Help to Buy Scheme 2026 · Australia-wide
A 2% deposit may be enough to buy sooner.
The Australian Government may contribute up to 30% for an existing home or 40% for a newly built home—reducing the home loan you need. David helps you check the criteria, work through the real numbers and prepare a strong application.
Help to Buy eligibility
Could the Scheme fit your position?
You do not need to be a first-home buyer, but every applicant must meet the Scheme and lender requirements. These are the main initial settings for the 2026–27 financial year.
- Every applicant is an Australian citizen and at least 18 years old.
- Taxable income is no more than $103,000 for an individual, or $165,000 for joint applicants and single parents, based on the required ATO Notice of Assessment.
- You have at least a 2% deposit, plus enough funds for relevant purchase costs.
- You will live in the property as your principal place of residence.
- You do not own property in Australia or overseas, subject to limited single-parent exceptions.
- The home is within the price cap for its exact postcode and you can service the required home loan.
Meeting these points does not guarantee eligibility or lending approval. A participating lender must assess the full application.
60-second initial check
Nothing entered here is submitted or stored. This is only a starting point.
Simple Help to Buy calculator
See how shared equity could change the numbers.
Use this illustration to understand the structure. Your actual contribution and loan depend on your deposit, borrowing capacity, property, lender assessment and final Scheme approval.
The illustration uses the maximum contribution (30% existing / 40% newly built) and a 2% deposit. It excludes stamp duty, conveyancing, adjustments, inspections and other purchase costs.
The application path
From “could I qualify?” to keys in hand.
Help to Buy has more moving parts than a standard home loan. David keeps the lender, Housing Australia, contract timeframes and your documents moving together.
Check your position
Review income, deposit, debts, property history, borrowing capacity and the relevant postcode cap.
Prepare and apply
Choose a participating lender, prepare the file carefully and submit the conditional approval request.
Reserve a place
Conditional approval can reserve your Scheme place for up to 90 days while you search.
Find the right home
Stay within the approved amount and exact local cap, with legal advice and a suitable finance clause.
Formal approval
The lender and Housing Australia complete the final checks, documents, settlement and shared-equity structure.
2026 Help to Buy property price caps
How much can the property cost?
The purchase price must be at or below the cap for the exact property location. Your personal purchase limit may be lower based on affordability and borrowing capacity.
| State or territory | Capital city / regional centre | Rest of state |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $1,300,000 | $800,000 |
| Victoria | $950,000 | $650,000 |
| Queensland | $1,000,000 | $700,000 |
| Western Australia | $850,000 | $600,000 |
| South Australia | $900,000 | $500,000 |
| Tasmania | $700,000 | $550,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $1,000,000 | n/a |
| Northern Territory | $600,000 | $600,000 |
Important trade-offs
Shared equity reduces the loan—but it is not free money.
A clear strategy includes the ongoing obligations and exit plan, not just the smaller deposit.
Value is shared
The Government proportionally shares gains or losses when you sell or buy back its equity.
Live in the home
It must remain your principal place of residence. Investment properties and ordinary renting-out are not permitted.
Ongoing reviews
You must maintain and insure the home, provide updated information and participate in required reviews.
Path to full ownership
You can increase your share over time through savings, additional lending, refinance or sale, subject to the rules.
Personal guidance from start to finish
You speak with David—not a call centre.
The Scheme rules are only one part of the answer. Your income, debts, deposit, family position, lender policy and the property all need to work together.
- Understand your realistic borrowing and purchase range before you make offers.
- Compare Help to Buy with other low-deposit pathways where appropriate.
- Prepare the supporting evidence and application in the right sequence.
- Keep the agent, conveyancer, lender and Housing Australia timeframes aligned.
- Receive clear explanations about costs, limitations and next steps.
Book your Help to Buy review
Get a clear answer about your next step.
Choose a convenient time. David will discuss your income, deposit, current debts, buying location and timing so you know what needs to happen next.
The first conversation is free and there is no obligation to proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers before you book.
Do I have to be a first-home buyer?
No. Help to Buy can support eligible first-home buyers and people returning to home ownership. The property-ownership rules still apply, including the general requirement that applicants do not own property in Australia or overseas, subject to limited exceptions for some single parents.
Does the Government charge interest on its contribution?
The Government contribution is an equity share, not a standard interest-bearing loan. The Government shares proportionally in gains or losses when you buy back its share or sell the home. Other obligations and valuation rules apply.
Can Help to Buy be used for an apartment, townhouse or house and land package?
Eligible property types can include new or existing houses, townhouses, apartments, units and duplexes, as well as certain vacant-land and construction arrangements with an eligible building contract. The property and total price must meet the Scheme requirements.
Can I combine Help to Buy with a state shared-equity scheme?
Generally no. Applicants cannot receive assistance from other state or territory shared-equity schemes, loans or guarantees supporting the purchase. Stamp duty concessions, grants and other exemptions may still be available.
How long does conditional approval last?
Once conditionally approved, a Scheme place can be reserved for up to 90 days while you find a suitable home. Housing Australia may allow an extension of up to another 90 days in some circumstances. Your approval letter will set out the relevant conditions and dates.
Is a 2% deposit the only cash I need?
No. The minimum deposit is only one part of the required funds. Depending on the property and your position, you may also need money for stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections, settlement adjustments and other purchase costs. David can help prepare a full funds-to-complete estimate.
Can I rent the property out?
Help to Buy is for owner-occupied homes. You must live in the property as your principal place of residence while participating in the Scheme, and ordinary investment use or renting the property out is not permitted.
Can I apply directly to Housing Australia?
No. Applications are made through a participating lender, which assesses your financial position and eligibility and submits the Scheme application. David can help you prepare and work with an appropriate participating lender.
Buying with 2% is possible for some people. The first step is knowing whether the full position works.
Book a focused conversation with David and leave with a clearer view of your eligibility, borrowing range and next move.
Book my Help to Buy review