How the Expanded Home Guarantee Scheme Helps 50,000 More Buyers
Q: What’s the big news?
The government has opened the next round of the Home Guarantee Scheme, offering 50,000 new spots for the 2025–26 financial year to help people buy a home.
Q: What is the Home Guarantee Scheme?
It’s a program run by Housing Australia that lets eligible buyers purchase a home with a small deposit, without paying for expensive lenders mortgage insurance.
Q: How small can the deposit be?
- As low as 5% under the First Home Guarantee.
- Just 2% for single parents under the Family Home Guarantee.
Normally, you’d need a 20% deposit.
Q: How are the 50,000 new places divided?
- 35,000 spots for the First Home Guarantee (general buyers).
- 10,000 spots for the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee.
- 5,000 spots for the Family Home Guarantee.
Q: How many people has this helped so far?
Since it started in 2020, the scheme has helped over 230,000 Australians buy their homes sooner.
Q: Are there any changes coming?
Yes! From January 2026, the government plans to remove income and placement limits, making it easier for all first home buyers to get a home with just a 5% deposit.
Q: What does Housing Australia say about this?
CEO Scott Langford said they’re excited to give more Australians — including first-time buyers, regional residents, and single parent families — the chance to own a home sooner.