Australians begin moving into homes purchased under the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme

Since its launch, the Scheme has committed over 2,356 places, reflecting strong demand and immediate interest from people eager to secure a home. Already, 278 Australian households have purchased homes through Help to Buy, while more than 2,078 are preparing to buy, meaning hundreds of Australians are now closer to achieving their home ownership goals. Uptake has occurred across all states and territories where the Scheme is available, demonstrating its reach and the real difference it is making for people nationwide.

Help to Buy is designed to make home ownership more accessible by reducing the upfront costs. Using a shared equity model, the Australian Government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and up to 30% for existing homes, significantly lowering the amount buyers need to borrow and reducing the deposit required.

As of 31 January, 10 per cent of applications have come from single parents and 64 per cent from single applicants, underscoring the Scheme's role in helping Australians who often face the greatest challenges in entering the housing market. With a median deposit of just $29,000, significantly lower than what's typically needed, the Scheme is helping Australians with smaller savings take the first step into home ownership.

Stella*, a single mother, spent five years trying to buy a home but couldn't afford a loan big enough on a single income. After the Government announced Help to Buy in 2024, Stella followed its rollout closely. When it officially launched in December 2025, she applied straight away. The support it provided finally made home ownership possible. Stella was able to buy in the community where her children grew up, close to work, healthcare and transport. Owning a home has given her long-awaited security, reduced her anxiety, and fulfilled what she calls "a dream come true."

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said, "The early success of Help to Buy shows just how important this Scheme is for Australians who aspire to own a home but face significant financial hurdles. We're proud to see people already moving into homes and many more approved and ready to buy."

Executive Leader for Help to Buy, Alia Ayoub said, "This is about creating real opportunities for Australians. The strong response and rapid uptake demonstrates that Help to Buy is working as intended, making home ownership achievable for thousands of people."

Housing Australia is working in close partnership with two Participating Lenders, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Bank Australia, who are approved to offer the Help to Buy Scheme. Through this collaboration and shared commitment, we are turning the dream of home ownership into reality for more Australians. Their role in delivering the Scheme has been instrumental in making this support accessible to those who need it most.

Looking ahead, Housing Australia is expanding the lender panel for both Help to Buy and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. This expansion increases choice and accessibility for home buyers across the country, and provides Australians with additional access points to the Australian Government's home ownership programs. As new Participating Lenders come on board throughout 2026, the First Home Buyers ​website​ will be updated with the additional panel lenders. 

* Name withheld to protect privacy.