What Does Genuine Savings Mean?

When you buy a home you generally need a deposit. All banks and lenders have different rules about how much deposit you need, and if the deposit needs to be genuine savings. This would apply whether you’re a first home buyer, or purchasing your second, third home etc.

With most banks and lenders, genuine savings is savings or some type of asset / investment equal to 5% of the property purchase price you might be interested in buying. For example, if the property you are considering buying costs $300,000, you might need a minimum 5% of this amount, as genuine savings, which equals $15,000.

The lenders all have different policies, but in general, genuine savings may be considered –

• A minimum of 3 months savings in a bank account in your name or names.
• Shares or other investments (like a term deposit, cash management account).
• Some lenders may consider the rent you are currently paying as genuine savings (conditions may apply).
• Proceeds from the sale of a property.

Things that would likely not be considered genuine savings are if you sell your car, get a tax return or are gifted some money. If you have these funds, if you keep them in your bank account for 3 months, then they may be considered genuine savings.

All banks and lenders have different polices with regards to genuine savings, but generally if you have 10% or more deposit, plus the associated fees, like transfer stamp duty, then the genuine savings rule required for a home loan may not apply when buying a home.

Not all banks require genuine savings, but if you do have genuine savings it may give you more options when looking at a home loan.

This is where some advice from a qualified mortgage broker will help you learn what options are available to you. It is important to know what you need for a home loan, before you make any decisions. It may be a good idea to consider pre approved mortgage finance, as you will have some safety in knowing that the bank or lender has pre approved you home loan application before you start looking for a property to buy. Generally this costs nothing, lasts for 3 months, and there is no obligation to buy anything, if you don’t find a suitable property within that time.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Perth Mortgage Broker Group, or call Troy on 0411 229 602, 7 days a week