The Help to Buy scheme in Australia is a shared equity program intended to help low- and middle-income households purchase homes with a smaller deposit and lower mortgage. The scheme provides an equity contribution from the government of up to 40% for new homes and up to 30% for existing homes, requiring homebuyers to have saved a minimum deposit of only 2%. The scheme was legislated in November 2024, and it is expected to start and open for applications in late 2025. It will assist about 10,000 eligible Australian households per year over four years, with an expansion announced in the 2025 Federal Budget to support a total of 40,000 buyers across that period. The government aims for the scheme to address hurdles in home ownership such as saving a deposit and mortgage serviceability, particularly for those who struggle with high property prices relative to income. The program will be administered by Housing Australia. In summary, the Help to Buy scheme in Australia is planned to commence in late 2025, aiming to make home ownership more accessible by providing shared equity contributions and lowering deposit requirements for eligible buyers.