Australian Government Home Ownership Schemes 2025–2026

Yes, in many cases you can combine schemes. For example, you could use the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit scheme) alongside your state's First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions. The First Home Super Saver Scheme can also be combined with other programs. However, Help to Buy cannot be combined with the First Home Guarantee. Always check the specific eligibility criteria for each scheme, as some combinations may not be permitted.

The 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee) allows you to purchase with as little as 5% deposit by having the government guarantee the remainder up to 20%, avoiding LMI. You own 100% of the property. Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme where the government contributes up to 40% (new homes) or 30% (existing homes) of the purchase price, meaning you own less than 100% initially but need a smaller mortgage. Help to Buy has income caps while the 5% Deposit Scheme will have no income caps from October 2025.

Not all schemes require first home buyer status. The Family Home Guarantee (2% deposit) is available to single parents and single legal guardians regardless of whether they have previously owned property. The NT FreshStart New Home Grant is available to existing homeowners buying a new build. State-level First Home Owner Grants do require first home buyer status.

In most states, the First Home Owner Grant applies only to new homes, substantially renovated homes, or house-and-land packages. Established (existing) homes generally do not qualify for the FHOG. Notable exceptions include the NT, which has offered a separate grant for established homes. However, stamp duty concessions in most states do apply to established homes for first home buyers.

If a property exceeds the price cap for a particular scheme, you will not be eligible to use that scheme for that purchase. Property price caps vary by scheme and location. You may still qualify for other schemes with higher or no caps. Price caps are reviewed periodically and were increased significantly for the First Home Guarantee from October 2025.

Yes, couples (married, de facto, or otherwise) can apply jointly for most government schemes including the First Home Guarantee and Help to Buy. For joint applications, both applicants must meet the eligibility criteria. For Help to Buy, the combined income cap for joint applicants is $160,000. For the FHSSS, each person has their own individual cap of $50,000.

If your income exceeds the Help to Buy caps ($100,000 for singles, $160,000 for joint applicants), you may still qualify for the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit scheme), which will have no income caps from October 2025. You could also access state grants and stamp duty concessions, which have their own separate eligibility criteria.

For the First Home Guarantee and Help to Buy, you need to use a participating lender. There are many participating lenders across major banks and non-bank lenders. A mortgage broker like Finance Hub can help match you with a participating lender that offers the competitive rates and terms for your situation.

Most government schemes require you to move into the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement and live in it for a continuous period, typically 6 to 12 months. For the FHSSS, you must live in the home for at least 6 of the first 12 months. For state grants, the occupancy requirement is generally 6 to 12 continuous months. Specific requirements vary by scheme.

No. All government home ownership schemes — including the First Home Guarantee, Help to Buy, FHOG, and stamp duty concessions — require the property to be used as your principal place of residence (owner-occupied). Investment properties are not eligible. If you convert a scheme-assisted property to an investment later, there may be repayment or clawback provisions.