Budget initiatives to help aspiring homeowners

In May, the Federal Government delivered the 2024-25 budget. It included several measures such as a $300 energy bill rebate and rent assistance aimed at easing the cost-of-living pressures on Australians. Meanwhile, with the government’s stage 3 tax cuts coming into effect from July 1, some aspiring homeowners may see their borrowing capacity grow, along with their net income. 

Let’s take a look at some of the government initiatives that may help you get a leg up on the property ladder sooner rather than later.

Help to Buy Scheme funding

In the May Budget, the government allocated $5.5 billion towards its shared equity Help to Buy Scheme in 2024-25 for aspiring homebuyers on low and moderate incomes.  

Under the scheme, the government will provide an equity contribution of up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and 30% of the price of existing homes.  

To be eligible, you need to: 

Housing Australia boost

The government increased its line of credit to Housing Australia by $3 billion, and Housing Australia’s liability cap by $2.5 billion. Housing Australia administers the Home Guarantee Scheme, which encompasses the First Home Guarantee (FHBG).

Under the FHBG (which the government has previously indicated will be available until 30 June 2025), part of an eligible home buyer’s home loan from a participating lender is guaranteed by Housing Australia.

Homebuyers can purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. 

To apply for the FHBG, homebuyers must be:  

More information around eligibly and price caps is available here.

The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG) and Family Home Guarantee (FHG) are also administered by Housing Australia.

Homes for Australia Plan investment

The 2024-25 Budget included $6.2 billion in new investment to build more homes across Australia. The plan is to build 1.2 million new homes over five years from mid-2024.

The government said among other initiatives, the money would go towards turbocharging construction, with a $1 billion boost for states and territories to build the roads, sewers, energy, water and community infrastructure needed for new homes, and additional social housing. 

Up to $1.9 billion in concessional finance will go to community housing providers and charities to support delivery of the 40,000 social and affordable homes under the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord. 

Tax cuts

From July 1, the government’s stage 3 tax cuts come into effect, as follows:

Thresholds in 2023-24 ($)Rates in 2023-24New thresholds in 2024-25 ($)New rates in 2024-25
0 – 18,200Tax free0 – 18,200Tax free
18,201 – 45,00019%18,201 – 45,00016%
45,001 – 120,00032.5%45,001 – 135,00030%
120,001 – 180,00037%135,001 – 190,00037%
>180,00045%>190,00045%

As a result of the tax cuts, some purchasers will see their borrowing capacity increase as their take home pay rises, meaning they will have more options when seeking finance for a home. For an idea of your borrowing capacity, get in touch and we’ll crunch the numbers.

Like to discuss your finance options?

If you’re planning a property purchase, let’s chat. We can run through whether you are eligible for any government incentives and explain your finance options.

Get in touch today.

Source: Finance Focus