Unlock Home Ownership

The recent Federal Budget announcement brought great news for first home buyers with the expansion of the 'Help to Buy Scheme', along with key updates for foreign property investors. The scheme has since expanded since the Federal Election. Read on below for everything you need to know about changes to the 'Help to Buy Scheme' implemented on 1 January 2026.

Property price caps increased

The property price cap was increased to $1,500,000 in NSW and $1,000,000 in the ACT. The ‘Help to Buy’ program allows eligible home buyers to co-purchase their property with the government, lowering the deposit and mortgage requirements. With the property price cap increase, many more homes are now eligible for this scheme, including our House & Land packages and 'Ready Built Homes'.

Property price caps will be raised to average house prices in each city and region.

Avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Under the First Home Guarantee (FHBG) scheme, first home buyers can buy a home with a 5% deposit (instead of 20%) and still avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, as the federal government will guarantee 15% of the property's value.

No cap on income or places

Every first home buyer will be eligible to buy with a 5% deposit. There will be no caps on income or caps on places, which significantly expands the existing program.

Foreign investors are still eligible to purchase new dwellings

There is a two-year ban on foreign investors buying established homes starting 1 April 2025. Foreign property investors are still able to enter the Australian housing market with the purchase of new dwellings. 

Ready Built Homes

Enjoy a brand-new home with landscaping, driveway and expert-selected colour schemes. Experience no delays in land or building approvals, and move forward with a simple payment plan of 5% deposit and balance upon completion.

Want to purchase a home that's close to completion? View our available Ready Built homes.

We have new Ready Built homes for purchase across NSW and the ACT.

House and Land Packages

A house and land package is an easy, efficient, and cost-effective way to secure your first home or investment. We offer a variety of house and land packages across Sydney, including North West Sydney, Western Sydney, the ACT, and surrounding areas.

View our available House and Land packages.

We have off-the-plan house and land packages available across NSW and the ACT.

If you’re looking to enter the property market as a first-time buyer or investor, Rawson Homes is here to help with a range of eligible properties - including ready built and house and land packages. Take the first step toward your new home or investment with a no-obligation consultation from our expert team.

FAQs

When can first home buyers access the Help to Buy scheme?

Changes to the Help to Buy scheme will come into effect from 1 January 2026.

How much deposit do I need for the First Home Buyers (FHBG) scheme?

You just need a 5% deposit and the federal government will guarantee 15% of the property's value, allowing you to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Who can access the First Home Buyers (FHBG) scheme?

Every first home buyer with a 5% deposit will be eligible. There will be no income caps or caps on places.

When does the ban on foreign investors buying established homes come into effect?

The two-year ban on foreign investors buying established homes starts on 1 April, 2025.