Boost to Buy: Queensland’s New Shared Equity Scheme

In the 2025–26 Queensland State Budget, the Crisafulli government announced a new shared equity scheme named Boost to Buy, aimed at reducing the deposit barrier for first home buyers.

What is Boost to Buy?

Boost to Buy is a new shared equity scheme aimed at helping Queenslanders buy their first home sooner by significantly reducing the amount you need to save for a home deposit. The government will co-invest in properties alongside homebuyers, helping to bridge the deposit gap.

How does it work?

Under the Boost to Buy scheme, an eligible homebuyers need as little as a 2% deposit to purchase a home.

To boost your deposit, the Queensland government provides an equity contribution of:

• Up to 30% for new builds.

• Up to 25% for existing homes.

The government will take an equity share in your property, until it is repaid, or the property is sold.

Eligibility:

Properties valued up to $1 million are eligible for Brisbane and other regional cities, up to $700,000 for rest of QLD. Income thresholds for this scheme are among the highest in the nation:

• Singles earning up to $150,000 annually.

• Couples or two-adult households earning up to $225,000 annually.

The new Boost to Buy complements existing initiatives from the state government, including:

• $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (extended for another year) Learn more.

• Full exemption on Stamp Duty for first home buyers purchasing or building new properties. See terms.

Boost to Buy addresses the significant deposit hurdle that many first home buyers face, particularly those without financial help from family members. By substantially reducing upfront costs, this scheme supports more Queenslanders in achieving home ownership sooner.

Key considerations:

• The government maintains an equity share in your property until it is repaid or the property is sold.

• Standard mortgage lending criteria will still apply.

• Scheme participation is limited to owner-occupiers, not investors.

Interest registrations open 1 July 2025. Applications will officially open later in 2025.

Please note the information here is subject to change. Read about the scheme on the Treasury website before making any decisions.

At Waymaker, we’re helping Australians move forward in their finances through our Financial Coaching program and accompanying Mortgage Broking team that’s focused on first home buyers.

Book a free call with us today to explore how the Boost to Buy scheme could help you purchase your first home.