Australia Expands 'Help to Buy' Scheme with $800 Million Investment

The federal government raises income and property price caps to broaden access to its shared equity housing program, set to launch later in 2025.

The 'Help to Buy' scheme allows the government to take a 30% equity stake in existing homes or 40% in new homes, reducing upfront costs for first-home buyers.
Income eligibility caps have been increased to $100,000 for singles and $160,000 for couples or single parents, expanding access to more Australians.
Property price caps have risen significantly, with Sydney's cap now at $1.3 million, Melbourne's at $950,000, and Brisbane's at $1 million.
The program remains capped at 10,000 places annually, despite the expanded eligibility criteria, and will officially begin later in 2025.
Critics argue the scheme may drive up housing prices without addressing systemic supply issues, though the government is also investing $54 million in modular housing construction to accelerate homebuilding.