Queensland launches $165 million shared equity scheme for first home buyers

The Queensland Government has unveiled a $165 million shared equity scheme aimed at helping first home buyers bridge the deposit gap in the state’s property market.

The Boost to Buy scheme will provide equity contributions of up to 30 per cent for new homes and 25 per cent for existing homes, capped at $1 million, for households earning up to $225,000.

The initiative was announced as part of the 2025-26 State Budget released today, alongside billions of dollars allocated to boost housing supply, including new social and community housing.

Property Investment Professionals Australia Chair Nicola McDougall said the scheme represented a significant step towards addressing housing affordability.

“Helping Queenslanders achieve property ownership was front and centre in the 2025-26 State Budget, which was released today,” she said.

“The Queensland Government has created a shared equity scheme to help reduce the deposit gap for prospective first homebuyers.”

The new scheme operates alongside enhanced First Home Buyer Grants, which have been increased to $30,000 until June 2026 for new builds.

McDougall described the measures as aligned with current market conditions.

“These are pragmatic and market-aligned initiatives,” she said.

“It’s clear that the Queensland Government is serious about addressing the housing crisis as well as helping more young people achieve property ownership, given the property price and income thresholds for the new Boost to Buy scheme are more in-line with market and economic realities.”

PIPA has also called for additional measures to encourage property investment in the rental market.

McDougall said the organisation welcomed opportunities to discuss policies that would attract and retain investors.

“PIPA also welcomes the opportunity to discuss policies that will not only encourage more property investors into the market, but also motivate them to stay for the long-term to underpin a stable supply of rental accommodation across the Sunshine State,” she said.

“Removing stamp duty disparities between owner-occupiers and investors, and updating land tax thresholds to match today’s values, would be simple but powerful next steps.”