A Smarter Option for the Bank of Mum and Dad

The Bank of Mum and Dad has officially become one of Australia’s biggest lenders — now ranked as the fifth largest behind the major banks. According to Finder’s First Home Buyer Report 2025, almost 1 in 5 (17%) first home buyers received financial help from their parents to save a deposit — up from 11% in 2022.

That’s nearly 20,000 first-time buyers each year who are getting a boost from their parents, often to the tune of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s no surprise that first home buyers with family assistance are entering the market stronger — with more savings, bigger budgets, and greater financial resilience.

But is there a more cost-effective and strategic way for parents to support their children?

Helping Your Children Buy Without Sacrificing Your Retirement

Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder and a mum-of-three, cautions that too much financial generosity can come at a personal cost. “I’ve heard of parents who end up working longer than they planned, delaying retirement or leaving themselves financially short once they retire, because they were too generous when giving their kids a financial leg-up.”

And while helping your children buy property can feel like the ultimate gift, there are smarter — and significantly more affordable — ways to do it.

One such approach is appointing a qualified, independent buyer’s agent to assist them.

Why a Buyer’s Agent Is a Better Investment

Many parents focus on giving money. But what if you could multiply the value of that help instead?

Engaging a good buyer’s agent costs a fraction of what most parents gift. For around $12,000, a professional buyer’s agent can help first home buyers:

• Avoid costly mistakes (think hundreds of thousands in lost value through poor choices)
• Navigate complex purchase decisions with clarity
• Find better properties that are a closer match to each buyers’ criteria
• Negotiate better deals
• Learn essential buying and investment skills they’ll use for life

Most experienced buyers already use buyer’s agents – because it works. But it’s first home buyers who need the support even more, as they’re often making the biggest purchase of their lives with the least experience.

“We’re seeing a strong increase in the number of first home buyers using our services,” says Debra Beck-Mewing, buyers agent and founder of The Property Frontline.
“This is often the most expensive purchase they’ll ever make. A good buyer’s agent gives them the edge – improving their decision-making, expanding their access to quality properties, and using negotiation skill to increase their buying power.
At The Property Frontline, we also provide coaching throughout the process so our clients gain long-term skills as well as a great property.”

Unlike many buyer’s agents who only focus on transactions, The Property Frontline places a strong emphasis on coaching and skill-building — working with first time buyers to help them become confident, strategic property owners.  The services are also priced so first-time buyers can access high-quality support, just like seasoned home buyers and investors.

Avoid the Pitfalls of ‘Selling Agents in Disguise’

A point of caution – buyer’s agents are not all created equal and unfortunately, some operate more like selling agents in disguise. Parents helping their kids should ensure they choose a qualified, independent buyer’s agent who represents the buyer only and doesn’t accept kickbacks from sellers or developers.

The most transparent buyers agents won’t be embedded within a mortgage broking business – as this has proven to cause conflicts where buyers interests aren’t held as the primary focus of the purchase.

Look for a buyers agent who:

• Works independently (not tied to developers, builders or other service providers like selling / real estate agents, mortgage brokers, financial planners or accountants)
• Has formal qualifications and experience
• Charges a flat or transparent fee
• Focuses on strategy, not just transactions
• Offers education and support throughout the process

A More Affordable Option: Buyer Success Program

For first time buyers who want expert guidance but need to keep costs down, The Property Frontline offers the Buyer Success Program – an expert-supported path to buying well.

This program gives buyers access to high level expertise while they conduct the search themselves. It’s the perfect blend of guidance and empowerment, ideal for first time buyers navigating a competitive market.

Helping your children appoint a qualified buyer’s agent isn’t just cheaper than gifting $100,000 – it’s smarter. You’ll be giving them long-lasting skills, a stronger financial start, and better property outcomes, without putting your own financial future at risk. Want to explore how to help your kids buy their first property the smart way? Book a chat with The Property Frontline here.