From 1 October 2025, the Australian Government is rolling out some of the most significant changes ever to the Home Guarantee Scheme. These updates are designed to help more Australians buy sooner, with lower deposits, bigger property options, and fewer barriers, especially for:
Previously: To qualify, your taxable income had to be under $125,000 (single) or $200,000 (couple).
Now: These caps are being removed entirely, so even higher-earning buyers can access government support.
Previously: Only a set number of “places” were available each year. Even if you were eligible, you might miss out if the quota was full.
Now: That cap is gone – if you qualify, you can apply.
The maximum property price you can buy under the scheme is increasing significantly, meaning more properties are now eligible.
| Location Type | NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT | NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro / Regional Centre | $1,500,000 | $950,000 | $1,000,000 | $850,000 | $900,000 | $700,000 | $1,000,000 | $600,000 |
| Other | $800,000 | $650,000 | $700,000 | $600,000 | $500,000 | $550,000 | – | – |
What this means for you: More homes in more locations will now qualify. You’ll have a far wider choice of properties and locations without losing access to the scheme.
This part isn’t changing – but it remains one of the biggest benefits. You can still purchase your first home with just a 5% deposit (2% if a single parent applicant), and the government will guarantee up to 15% of the loan.
What this means for you: You can avoid expensive Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI) – saving you potentially tens of thousands of dollars and get into the property market much sooner.
On the flip, consider this: With more buyers now eligible, higher property price caps, and no limits on scheme places, experts are predicting increased demand across the housing market, particularly in entry-level and mid-tier segments. As more homebuyers enter the market sooner, competition for properties in popular suburbs is expected to rise, which could push prices upward over time. That’s why acting quickly is so important: getting pre-approval and taking advantage of the new scheme early could mean securing a property before heightened demand drives prices beyond reach.
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones and now. If you or someone you know is ready to make the move, your Green Team Finance Broker is here to help you make sense of these changes and how they could work for you – whether it’s now, or putting a plan in place for down the track.
Published 30.9.2025
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