A new website bringing together information on the government’s three main home buying programs has been launched, but brokers are conspicuously missing from it.
The Albanese government has launched a new website – Firsthomebuyers.gov.au – designed to collate information for prospective home buyers on the government support available.
While all the information was already available on the Housing Australia website (the national housing agency responsible for facilitating the housing programs), a new, more user-friendly website has been launched, targeted at home buyers.
The website, which went online on Wednesday (1 October) in tandem with the launch of the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, provides detailed information on key programs, including:
- The First Home Guarantee Scheme (now being referred to as the Australian Government 5 per cent Deposit Scheme).
- The Family Home Guarantee Scheme (the 2 per cent deposit scheme for single parents or legal guardians).
- The First Home Super Saver Scheme.
- The soon-to-be-launched Help to Buy Scheme (the shared equity home buying scheme where the government contributes to the purchase price).
Visitors to the site can find clearly signposted sections outlining what each scheme involves, its key features, and how to apply.
The site also includes an eligibility checker, a summary of the new property price caps (which have been lifted to reflect growing house prices), and a postcode search tool to enable buyers to see the property price caps that apply in that area.
While the platform offers comprehensive guidance on government schemes, it does not reference mortgage brokers or their role in the application process (however, a separate information sheet on the Australian Government 5 per cent Deposit Scheme does note that borrowers can apply for a guarantee through a ‘representative’ such as a broker).
“The Australian Government is making home ownership more achievable for more people with new and expanded programs that make it easier to get started,” the website reads.
“We’re delivering support where it’s needed most. From first homes to new beginnings, our programs give you more ways to step into homeownership. Because your future matters, and we’re working to make it happen.”
The website also includes a disclaimer noting that while it provides general information about Australian government schemes to support home buyers, not all benefits, features, or entitlements listed may apply to every scheme. It flags that eligibility and benefits may vary depending on the specific program, lender, or individual circumstances.
Brokers brace for bumper season
The broking industry is anticipating a surge in demand as the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme opens to all first home buyers, with early signs showing strong interest and pre-approvals already up.
Brokers have been highlighting the scheme’s benefits, including a 5 per cent deposit, removal of lenders mortgage insurance, and higher property price limits, which make home ownership more accessible, especially in expensive markets like Sydney and Melbourne.
But while the industry sees it as a timely opportunity to guide buyers through the process and boost mortgage activity, many have cautioned that it does not address long-term affordability or broader housing supply issues.
Overall, the industry views the scheme as a short-term catalyst for first home buyer engagement, but stresses careful, sustainable guidance is needed.
House prices now in focus
Indeed, concerns are mounting that it will lead to a surge in property prices as demand is brought forward.
Treasury modelling suggests values will only lift by 0.5 per cent over six years; however, brokers and real estate agents have warned that property values will rise further than this, due to an influx of demand and limited supply.
The Cotality Home Value Index (HVI), a national index that tracks the monthly change in property values, has already outlined that home values rose by 0.8 per cent in September 2025. This represented the strongest monthly increase since October 2023.
Cotality said the new scheme is likely to prove popular with prospective first home buyers, leading to higher levels of demand concentrated around its new price caps.
Meanwhile, the PropTrack Home Price Index shows Australia’s median home price rose 0.5 per cent in September – the ninth straight month of growth – with values now 6.2 per cent higher than a year ago. According to the property data company, the median value of houses in Australia was $845,000 in September.
The lift in prices has accelerated as interest rates have fallen, with the central bank having dropped the interest rates three times so far this year.
PropTrack senior economist Eleanor Creagh said prices were climbing steadily higher, with borrowers able to spend more to purchase a home.
“The housing market remains on a firm upward trajectory this spring selling season,” she said.
“The combination of increased borrowing capacities and lower borrowing costs, stronger buyer confidence and renewed competition is underpinning a broad uplift.”
[Related: Brokers braced for action as expanded Home Guarantee Scheme launches]
