Help to Buy is an Australian Government shared-equity scheme administered by Housing Australia. An eligible buyer contributes a deposit and obtains a home loan from a participating lender, while Housing Australia contributes part of the purchase price and holds a corresponding share in the property.
The scheme is operating in 2026. Eligibility, property-price limits and financial thresholds can change, so brokers should use Housing Australia’s current tool and participating-lender rules for each application.
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How Help To Buy Works
The government contribution reduces the amount the participant needs to borrow. It remains an ownership share rather than a gift. Sale proceeds and some later changes to the property can affect the amount repaid to Housing Australia.
Eligibility Checks
- Citizenship and age requirements.
- Current property ownership and intended owner-occupation.
- Taxable income within the current threshold.
- Property price within the location cap.
- Enough funds for the required deposit and purchase costs.
The participating lender still assesses income, expenses, liabilities and credit history. Scheme eligibility does not equal credit approval.
Application Sequence
- Check the current Housing Australia eligibility and property limits.
- Discuss finance with a participating lender or authorised channel.
- Obtain suitable pre-approval before committing to a property where possible.
- Complete the scheme and lender requirements.
- Use independent legal advice to understand the shared-equity agreement.
A mortgage broker must confirm that their channel can access a participating lender. Keep the scheme documents connected to the lender’s application process.
Limits And Ongoing Duties
Generic case studies do not establish eligibility. The participant must follow the current rules for occupation, improvements, refinancing and sale. Help to Buy is also different from a lender guarantee or mortgage insurance.
