a 5% or 10% deposit?
Yes. Most major lenders will lend up to 95% of the purchase price, meaning you only need a 5% deposit plus costs. The catch is Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which protects the bank if you default. On a $900,000 purchase with a 5% deposit LMI can add $25,000 to $35,000 to your loan.
There are ways around LMI even with a small deposit, including the First Home Guarantee, family guarantor loans, and profession-based waivers for doctors and some other roles. Have a chat with a broker before you commit to a strategy.
What deposit do I actually need on Brisbane's south side?
Here are current median house prices (12 months to mid 2026) with a 20% and a 5% deposit for comparison:
Entry price points
- /suburbs/logan-reserve: median $935,000. 20% deposit = $187,000. 5% deposit = $46,750 plus LMI. - /suburbs/marsden: median $920,000. 20% = $184,000. 5% = $46,000 plus LMI. - /suburbs/yarrabilba (Yarrabilba): median $860,000. 20% = $172,000. 5% = $43,000 plus LMI.
Mid range
- /suburbs/rochedale-south: median $1,200,000. 20% = $240,000. 5% = $60,000 plus LMI. - /suburbs/runcorn: median $1,280,000. 20% = $256,000. 5% = $64,000 plus LMI. - /suburbs/springwood: median $1,185,000. 20% = $237,000.
Premium
- /suburbs/kuraby: median $1,520,500. 20% = $304,100. - /suburbs/eight-mile-plains: median $1,700,000. 20% = $340,000. - /suburbs/rochedale: median $1,790,000. 20% = $358,000.
What other costs do I need to save for?
Deposit is only part of it. Budget for stamp duty (concessions apply for first home buyers, more on that in the Queensland grants and concessions post), conveyancing (around $1,500 to $2,500), building and pest inspections (about $600 to $900 combined), and a buffer for moving and settlement adjustments. A 10 to 15% buffer on top of your deposit is sensible.
Should I wait to save 20% or buy sooner with LMI?
There is no universal answer, but on the south side prices in most suburbs are up 15 to 30% in the last 12 months. Waiting two years to save an extra 10% can easily mean the house you wanted is now $100,000 more expensive. Run the numbers both ways with your broker before you decide.
If you want to compare where prices are heading, the monthly /blog/brisbane-south-side-market-update is a good starting point. And if you have specific questions about a suburb, the /faq covers the ones I get most from buyers.
What should you do next?
Have a look at what is currently for sale on Brisbane's south side over on /properties, or send me a buying question and I will give you a straight answer.
If you will be selling a home to buy your next one, find out what yours is worth with a free, no-obligation appraisal. That number is often the missing piece that turns a wish list into a real plan.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to have a proper look at the market?
Browse current listings, or ask Junaid a buying question and get a straight answer from someone who works the south side every day.
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