More than 300,000 Australians have now bought or built their own home with support from the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (Scheme), administered by Housing Australia.

Brooke, a single mother from Victoria, had rented the same home for 20 years, raising her family there. When the owners decided to sell, her lease was terminated, leaving her facing uncertainty about her housing future. 

When Gail, her husband and their young son migrated from South Africa to Australia for a fresh start, home ownership felt out of reach.

The Swift Walk housing precinct in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Kensington has delivered 362 new homes, including 272 social and affordable apartments, with support from the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

James, a mortgage broker by profession, was well aware of the challenges first home buyers face - and of the opportunity the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme could provide.

When 73-year-old former beautician Julie moved into her new home in Jimboomba, she felt relief for the first time in years. “I could stop holding my breath,” she said.