Shared Equity Schemes

A shared equity scheme is a homebuyer initiative where an equity partner (such as the government or a community organization) contributes to the purchase price of your property in exchange for a proportional stake in its value.

This is a guide to the various government initiatives to assist Australians to buy their own home.

  1. On January 1 2023, the NSW state government introduced their shared equity scheme. Strict qualification guidelines apply, and a minimum 2% of the purchase price is required. Read all about it HERE
  2. In Victoria, the state government has offered various initiatives to assist homebuyers for some time now. Their HomeBuyers Fund initiative replaces what was there before. Again, strict qualification guidelines apply, and a 5% deposit is required. CLICK HERE to access the information.
  3. In Queensland, the only assistance available are for those who are already renting government housing. It’s called Pathways Shared Equity. CLICK HERE.
  4. In South Australia, the government operates their shared equity scheme via a company called Homestart Finance. CLICK HERE.
  5. Western Australia: The government offers a Shared Ownership Home Loan through Keystart, the WA Government’s home loan lender. CLICK HERE.
  6. Tasmania’s offering via the government’s MyHome program. It requires a 2% deposit as well as other qualifying criteria. CLICK HERE
  7. In The Territories, the only program available is in the A.C.T which operates a scheme similar to Queensland’s, where existing renters of public housing can apply to purchase the home they live in.
  8. The latest (and possibly the best) scheme is operated by the Federal Government. Under their Help to Buy program, the Government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and 30% for existing homes. CLICK HERE