Shared equity schemes are becoming more common across Australia, offering first home buyers the chance to purchase with a smaller deposit and lower repayments. But what do they actually mean for your long-term wealth and ownership?

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain how shared equity works, where the government or another partner contributes a percentage of the purchase, and what that really means for buyers over time. They break down the benefits, risks, and key trade-offs compared to alternatives like the First Home Guarantee.

You’ll learn about the obligations while you’re in a scheme, the exit pathways to remove government ownership, and who this option may suit best.

This episode gives a general overview of shared equity. Each state has its own version (and not every state offers one), so over the coming weeks we’ll dive deeper into the state-based schemes to help you understand what applies where you’re buying.

In this episode:

🔑 What shared equity schemes are and how they work

🔑 The benefits, risks, and common traps to avoid

🔑 Your obligations while using a shared equity scheme

🔑 Exit pathways to remove government ownership

🔑 How shared equity compares to the First Home Guarantee and other options

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: What are shared equity schemes?

01:53 – What to expect in this episode

03:17 – Before you buy: should you use shared equity?

06:18 – Why choose shared equity instead of the First Home Guarantee?

08:04 – Living with shared equity: rules and restrictions

09:55 – Ongoing reviews, renovation approvals, and refinancing limits

11:05 – Removing shared equity: how do you buy back or exit?

14:18 – The impact on equity and upgrading in the future

15:57 – Final thoughts: is shared equity worth it?

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Shared Equity Scheme Resource

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Saving for a deposit can be one of the biggest challenges of buying your first home. The First Home Guarantee Scheme helps by making it possible with as little as 5%.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and the key benefits and trade-offs to be aware of. They also cover the Family Home Guarantee, giving you a full picture of the options available.

You’ll learn about property price caps, income limits, and the important changes coming in October 2025.

This scheme is one of the strongest pathways available for first home buyers. We’ll show you how it works and how it could help you step into your home sooner.

In this episode:

🔑 How the First Home Guarantee works

🔑 Who’s eligible and what types of properties qualify

🔑 The Family Home Guarantee explained

🔑 Property price caps, income limits, and the October 2025 changes

🔑 The benefits, risks, and how to decide if this scheme is right for you

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and overview of today’s topic

02:15 – What the First Home Guarantee actually is and how it works

03:44 – What the government guarantee does (and doesn’t) cover

04:25 – Why the scheme is a big deal for first home buyers

06:25 – Eligibility requirements for the First Home Guarantee

07:57 – Upcoming October 2025 changes: income caps removed

08:38 – Market impacts of the upcoming changes

10:38 – Refinancing rules under the scheme

13:03 – Deposit requirements and genuine savings rules

14:05 – Other upfront costs beyond the deposit (stamp duty, fees, inspections)

15:31 – Should you contribute more than 5% or hold back a buffer?

17:03 – How lenders view extra cash and buffers

18:12 – Reserving and holding your scheme spot with pre-approval

19:11 – What types of properties qualify and price cap rules

20:15 – Price cap increases from October 2025 and what that means

22:56 – The Family Home Guarantee explained (2% deposit for single parents/guardians)

24:37 – Key insights from the 2023–24 Housing Australia Scheme Report

25:28 – Major changes coming in 2026: income caps, price caps, and place limits

25:55 – Final advice for buyers considering the scheme

26:31 – Wrap-up and next week’s preview: shared equity schemes

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First Home Guarantee Scheme Resource

Property Price Cap Tool

Price Cap Changes Resource

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Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest challenges for first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme is designed to help, but the rules can feel confusing.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and the steps to contribute and withdraw. They also cover the potential tax benefits, timing traps to watch out for, and common mistakes first home buyers should avoid.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key benefits and risks and whether the scheme could play a part in your deposit strategy.

In this episode:

🔑 What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works

🔑 Eligibility criteria and contribution limits

🔑 How to withdraw your savings and what to expect at tax time

🔑 The benefits and risks of using super to save for your deposit

🔑 Why timing matters before making contributions

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Talking all things First Home Super Saver

01:53 – What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works

02:54 – Key benefits and trade-offs of the scheme

04:32 – Eligibility rules: who can use the scheme

07:06 – Step 1: Making contributions

12:28 – Step 2: Releasing funds

13:37 – Withdrawal process: requesting a determination and release

16:25 – Common mistakes to avoid (timing, contributions, contracts)

18:49 – What’s next in the Grants & Schemes series

🎧 Listen now to understand how the Super Saver Scheme could support your deposit goals.

Unlock your Free Resources

ATO First Home Super Saver Website

First Home Super Saver Calculator

First Home Super Saver Scheme Resource

Want to keep the conversation going?

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📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

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firsthomeunlocked.com.au