Shared Equity Schemes (by State): Making Home-ownership More Accessible
Christian Stevens, Mortgage Broker
Published December 10, 2025, 2:10 P.M ET
Discover how shared equity schemes in NSW, VIC, and WA can help first-time buyers, single parents, and essential workers purchase a home with a low deposit. Flint guides you through eligibility, lenders, and the process to make homeownership achievable.
🔑 Key Facts
- Shared equity schemes help eligible buyers purchase property with support from the government or an approved co-investment partner.
- Buyers share ownership of the property (and cost), reducing the deposit, borrowing amount, and long-term mortgage pressure.
- Major state-based options include NSW’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, VIC’s Home Buyer Fund, and WA’s Key start Shared Ownership program.
- These programs can assist single parents, essential workers, older Australians and low-to-mid income households seeking an affordable entry point into the property market.
- Flint guides you through eligibility, borrowing structures, and application steps so you can enter the market confidently using shared equity pathways.
What Is a Shared Equity Scheme?
A shared equity scheme allows a homebuyer to purchase a property with financial support from a government partner who contributes a set percentage of the purchase price.
This reduces the buyer’s loan size, lowers the required deposit, and typically removes the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). In return, the co-investor holds an equity share, which is repaid when the buyer sells, refinances, or increases their ownership stake.
This model provides a flexible way for Australians to step into homeownership sooner—especially those looking for low-deposit finance options, government-supported buying programs, and affordable pathways into the market.
How Shared Equity Works
- Government contributes 25–40% of the property value (depending on the specific state scheme)
- Buyers contribute a reduced minimum deposit (usually 2–5%)
- LMI is not required
- The government’s share (plus proportional capital growth) is repaid upon selling or refinancing
Major Shared Equity Schemes by State
1. New South Wales – Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper
- Up to 40% contribution for new builds or 30% for existing homes
- Minimum 2% deposit requirement
- Supports single parents, older single buyers (50+), and essential workers
This is a strong pathway for buyers needing a reduced upfront contribution and lower long-term repayments.
2. Victoria – Home Buyer Fund
- Government contributes up to 25% of the purchase price
- Minimum 5% deposit
- Buyer must occupy the property for at least 2 years
This scheme is ideal for Victorians looking for faster market entry, lower borrowing pressure, and LMI-free purchasing.
3. Western Australia – Key start Shared Ownership Home Loan
- WA Housing Authority becomes a co-owner
- Buyers can gradually purchase additional ownership shares over time
- Low deposit, no-LMI structure for eligible WA residents
This program suits buyers seeking flexible shared-ownership financing with manageable repayments.
Who Can These Schemes Help?
Shared equity is suitable for:
- Single parents or careers with limited deposit capacity
- Essential workers like teachers, healthcare staff, and police
- Older buyers re-entering the market or downsizing
- Low-to-moderate income households who need an affordable entry point
These groups benefit most from reduced mortgage commitments, supported purchasing, and low-deposit pathways that Flint helps structure.
Key Benefits
Deposit as low as 2–5%
No LMI, lowering upfront costs
Smaller mortgage = reduced repayments
Government partner only shares proportional profit — no interest charged
These advantages create a more achievable and sustainable path to homeownership for eligible buyers.
Things to Be Aware Of
Limited placements are released each year
The property remains co-owned until the partner’s share is repaid
Renovations or refinancing may require approval
Capital growth is shared based on the government’s equity percentage
📞 Want to Access a Shared Equity Scheme in Your State?
Flint helps you:
- Understand eligibility for each state-based shared equity option
- Structure your finance for long-term affordability
- Liaise with government partners and lenders
- Navigate the application from pre-approval through to settlement
Chat with Flint today and explore how these government-supported home-buying programs can make your path to ownership more achievable
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