Help to Buy Scheme Now Live Across Australia — What Victorian Buyers Should Know
Housing Australia confirmed on 9 June 2026 that the Help to Buy Scheme is now available in every state and territory, following its Tasmania launch. Victoria has been part of the scheme since December 2025. For first home buyers in Melbourne and across Victoria, it is worth understanding what the scheme offers, who it is designed for, and how it fits alongside other support measures already in place.
How the Scheme Works in Victoria
Under the Help to Buy Scheme, eligible buyers in Victoria can purchase a property with a deposit as low as 2%, with the federal government contributing up to 30% of the purchase price as an equity stake. This means buyers take on a smaller mortgage, which can reduce borrowing costs over time. The government does not charge rent on its share, but it retains a proportional interest in the property. In Melbourne, the eligible property price cap sits at $950,000, according to the State Revenue Office Victoria.
Who Is Currently Eligible
Income limits apply. According to Housing Australia, singles must earn $100,000 or less per year, while couples and single parents are capped at $160,000. Applicants must be Australian citizens, at least 18 years of age, and must not currently own property. The scheme is intended for owner-occupiers, not investors. As of the Housing Australia figures released alongside the Tasmania announcement, more than 2,300 places have been approved nationally out of 10,000 available annually, with 278 households having already settled.
What Buyers Should Consider Before Applying
The scheme reduces the deposit barrier and the loan size, but it does introduce a shared equity arrangement with the government. Buyers who later sell, or who choose to buy out the government's share, will need to account for that equity position at current market value. The scheme sits alongside other Victorian measures such as the First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions administered by the State Revenue Office Victoria. Because eligibility rules and available places can change, speaking with a qualified mortgage broker before proceeding is a practical first step.