Overview

• 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.