“Help to Buy involves the government co-investing in your home. This results in a smaller deposit and lower repayments, though the government shares in any future price growth.”
The Help to Buy scheme launched on 5 December 2025. It is a shared equity arrangement — the Australian Government contributes up to 30% of the purchase price for an existing property, or up to 40% for a new build, in exchange for a corresponding equity share. You purchase the balance with a minimum 2% deposit and a standard home loan.
How the equity structure works
On a $700,000 purchase where the government contributes 30% ($210,000), you are borrowing $455,000 at a 2% deposit ($14,000). Your loan repayments are calculated on $455,000, not $700,000. The government holds a 30% equity interest — not a loan — and does not charge interest on its share. When you sell, the government receives 30% of the sale price.
Who is eligible
You must be an Australian citizen aged 18 or over. You cannot currently own or have an interest in property. Income thresholds apply: $100,000 per year for singles, $160,000 per year for couples and single parents. The scheme is not limited to first home buyers — anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and does not currently own property can apply.
How you buy out the government’s share
You can buy out the government’s equity at any time, in tranches of at least 5%, using your own funds or a loan increase. You are not required to buy out the government’s share — you can hold the shared ownership arrangement for the full life of your ownership and pay out the government’s share only when you sell.
What the scheme doesn’t cover
The scheme has property price caps that vary by state. It is available through a panel of participating lenders — you cannot access it through every lender. The scheme has 10,000 places available per year nationally (40,000 over four years). As at May 2026, only two lenders — Commonwealth Bank and Bank Australia — are offering the scheme. More lenders are expected to join through 2026. Given limited annual places, timing matters.
→ You may wish to speak with a licensed mortgage broker to assess your personal circumstances. This is general information only. Individual circumstances vary and scheme details change regularly. Verify current eligibility, caps, and terms with official sources before making decisions. Speak with a licensed mortgage broker for advice tailored to your situation. All loans are subject to lender approval.
Sources: Housing Australia, Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme (firsthomebuyers.gov.au); Housing Australia, Help to Buy Property Price Caps (firsthomebuyers.gov.au); ASIC MoneySmart, Shared Equity Schemes 2025.
