FEDERAL SUPPORT
At a glance: Help to Buy is a shared-equity scheme, not a guarantee. Minimum buyer deposit is 2%; the Commonwealth can contribute up to 30% for an existing home or up to 40% for a new home, with the buyer borrowing the balance from a Participating Lender.
What is available now
Under Help to Buy, the Commonwealth takes a shared-equity interest in the property in exchange for its contribution. This is fundamentally different from the 5% Deposit Scheme, which is a guarantee sitting behind a loan you own outright.
Eligibility: 2026–27 income thresholds
- Single applicant: taxable income up to $103,000
- Single parent applicant: up to $165,000
- Joint applicants: combined threshold up to $165,000
Applicants must also be Australian citizens, at least 18, intend to live in the property, and meet the Scheme’s property ownership restrictions.
Worked example
Existing home, $800,000 purchase price.
| Buyer deposit (2%) | $16,000 |
| Commonwealth equity (30%) | $240,000 |
| Indicative lender loan | $544,000 |
Before lender and cost adjustments.
Key difference from the 5% Deposit Scheme
5% Scheme: the Government guarantee supports the lender; the borrower owns 100% of the property. Help to Buy: the Government takes a shared-equity interest and participates in future value changes under the Scheme’s own rules. This affects what you keep if the property is later sold or refinanced.
What to confirm before signing
- your exact income against the 2026–27 thresholds above
- how the shared-equity arrangement affects your position on resale, refinance or buying back the Government’s share
- whether a Participating Lender is available for your scenario
Official government source
Rules, thresholds and application processes can change. Check the official source before relying on a benefit or signing a contract.
Reviewed: 29 August 2026.
0424 924 882
kartik@policymatchhomeloans.com.au
WhatsApp