Boost to Buy is a new Queensland shared-equity that helps first-home buyers purchase with just a 2% deposit. The government contributes up to 30% equity for new homes (25% for existing).
Income limits apply, properties can be up to $1M, and only 1,000 places are available. It’s designed to help buyers facing rising prices and long savings timelines.
What Is The Boost To Buy Scheme?
Boost to Buy is a shared-equity initiative launched on 1 July 2025, where the Queensland Government buys a stake in your home to reduce your upfront deposit and loan size. You still live in the property, but the government owns a percentage share until you buy it out, sell, or refinance.
Income limits apply, properties can be up to $1M, and only 1,000 places are available. It’s designed to help buyers facing rising prices and long savings timelines.
Who Can Apply For Boost To Buy?
You’re eligible if you meet all of the following:
- You’re a first-home buyer
- You live in Queensland
- You have at least a 2% deposit
- The property is valued at $1,000,000 or less
- Your income is under $150,000 (single) and $225,000 (couple)
- You submit an expression of interest from 1 July 2025
How Does Boost To Buy Work Step-By-Step?
- Check your income, residency, and deposit criteria.
- Choose your property and get new or existing homes up to $1M.
- Submit an expression of interest (from 1 July 2025), spots are limited, so timing matters.
- Apply for your home loan, and a lender verifies you can afford repayments even with shared equity.
- The government purchases a share up to 30% (new homes) or 25% (existing).
- You buy the remaining percentage with a normal mortgage and get joint ownership with the government, but you live in the property exclusively.
- Buy back the government share later, usually when refinancing or selling.
How Much Equity Does The Government Contribute?
| Property Type | Government Contribution | Minimum Deposit | Max Property Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Homes | Up to 30% | 2% | $1,000,000 |
| Existing Homes | Up to 25% | 2% | $1,000,000 |
With a $15,000 deposit, you could buy a $750,000 home because your lender covers 68–73% while the government covers the remaining share.
Why Did Queensland Introduce Boost To Buy?
Queensland’s homeownership rate sits at 63.5%, the lowest in Australia.
With prices rising faster than wages, deposit requirements have become the biggest barrier, especially for buyers without parental financial help.
Shared-equity programs overseas show they can reduce time-to-purchase by 3–7 years.
Is Boost To Buy Worth It For First-Home Buyers?
Benefits
- Much smaller deposit needed (2% vs 5–20%)
- Lower mortgage repayments due to reduced loan size
- Faster entry into the market amid rising prices
- Can access higher-quality homes than current borrowing power allows
- Government shares risk in market downturns
Drawbacks
- You give up part of your capital gains
- Harder to refinance until you buy back the government share
- Limited to 1,000 places
- Government must approve certain changes (e.g., structural renovations)
What Does This Mean For Property Prices?
Jonathan Preston, Senior Mortgage Broker, notes:
“Boost to Buy looks like a great initiative for first-home buyers, but with only 1,000 places and just a 2% deposit required, demand could move quickly. Shared equity might be the stepping stone people need to access higher-quality homes than they could otherwise afford.”
Shared-equity programs often create short-term demand spikes, especially within the first 3–6 months of release, based on comparable UK and Canadian programs.
What Happens When You Sell Or Refinance?
When you sell or refinance, the government takes the same percentage they originally contributed.
Example
Government Share: 25%
You sell for $820,000
Government Receives 25% of Final Sale Price = $205,000
You keep the rest minus your mortgage balance.
Should You Get Professional Help Before Applying?
Yes. Shared equity changes your loan structure, future borrowing power, refinance options, and capital gains outcome.
Our brokers can:
- Check your eligibility
- Model long-term wealth outcomes
- Calculate your share vs government share
- Compare multiple lenders offering shared-equity compatible loans
Call us on 1300 889 743 or complete our free online assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boost to Buy apply to building a home?
Yes, if it's classified as a new build under the scheme’s criteria.
Can I Make Improvements to the Home?
Do I Pay Interest On The Government’s Share?
Can I Buy Out The Government’s Share Early?
What If Property Prices Fall?
Can I Rent The Property Out Later?
Does This Affect First Home Buyer Grants Or Stamp Duty Concessions?
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