More Australians set to benefit as Help to Buy expands from 1 July 2026

Housing Australia today announced that 10,000 new places will be available for the 2026-27 financial year across all states and territories, alongside increased income eligibility thresholds to support more Australians into home ownership.

Administered by Housing Australia, the Scheme opened to eligible applicants on 5 December 2025. Help to Buy enables home buyers to purchase a home sooner with a deposit of as little as 2 per cent, with the Australian Government contributing up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for new homes and up to 30 per cent for existing homes, subject to eligibility criteria.

From 1 July 2026, taxable income limits will increase to $103,000 for single applicants and $165,000 for joint and single parent applicants, building on the Scheme’s strong early uptake.

Since the Scheme launched, Help to Buy has received more than 7,200 applications, with 4,800 of these applications having found a home to live in (or having settled) and the remaining looking for a home. The strongest demand is in Victoria, followed by New South Wales and Queensland. Its recent expansion to Tasmania in June 2026 marks its full national rollout, with the Scheme now available across all states and territories.

Almost 7 out of 10 applications are from single applicants, including 12 per cent who are single parents – highlighting the Scheme’s support for those facing the greatest barriers to home ownership.

With a median deposit of $30,000 and 86 per cent first-home buyers, Help to Buy is a critical pathway into home ownership for Australians with limited savings.

Help to Buy is also playing a growing role in supporting older single women – one of the fastest growing cohorts experiencing housing insecurity – into stable home ownership. Since launch, 42 per cent of women supported are aged 40 or above.

The Scheme is also helping Australians maintain housing stability during significant life transitions.

Sandra, a mother of two navigating separation, was able to remain in her family home through Help to Buy after facing significant financial barriers to buy out her former partner. With a 30 per cent government contribution, she was able to refinance and take full ownership, allowing her children to stay in their school and connected to their community.

“Having a home means security for my children – a place we can stay for as long as we want, in the community I want them to grow up in. It also gives me peace of mind knowing we are building long-term financial stability for our future,” Sandra said.

Executive Leader, Help to Buy Alia Ayoub said, “The strong uptake since the Scheme launched highlights both the demand for this type of support and the impact the Scheme is already having.

“We’re particularly encouraged by the number of single applicants and single parents participating, as well as the growing number of older women accessing home ownership and long-term security through Help to Buy – groups who have traditionally faced significant barriers in the housing market.”

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said, “Through Help to Buy we are making a meaningful difference for thousands of Australians who have been locked out of home ownership.

“The changes from 1 July ensures we can continue to support more Australians into home ownership, and we look forward to working with Participating Lenders to provide housing stability for individuals, families and communities; now, and into the future.”

For more information on Help to Buy visit firsthomebuyers.gov.au