Expert Help to Navigate Government Support for Your New Home
Navigating the path to home ownership is exciting, and Australian Government schemes are designed to make it more achievable.
At LoanBrix, we specialise in helping you understand and access these programs, turning complex eligibility rules into a clear action plan for your future.
Compare all Victorian first home buyer incentives.
Victorian First Home Buyer Support (2026 Update)
| Scheme | Max Benefit | 2026 Melbourne Price Cap |
| FHB Duty Exemption | $0 Stamp Duty | $600,000 (Dutiable Value) |
| FHB Duty Concession | Sliding scale discount | $600,001 – $750,000 |
| First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 Cash | $750,000 (New Homes Only) |
| Help to Buy (Shared Equity) | Up to 40% equity contribution | $950,000 |
| Home Guarantee (HGS) | Buy with 5% deposit (No LMI) | $950,000 |
The 2026 Off-the-Plan Bonus: Save $25k+ on Your Melbourne Home
The Victorian Government’s Temporary Off-the-Plan Duty Concession is one of the biggest opportunities for Melbourne buyers in 2026. Available until 20 October 2026, this stimulus allows you to slash your stamp duty costs by changing how your tax is calculated.
What’s involved:
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No Price Limit: Unlike standard FHB grants that cut off at $750,000, this concession applies regardless of the purchase price. Whether you’re buying a $600k unit in Footscray or a $1.2M penthouse in Southbank, you can save.
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The “Strata” Rule: The property must be in a strata subdivision (apartments, units, or townhouses with common property). This is specifically designed to make inner-city Melbourne living more affordable.
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Tax the Land, Not the Building: You only pay stamp duty on the land value and the work already completed. If you buy before construction starts, you effectively avoid paying duty on the building itself.
The Numbers:
On a typical $800,000 off-the-plan apartment, a buyer could see their “dutiable value” drop to $300,000, resulting in a tax saving of over $25,000.
Tip: The earlier you buy in the construction phase, the more you save. To qualify, your contract must be signed before the October 20, 2026 deadline.
Your Guide to Key Government Schemes
The government offers several pathways to help you buy your first home or re-enter the market. Here’s a clear overview of the main programs available.
1. Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (Formerly Home Guarantee Scheme)
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The Goal: Buy your home sooner with a much smaller deposit.
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How it Works: This scheme allows you to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5% (or 2% for eligible single parents) without needing to pay for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
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Key Benefit: It dramatically reduces the upfront savings needed, helping you get into the market faster.
2. Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme (Shared Equity)
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The Goal: Bridge the gap if you have saved but still find yourself a little short.
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How it Works: The government contributes an equity share (up to 30% or 40%) towards the purchase of your home. You need a minimum 2% deposit.
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Key Benefit: This lowers your mortgage amount and your regular repayments, making home ownership more affordable from day one.
Note: Applications for this scheme open periodically and are only available through participating lenders.
3. First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme
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The Goal: Use your super to save for a deposit in a tax-effective way.
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How it Works: You make voluntary contributions to your super fund, which can be withdrawn (plus associated earnings) to put towards your first home.
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Key Benefit: The concessional tax treatment can help your deposit savings grow faster than in a standard bank account.
4. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) – State-Based Cash Support
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What it is: A one-off, tax-free cash grant provided by your State or Territory government to offset the cost of buying or building your first home.
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Key Benefit: Direct financial assistance to help with your deposit and upfront costs.
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Important Note: Eligibility rules, grant amounts, and property criteria vary significantly by state. This is a key area where our expertise ensures you don’t miss out.
Why Use a Broker to Access These Schemes?
Government schemes have specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and approved lender panels. This is where our expertise adds real value.
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Clarity on Eligibility: We help you cut through the complexity to confirm which scheme you qualify for.
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Lender Matching: We work with lenders who participate in these schemes to find you a competitive home loan product that fits.
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End-to-End Guidance: From your initial eligibility check to submitting a strong application with the right lender, we manage the process with you.
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Holistic Advice: We ensure using a scheme is the right financial step for you and integrate it with your overall home buying plan.
Start Your Journey with Confidence
Understanding these schemes is the first step. Taking action with expert guidance is what makes the difference.
Your Next Steps:
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Book a Free Consultation: Speak with a LoanBrix specialist to review your situation and identify the right scheme for you.
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Get Your Pre-approval: With our help, secure a home loan pre-approval that incorporates your chosen government support.
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Find Your Home & Settle: Search with confidence, and we’ll handle the final loan and scheme paperwork.
Have questions about the Help to Buy Scheme, the 5% Deposit Scheme, or using your super? Our advisors are up to date with the latest program details and lender requirements.
Disclaimer: This page provides a general overview of Australian Government home buyer schemes. Eligibility criteria, benefits, and availability are subject to change. We recommend consulting the official scheme websites or speaking with a qualified advisor for personal financial advice. LoanBrix Pty Ltd is a licensed credit broker.
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Can I use my home equity to buy an investment property?
Yes! You can use your home equity in place of a cash deposit to buy an investment property. If you have questions on how you can do this, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our brokers.
What costs are involved in an investment property loan?
For your investment property loans, you can expect costs that vary. You will need to save a deposit, which we recommend be at least 20% (avoiding the lender’s mortgage insurance), along with the repayments of the loan itself. This will depend on the lender you choose, but Mortgage Broker Melbourne is sure to get you the best deal on your loan. Additionally, there are often loan establishment fees that your lender will charge for processing the documentation. Ongoing loan fees and interest payments are also costs to consider, as they are the ongoing costs of loans. You should also look out for property loan break costs if you opt for a fixed loan; they only apply when leaving the loan before the fixed-rate term ends. However, we don’t charge any fees for our service! We will provide you with expert advice to ensure you get the most out of your investment property loan.
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