Genuine Savings

Savings you've held for at least 3 months that lenders count toward your deposit.

Most Australian lenders require evidence of "genuine savings" — typically 5% of the purchase price held in your name for at least 3 months — before they'll approve a high-LVR loan. Gifts from family, lottery wins and bonuses don't count unless they've sat in your account for the minimum period. FHSS releases are usually accepted as genuine savings by most lenders.