What is help to buy scheme?
Help to Buy is the federal Government's shared-equity scheme launched 2024: Government contributes up to 40% of the property price for new builds (30% existing) for eligible buyers with as little as a 2% deposit and no LMI.
Help to Buy is the federal Government's shared-equity scheme administered by Housing Australia. Eligible buyers contribute as little as 2% deposit, the Government contributes up to 40% (new builds) or 30% (existing) of the purchase price as a shared-equity stake, and the buyer takes a standard mortgage for the remaining balance. No LMI applies because the Government's stake removes the high-LVR risk.
Eligibility (2025-26): income limit $90,000 single or $120,000 couple, Australian citizen, owner-occupier intent, doesn't currently own property, and the property must be under state-specific price caps ($950K Sydney / $850K Melbourne / etc.).
Repayment of the Government's stake: triggered by sale of the property, refinance to remove the Government's interest, or buy-out of the Government's stake through additional repayments. Same percentage of capital gain (or loss) is shared back to Government on exit.
Help to Buy scheme · federal shared equity scheme
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General information only — not personal financial advice. Verified against https://ratesniffers.com.au/glossary on 2026-06-01.