Help to Buy Scheme Now Open – What It Means for Buyers
From 5 December 2025, the Australian Government’s Help to Buy Scheme is officially open, and it could make a real difference for some buyers.
Designed to help eligible Australians get into the market sooner, the scheme lowers the upfront costs of buying a home by allowing the Government to contribute up to 30 to 40 percent of the property price, depending on the type of home.
Here’s a quick overview.
What’s the Help to Buy Scheme?
Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme. The Government contributes:
- Up to 30% of the purchase price for existing homes
- Up to 40% for newly built homes
- Buyers only need a 2% deposit
- The Government’s share reduces the loan size, making repayments more affordable and helping buyers qualify sooner
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify, buyers must:
- Be Australian citizens aged 18 or over
- Earn $100,000 or less (single) or $160,000 or less (joint/single parent)
- Have saved a minimum 2% deposit
- Plan to live in the property as their main residence
- Not currently own property in Australia or overseas
- Apply through a Participating Lender (not directly with the Government)
What Can They Buy?
Eligible properties include:
- New or existing homes: house, townhouse, apartment, unit, or duplex
- Vacant land with a building contract in place
- Properties under local price caps
- Available in all states and territories except WA and TAS (pending legislation)
Why It Matters
This scheme may help:
- Buyers who are just shy of the borrowing amount needed
- First-home buyers struggling with deposits
- Clients re-entering the market after a break
Keen to find out if you qualify?
Contact Peter Byrne today for guidance and lender connections.
Peter Byrne, Dip Mortgage Broking. MFAA Member
Owner Manager
Mortgage Choice in Taree, Forster, Wingham, Gloucester, Bulahdelah, Old Bar, Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Phone: 02 6550 0344, Mob: 0413 291 300
20 Commerce Street, TAREE NSW 2430
Suite V2, Level 2/384 Hunter Street, NEWCASTLE, NSW 2300
Suite 3, 14/41-43 Wharf Street, FORSTER NSW 2423
Email: peter.byrne@mortgagechoice.com.au
Website: MortgageChoice.com.au/peter.byrne