Buying Solo in 2026: How to Plan, Overcome Barriers, and Succeed as a Single Property Buyer
Buying a home on your own is one of the most empowering financial milestones you can achieve. In 2026, more Australians than ever are entering the property market as solo buyers — whether single, separated, or simply choosing to purchase independently.
While buying solo comes with unique challenges, the right planning, support, and advice can turn those challenges into manageable stepping stones.
Common Barriers for Solo Property Buyers
Understanding the obstacles upfront helps you prepare — and overcome them.
1. Single Income Borrowing Power
With only one income to rely on, borrowing capacity is often the biggest hurdle. Lenders assess your income, expenses, and existing debts carefully, which can limit how much you’re approved to borrow compared to couples.
What helps:
Reducing existing debts
Improving spending habits
Choosing a loan with competitive rates and flexible features
2. Saving a Deposit on One Income
Saving for a deposit alone can feel slow, especially with rising living costs. Without shared expenses, it can take longer to reach your goal.
What helps:
Setting realistic timelines
Exploring low-deposit options
Accessing first-home buyer schemes
3. Cash Flow Pressure
All costs fall on one person — loan repayments, rates, strata fees, insurance, and maintenance. Without a second income buffer, affordability must be carefully planned.
What helps:
Stress-testing repayments
Maintaining a cash buffer
Selecting a property with manageable ongoing costs
4. Lender Risk Perception
Some lenders see solo buyers as higher risk due to reliance on a single income. This can affect interest rates, loan structure, or approval criteria.
What helps:
Choosing the right lender for your profile
Presenting a strong, well-prepared application
Why Solo Buyers Need a Mortgage Broker
For solo buyers, working with a mortgage broker isn’t just helpful — it can be critical.
Access to the Right Lenders
Not all lenders assess solo buyers the same way. Some are more flexible with:
Single-income applications
Living expense calculations
Loan-to-value ratios (LVRs)
A broker knows which lenders are most suitable for your situation and helps you avoid unnecessary rejections.
Maximising Borrowing Capacity
A broker can:
Structure your application to reflect your true financial position
Identify ways to improve serviceability
Recommend strategies to increase your borrowing power without overextending
Even small differences in assessment criteria can significantly impact your approval amount.
Guidance on First-Home Buyer Schemes
Solo buyers often qualify for government incentives but don’t always know how to access them. A broker helps determine your eligibility and ensures these benefits are applied correctly — reducing upfront costs and stress.
Protecting Your Credit Profile
Applying to multiple lenders on your own can negatively impact your credit score. A broker submits a targeted, well-matched application, reducing unnecessary credit enquiries.
Long-Term Strategy, Not Just a Loan
A good broker looks beyond settlement:
Ensuring the loan suits your long-term goals
Considering flexibility for future income changes
Planning refinancing opportunities down the track
For solo buyers, this long-term thinking is especially important.
Smart Planning Tips for Buying Solo in 2026
Get Pre-Approval Early
Pre-approval provides clarity, confidence, and negotiating power. It also prevents emotional decision-making outside your budget.
Focus on Sustainable Affordability
Borrowing the maximum isn’t always the best option. Choose repayments that allow you to live comfortably and continue saving.
Be Strategic About Property Type and Location
Apartments, townhouses, and growth corridors often provide more accessible entry points for solo buyers, without compromising future value.
Build a Professional Support Team
Buying solo doesn’t mean doing it alone. A mortgage broker, conveyancer, and building inspector help protect your financial interests at every stage.
Solo Buying Is Achievable — With the Right Support
Buying a property on your own in 2026 may feel daunting, but it is absolutely achievable with preparation and expert guidance. Solo buyers who plan early, understand their options, and work with the right professionals often succeed sooner than they expect.
If buying solo is your goal this year, the first step is understanding your borrowing power and building a strategy that works for you — not just the bank.