Australian Government 'Help to Buy Scheme' (2% Deposit)
The 'Help to Buy Scheme' is a shared equity program where the Australian Government contributes towards the purchase price of your home, helping eligible buyers enter the property market sooner.
To participate, you'll need to:
Save a minimum 2% deposit (plus Stamp Duty & Fees)
Obtain a home loan through a participating lender.
The Australian Government may contribute:
Up to 30% of the purchase price for an existing home.
Up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home.
This can help you buy sooner by increasing your purchasing power and eliminating the need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
You own the home from day one, while the Government holds an equity share. When you sell the property or choose to buy out the Government's share, it will receive the same percentage of any increase or decrease in the property's value.
2% Deposit Scheme FAQ
To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, you must generally:
Be 18 years or older.
Be an Australian citizen.
Have a minimum 2% deposit + Stamp Duty & Fees.
Live in the property as your principal place of residence.
Not own any other residential property (some exceptions apply).
Obtain a home loan through a participating lender.
Not receive assistance under another government shared equity or guarantee scheme.
Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch and I'll help assess your eligibility.
The Government can contribute up to 30% of the purchase price for an existing home or 40% for a new home, reducing the amount you need to borrow.
Yes. You can increase your ownership over time by buying back the Government's equity share, subject to the Scheme's rules.
No. The property must remain your principal place of residence while you're participating in the Scheme.
You must have an annual taxable income at or below $103,000 for individual applicants or $165,000 for single parents and joint applicants, as shown on the ATO Notice of Assessment (NOA) for the previous financial year (FY 2026)
No. Unlike some other government schemes, Help to Buy is available to both first home buyers and eligible existing homeowners, provided you meet the Scheme's eligibility criteria, including income, property ownership and owner-occupier requirements.
See if you qualify for the 2% Help to Buy Scheme!
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