Government’s ‘help to buy’ scheme set to begin.

The Australian Federal Government has unveiled its ambitious ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, designed to make homeownership more accessible for low and middle-income Australians through a co-purchasing model.

The initiative, set up to support 40,000 buyers over the next four years, aims to address the growing housing affordability crisis. Under the scheme, the government acts as a silent partner in the home purchase, easing the financial load for buyers.

The scheme allows eligible Australians to purchase property with the government contributing up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for new homes and 30 per cent for existing properties. Buyers can enter the property market with as little as a 2 per cent deposit, and unlike traditional co-ownership arrangements, no interest is charged on the government’s stake.

The government’s stake is repaid when the property is sold or when the buyer is ready to purchase the government’s share outright. For example, a buyer purchasing a $500,000 home with a 40% government contribution would need to borrow just $300,000, substantially reducing their mortgage repayments. This will significantly reduce mortgage burdens, the Government claims.

The scheme also includes location-specific price caps to ensure fairness across the country. In New South Wales, for instance, the Help to Buy price cap is $950,000 for homes in capital cities and regional centres, while in Queensland, the cap is $700,000. Eligibility is limited to Australian citizens aged 18 or older who earn less than $90,000 individually or $120,000 combined as a household. Applicants cannot own property in Australia or overseas at the time of applying. 

While the scheme provides significant support, buyers must also consider that any increase in property value will see the government’s equity share grow accordingly. For example, if the government owns 30 per cent of a property and the home’s value increases by $100,000, the government’s share grows by $30,000. Buyers should also be aware of annual reassessments of their financial capacity and the property’s value, which could affect their eligibility. 

The Help to Buy scheme will roll out at different times across the country. Buyers in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory can access it immediately, while other states require legislative changes before it can begin. The government aims to assist 10,000 buyers annually, gradually expanding access to support more Australians.