Simple hacks to buy a semi-detached house in Lakelands

Lakelands is one of the newer suburbs south of Perth, and semi-detached housing makes up a large portion of the available stock for buyers starting out.

The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme removed income caps and place limits from October 2025, which means first home buyers can now purchase a semi-detached home in Lakelands with a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance and without competing for limited spots. The property price cap for the Perth regional area was also lifted, making more homes eligible.

What first home buyer support applies in Lakelands

First home buyers purchasing a semi-detached home in Lakelands can access the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme and Western Australian state concessions at the same time. The 5% Deposit Scheme removes lenders mortgage insurance when buying with a 5% deposit, while Western Australia offers stamp duty concessions and a first home owner grant for eligible new builds. Lakelands falls under the Perth Metropolitan and Peel regions, so the extended stamp duty concession applies to homes up to $800,000, but it is tired so the concession is only about a $15 saving if your purchase price is $800,000 ~ Whereas the bas stamp can be completely waived up to a $600,000 purchase price in WA. Fact checked and correct as of 1.9.2026.

Consider a buyer purchasing a semi-detached property. Under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, they pay no lenders mortgage insurance even with a smaller deposit, and if the property qualifies under the Western Australian stamp duty concession, they may also pay reduced or nil transfer duty depending on the purchase price. Both schemes can be used together because the 5% Deposit Scheme is a federal program and the stamp duty concession is a state benefit.

Applications for the 5% Deposit Scheme are lodged through a participating lender, not directly with Housing Australia. Down to Earth Mortgage Broking works with lenders on the approved panel and can help structure your home loan application to meet scheme requirements.

How much deposit you need for a semi-detached home

You need a minimum 5% deposit to buy a semi-detached home in Lakelands under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. If the property falls outside the scheme or you prefer not to use it, a 10% or 20% deposit will also be accepted by most lenders, though lenders mortgage insurance may apply on deposits below 20%.

In our experience, buyers purchasing semi-detached homes in Lakelands often aim for between 5% and 10% of the purchase price as their starting point. A gift from a parent or close relative can be counted toward the deposit, provided it is documented correctly and the lender accepts gifted funds under their policy. Not all lenders treat gifts the same way, so confirming this detail before committing to a property is worth doing.