Help to Buy.
Last updated 14 June 2026 · scheme settings verify-current, confirm WA availability with the administering body.
Help to Buy is a federal shared-equity scheme launched in late 2025. The government contributes up to 40% toward an eligible new build (30% for an existing home) in return for an equal equity stake, which shrinks the loan you need and can mean a 2% deposit. Income caps are $100,000 individual and $160,000 joint, with a Perth price cap of $850,000. The WA rollout is verify-current.
How shared equity works here.
| Detail | Launch position | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Federal shared-equity scheme | High |
| Government contribution - new build | Up to 40% of the price | Verify current figure |
| Government contribution - existing home | Up to 30% of the price | Verify current figure |
| Deposit required | From 2% | Verify current figure |
| Income caps | $100,000 individual / $160,000 joint or single parent | Verify current figure |
| Perth price cap | $850,000 | Verify current figure |
| Places | 10,000 per year, 40,000 over four years | Verify current figure |
| Rollout | Launched late 2025, state-by-state, verify current status in WA | Verify current figure |
Help to Buy rolled out state-by-state with settings that may change. Every figure here is verify-current. Confirm the live WA position before relying on it. Note WA also runs its own Keystart shared-equity options.
The eligibility checklist.
- Your income is at or under the cap ($100,000 individual, $160,000 joint or single parent).
- The purchase price is at or under the Perth cap of $850,000.
- You have at least a 2% deposit and meet the participating lender's assessment.
- You are an Australian citizen (confirm current residency rule for the scheme).
- You will live in the home as your principal place of residence.
- You accept the government holds an equity share, so you share both the gain and the cost of buying that share back later.
A worked example on a new build.
On an eligible $500,000 new home, a 40% government contribution is $200,000, so your loan covers about $290,000 after a 2% deposit of $10,000. That can turn a borderline serviceability case into an approval. The trade-off is that the government owns 40%, so you repay that share, including growth, when you sell or buy it back.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| New home value | $500,000 | Under the $850,000 cap |
| Government equity (40%) | $200,000 | Government owns this share |
| Deposit at 2% | $10,000 | Indicative, verify current |
| Indicative loan | ~$290,000 | The portion you finance |
| Repayment of equity share | 40% of future value | The catch, paid on sale or buy-back |
Worked example for illustration only, not a quote or an offer of finance. Shared equity means you share future gains with the government. This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not credit assistance or a credit quote. Consider whether it is right for you and seek advice. Finance is arranged through Central Lending Solutions, the licensed credit partner The Property Plug works with (Australian Credit Licence or credit representative number [TBC]).
Because Help to Buy contributes the higher 40% on a new build versus 30% on an existing home, every one of The Property Plug's 46 new-home designs qualifies for the more generous tier. We help you weigh shared equity against keeping full ownership on a 5% deposit, so you choose with eyes open. We are paid by the builder, never by you.
- First Home Guarantee - full ownership on a 5% deposit.
- Keystart - a 2% deposit WA government loan.
- How much deposit do I need? - compare the pathways.
- Combine your first home incentives - the full picture.
What is Help to Buy and is it available in WA?
Help to Buy is a federal shared-equity scheme launched in late 2025. The government contributes up to 40% toward a new build (30% for an existing home) in exchange for an equal equity stake, which lowers the loan you need. The rollout is state-by-state, so confirm the current Western Australian availability and rules before relying on it.
How much does the government contribute under Help to Buy?
Up to 40% of the price for a new build and up to 30% for an existing home, as published at launch. Because The Property Plug only sells new builds, the higher 40% contribution is the relevant figure for our buyers. Treat the percentages as verify-current and confirm with the administering body.
What are the income caps for Help to Buy?
The launch caps were $100,000 for an individual and $160,000 for a joint application or a single parent, with a Perth price cap of $850,000. Places were limited to 10,000 a year and 40,000 over four years. These settings are verify-current, so confirm them before applying.
What is the catch with shared equity?
Shared equity is not free money. The government owns a share of the home, so when you sell or buy the share back, you repay that proportion of the value, including any growth. You share the upside, not just the cost. For some buyers a 5% deposit through the First Home Guarantee, keeping full ownership, is a better fit.
Help to Buy or the First Home Guarantee?
Help to Buy lowers your loan by handing the government an equity share, useful when serviceability is tight. The First Home Guarantee keeps you as full owner on a 5% deposit with no LMI. The right choice depends on your income, how much loan you can service, and whether you want full ownership from day one.
Is shared equity right for you?
Tell us your income and where you want to build. We weigh Help to Buy against keeping full ownership and match you to eligible new builds. Free to you, no obligation.