Smaller deposit
Help to Buy is designed for eligible buyers who have saved a deposit but may still need support to buy a suitable home.
Shared equity
Help to Buy Scheme
Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme where the Australian Government may contribute toward the purchase price. Official guidance says buyers need a minimum 2% deposit, a loan from a participating lender, and the government may contribute up to 30% for an existing home or up to 40% for a new home.
This can reduce the loan you need, but it also means understanding shared equity obligations, future income reviews, sale rules and how you may buy out the government share later.
Scheme overview
What Help to Buy may change
Shared equity can reduce the loan you need, but it also creates ongoing scheme obligations. The right answer depends on your numbers and plans.
Government equity share
The Australian Government may contribute toward the purchase price and hold an equity interest in the property.
Property and income rules
Eligibility, property price caps, lender participation and state or territory availability need to be checked before you apply.
Broker support
How we help you compare your pathway
Winning Home Loans can help you understand your borrowing power, repayment position and whether Help to Buy is worth exploring against other low-deposit options.
Check eligibility fit
Income, citizenship or residency position, ownership history, intended occupancy and property type.
Compare your numbers
Review repayments, deposit, purchase costs and how shared equity may affect the loan size.
Plan lender steps
Prepare documents, lender policy checks and pre-approval steps before you rely on the scheme.
Questions
Common Help to Buy questions
Is Help to Buy the same as the 5% Deposit Scheme?
No. Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme. The 5% Deposit Scheme is a government guarantee pathway. The best fit depends on your situation.
Does the government own part of the home?
Under shared equity, the government contribution generally creates an equity interest. You should understand repayment, sale and ongoing obligations before applying.
Can I buy any property?
No. The property needs to meet scheme rules, including location and price requirements, and the lender still needs to approve the loan.
Scheme details can change. Check the official Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme information.
Ready when you are
Work out if Help to Buy fits your plan.
Book a broker call and we will help compare the scheme, your deposit and your lender options.
Shared equityUnderstand the trade-offs clearly.
Low depositCompare scheme pathways.
1:1Guidance before you apply.
Australia wideBroker support with Australian lender access.