Government support to help open the door to home ownership

If you are planning to buy your first home in 2026, staying across the latest government support could make a bigger difference than you think, so we’ve provided a wrap up of all the latest schemes up for consideration in the coming year.

Here is what you need to know.

The First Home Guarantee (FHBG)

Under this scheme, which was expanded in October last year, eligible buyers can purchase a property with a 5 per cent deposit and avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). This can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars and significantly reduce the time it takes to save for a home deposit.

The expansion saw the removal of limits on the number of places available so that any eligible first home buyer with a 5 per cent deposit can apply.

Income caps were also removed, which has made the scheme accessible to a broader range of first home buyers, particularly those earning solid incomes but still struggling to save a large deposit.

On top of that, property price caps were lifted across capital cities and regional areas to better reflect real market prices so buyers can now use the scheme for a wider range of homes, including properties in higher priced suburbs that were previously out of reach.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

For buyers still saving, the First Home Super Saver Scheme can be a powerful tool.

This scheme allows first home buyers to make voluntary contributions into their super and later withdraw those funds to use as part of a home deposit. Because super is taxed at a lower rate, this can help buyers save faster compared to using a standard savings account.

There are limits on how much can be contributed and withdrawn, so it is important to plan ahead and understand the rules before relying on the scheme.

Help to Buy Scheme

Another option is this shared-equity program where the government contributes up to 30 per cent of the purchase price for existing homes or 40 per cent for new homes, letting you buy with as little as a 2 per cent deposit and a smaller mortgage, while you own and live in the home and the government holds a proportional equity share that you can buy back over time or repay when you sell.

State and territory first home owner grants

Most states and territories continue to offer first home owner grants, particularly for buyers purchasing new or substantially renovated homes.

Grant amounts and eligibility rules vary depending on where you buy, but they can provide a valuable boost to a deposit or help cover upfront costs such as legal fees and inspections.

Stamp duty concessions and exemptions

Stamp duty is often one of the biggest upfront costs when buying a home. To ease this burden, many states and territories offer stamp duty concessions or full exemptions for eligible first home buyers.

In some cases, buyers pay reduced stamp duty, while others may pay none at all if the property falls under certain price thresholds.

Shared equity and state-based programs

Some states also offer shared equity schemes, where the government contributes a portion of the purchase price in exchange for an ownership stake in the property. This can reduce the size of the loan needed and make repayments more manageable.

Availability and conditions vary by state, and there are usually limits on income and property value.

Boosting supply through the First Home Supply Program

Affordability is not just about saving a deposit. It is also about having enough homes available to buy which is where the First Home Supply Program comes in. Through this program, the Government is working with states, territories and industry to unlock more housing supply and make it easier for first home buyers to own a home of their own. Construction on the first homes will start in 2026–27, with first home buyers to begin moving in from 2027−28.

With property prices still high in many parts of Australia, government support can make a real difference, however with so many schemes on offer, it can quickly become confusing to work out what you qualify for and which options will actually benefit you the most.

We can help you cut through the noise, understand your options and put together a clear plan to buy with confidence. If you are thinking about buying your first home in 2026, talk to us.