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Last Updated: 28th November, 2023

What Is The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?

It is a shared equity scheme that helps you buy a home in Victoria with a deposit as low as 5% of the purchase price. The Victorian Government will contribute up to 25% of the purchase price for an equity share. You avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which is normally applicable when you borrow more than 80% of the property value.

You don’t have to be a first-home buyer to qualify. The fund is available for those who want to become owner-occupiers of property in Victoria.

How Does The Victorian Homebuyer Fund Work?

The Victorian Government will make a financial contribution for an equity share in the property. You buy back the government’s share over time.

The government will allow eligible participants with a contribution of 25%, and you will need to contribute a minimum of 5% of the purchase price as a deposit. A participating lender will provide the remaining amount.

Note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants require only a 3.5% deposit and are eligible for a 35% shared equity contribution.

The government will not charge interest on its contribution but will take its proportional share of any capital gain or loss should you sell your home. Victorian Homebuyer Fund image

An Example Of How It Works

You’re buying a home valued at $750,000 through the Victorian Homebuyer Fund with a home loan from a participating lender. You start with a 5% deposit, which equals $37,500. The Victorian Government contributes $187,500, equivalent to 25% of the property value. The $525,000, or 70% of the property’s value, is secured through a home loan with a participating lender.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?

Pros Cons
You can buy a home sooner with a smaller deposit. There are only a handful of participating lenders.
You save thousands on LMI fees. The Victorian Government owns a portion of your property.
You might also be eligible for other first-home specific grants and stamp-duty exemptions or concessions. You have to buy back the government’s share of the property to gain that equity.

Am I Eligible For The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?

To be eligible for the Victorian Homebuyer fund, you must:

  • Be 18 years old at the time of settlement
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident; New Zealand citizens are also accepted
  • Save a minimum deposit of 5% (3.5% for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders) of the property price
  • Earn a gross income of $130,485 or less annually for single applicants or $208,775 or less for joint applicants
  • Live in the property as the principal place or residence
  • Become registered owners of the property
  • Have an approved loan from a participating lender; you must have sufficient funds to pay for all the costs of buying the property

You cannot:

  • Purchase your property from a vendor who is a relative
  • Own an interest in any land in Australia or overseas (even as a trustee of a trust or beneficiary under a trust)
  • Be a shareholder in any corporation (other than a publicly traded company) that owns any land in Australia or overseas.

What Are The Property Price Caps?

The maximum purchase price is $950,000 or less in Metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong or $600,000 or less in eligible regional locations.

What type of property can I buy?

It must be a standard residential property:

  • House
  • Townhouse
  • Unit
  • Apartment

Vacant land and off-the-plan purchases are not accepted.

For existing or new property, a certificate of occupancy must be issued before the date of the contract of sale.

The property must be vacant when purchased or, if there is a lease, it must expire within 12 months of acquisition and tenants must vacate the property by then.

Where Can I Buy Under The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?

The property you buy must be in Metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong or an eligible regional location in Victoria. Here are some areas eligible for the scheme.

Metropolitan Melbourne Geelong Regional Victoria
Southbank
Richmond
Mount Waverley
Croydon
Berwick
Dandenong
Cranbourne
Frankston		 Hamlyn Heights
Geelong
Geelong West
North Geelong		 Bacchus Marsh
Bendigo
Ballarat
Ocean Grove – Barwon Heads

Please visit Victoria’s SRO page for a full list of suburbs where you can purchase a home.

How Do I Apply For The Victorian HomeBuyer Fund?

  • Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements
  • Get a participating lender to approve your loan
  • Have sufficient funds to pay for all the costs associated with buying a home

You need to provide the following documents when applying for a home loan:

  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of income
  • Details of expenses, liabilities and assets

The participating lender will lodge your application with the State Revenue Office (SRO). If your application is successful, you will be granted provisional approval for the Homebuyer Fund. Now, you have six months to enter into a contract of sale.

During this period, you need to review the following documents:

  • Participation Agreement
  • Scheme Mortgage
  • Scheme Mortgage Terms
  • Letter of Support

Once you’re ready to enter into a contract of sale, contact your lender to advance your application. Make sure you talk to your lawyer or conveyancer to assist you with the settlement process. You must provide your lender with a certificate of currency of insurance.

At the time of settlement, the contribution from the Homebuyer Fund is provided via the Electronic Lodgement Network Operator ELNO (unless alternative arrangements were made). Your lawyer or conveyancer will assist with disbursing the funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready To Apply?

Our mortgage brokers will help you throughout the process. Call us on 1300 889 743 or enquire online for free today!