Help to Buy Shared Equity Scheme 2026: Government Owns 40%
Meta Title: Help to Buy Shared Equity Australia 2026: Full Guide & Calculator
Meta Description: Help to Buy shared equity scheme 2026 Australia explained. Government takes 40% ownership, you buy back later—no repayments, first buyer solution.
Shared equity sounds alien: “Government owns 40% of my house?” First-home buyers pause, torn between rent frustration and co-ownership weirdness.
Clear answer: Help to Buy 2026 lets government fund 40% equity (no repayments), you provide 5-30% deposit, borrow 60% market loan. Buy back government’s share anytime at pro-rata value. No LMI, low deposit entry.
Shared Equity Math ($800k House)
Component | Your Share | Gov Share | Bank Loan |
Purchase | $480k (60%) | $320k (40%) | $480k |
Deposit Needed | $40k (5%) | $0 | $0 |
Total Upfront | $40k | $0 | $0 |
Real Shared Equity Journey: Priya, $95k income, $42k savings. $820k Melbourne unit: $41k deposit (5%), $492k bank loan (60%), $287k government (35%). Monthly P&I $2,950 vs $2,800 rent. Year 4: refinanced, bought 50% gov share. “Owned 100% outright, no LMI ever.”
Buy-Back Flexibility (No Lock-In)
Sell house: Government gets 40% sale proceeds. Refinance: Buy back any percentage. No minimum repayment, no interest charged. Market growth benefits both parties proportionally.
Eligibility 2026:
- Income <$90k single, $120k couples
- First-home buyer
- Property $1M max (higher regional)
- Australian citizen
Hidden Winner: No LMI ever ($25k saved). Lower repayments (60% loan vs 95%).
Reality Check: Government share grows with market. Limited places annually.
About the Author: TH Mortgage Solutions shared equity specialist.
FAQs
Does gov get rental income? No—you keep 100%.
Sell after 2 years? Yes—gov gets pro-rata gain.