What is the Boost to Buy Scheme?
The Boost to Buy Scheme is a Queensland Government shared equity initiative introduced in the 2025-26 Budget. It allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase a property with a minimum 2% deposit, with the government contributing up to 30% equity in exchange for a proportionate share of future capital gains. It is distinct from the Federal Help to Buy Scheme due to its higher income caps and state-wide property price limits.
By Ana Nicholas and Vlad Simanovic, Directors, Spot On Conveyancing
For over 20 years, we’ve seen thousands of Queenslanders sign contracts on their first homes. But in 2025, the conversation has shifted from “Which suburb?” to “How on earth do I save a 20% deposit?”
If you are feeling locked out of the property market, you aren’t alone. In response to the housing crisis, two major government initiatives have arrived to help bridge the deposit gap: the Queensland Government’s Boost to Buy Scheme and the Federal Government’s Help to Buy Scheme.
While they sound identical, they are not.
Choosing the wrong one could mean missing out on eligibility or paying thousands more in mortgage repayments than necessary. As conveyancing lawyers, we see the legal fine print that brochures often miss.
In this guide, we break down the critical differences, the eligibility traps, and the legal realities of entering a shared equity agreement with the government.
The Core Concept: What is Shared Equity?
Before diving into the differences, it is vital to understand the mechanism both schemes use.
Shared Equity means the government becomes your “silent partner.” They contribute a percentage of the purchase price (e.g., 30%), reducing the size of the loan you need from the bank. You don’t pay interest on the government’s share, and you don’t pay rent on it.
The Catch? You don’t fully own your home yet. When you sell the property (or refinance to buy them out), you must repay the government’s original contribution plus their share of the capital growth.
Lawyer’s Note: Technically, the government usually secures this interest via a second mortgage or a caveat on your title. You remain the registered owner, but you cannot sell or transfer the title without satisfying their debt.
1. The Queensland Boost to Buy Scheme (State)
Announced in the 2025-26 State Budget, this is the Queensland Government’s direct answer to the housing affordability crisis.
The “Middle Income” Lifeline
The standout feature of the Boost to Buy scheme is its generosity regarding income.
It is designed for the “missing middle”—people who earn a decent salary (e.g., teachers, nurses, police officers) but cannot save a $100,000 deposit while paying rent.
- Your Deposit: Minimum 2% of the purchase price.
- Govt Contribution: Up to 30% for new homes, 25% for existing homes.
- Income Limits: Singles up to $150,000; Couples up to $225,000.
- Price Cap: $1 Million flat cap across all of Queensland.
The Availability Issue
The Boost to Buy scheme is currently a “pilot” style program. With only ~1,000 places initially funded, it operates on a strict registration basis. Demand is expected to outstrip supply significantly.
2. The Federal Help to Buy Scheme (National)
The Help to Buy scheme is the Federal Labor Government’s national initiative.
While similar, it is stricter on income but more generous on equity contribution.
- Your Deposit: Minimum 2%.
- Govt Contribution: Up to 40% for new homes, 30% for existing homes.
- Income Limits: Singles up to $100,000; Couples up to $160,000.
- Price Cap: Varies by region (e.g., Brisbane has a higher cap than regional QLD).
Why choose this one?
If you fit the lower income bracket, the Help to Buy scheme is financially superior because the government chips in more (40% vs 30%). This means your bank loan is smaller, and your monthly repayments are lower.
Comparison Table: Boost to Buy vs. Help to Buy
This table highlights the differences that matter most to your wallet and eligibility.
| Feature | Boost to Buy (QLD State) | Help to Buy (Federal) |
| Minimum Deposit | 2% | 2% |
| Income Limit (Singles) | $150,000 | $100,000 |
| Income Limit (Couples) | **$225,000** | $160,000 |
| Max Property Price | **$1 Million** (All QLD) | Varies (e.g., Brisbane ~$850k*, Regional lower) |
| Govt Equity (New Build) | Up to 30% | Up to 40% |
| Govt Equity (Existing) | Up to 25% | Up to 30% |
| Lenders Mortgage Insurance | Waived | Waived |
| Places Available | ~1,000 (Very Limited) | 10,000/year (Nationally) |
Note: Federal price caps are subject to change based on the specific legislation enactment date.
Case Studies: Which Scheme Fits You Best?
Scenario 1: The “Middle Income” Professional
Meet Sarah and Tom.
- Jobs: Sarah is a Senior Nurse ($105k), Tom is a graphic designer ($85k).
- Combined Income: $190,000.
- Savings: $30,000.
- Goal: A 3-bedroom house in Logan ($750,000).
The Verdict:
Sarah and Tom are ineligible for the Federal Help to Buy scheme because their combined income ($190k) exceeds the $160k cap.
However, they fit perfectly into the QLD Boost to Buy scheme (cap $225k).
- They put down a 2% deposit ($15,000).
- The QLD Govt contributes 25% equity ($187,500).
- They borrow the remaining 73% from the bank, avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Scenario 2: The Solo First Home Buyer
Meet Liam.
- Job: Apprentice Electrician ($65,000).
- Savings: $12,000.
- Goal: A new apartment in Ipswich ($450,000).
The Verdict:
Liam is eligible for both schemes. However, the Federal Help to Buy is the smarter financial choice.
- Federal Option: Govt pays 40% ($180,000). Liam borrows only $261,000.
- State Option: Govt pays 30% ($135,000). Liam borrows $306,000.
By choosing the Federal scheme, Liam saves heavily on monthly mortgage repayments, which is critical on his apprentice wage.
“The Catch”: Legal Risks of Shared Equity
As lawyers, we need to talk about the exit strategy. Shared equity is not a grant; it is a partnership.
1. The Windfall Gain Problem
If your property booms in value, the government wins too.
- Purchase Price: $600,000 (Govt puts in 30% = $180,000).
- Sale Price 10 Years Later: $1,000,000.
- You Owe: 30% of $1M = **$300,000**.
You have effectively paid $120,000 in “interest” via capital growth. However, if the market drops, the government also shares in the loss, reducing what you owe.
2. Renovation Restrictions
You generally need approval from the scheme administrator to perform structural renovations.
- Good News: If you add value (e.g., add a bedroom), the government usually agrees to value the home excluding your renovation when calculating their share pay-out.
- Bad News: You need to keep strict records and get valuations before and after work.
3. Income Checks
Both schemes require you to maintain eligibility. If your income grows significantly (exceeding the thresholds for two consecutive years), you may be required to start buying back the government’s share earlier than planned.
Timeline: From Application to Keys
Navigating the process requires coordination between your broker and your solicitor.
- Check Eligibility: Use the QLD Treasury or Housing Australia tools to confirm income status.
- Pre-Approval: Apply through a participating lender. Do not sign a contract until you have this conditional approval.
- Property Hunt: Find a property within the price caps ($1M for Boost, varied for Help).
- Conveyancing Review: This is critical. Before signing, send the contract to Spot On Conveyancing for a free contract review. We must ensure the “subject to finance” clause is drafted correctly to account for government delays.
- Full Approval: The lender and the government authority sign off.
- Settlement: The government funds are transferred alongside your bank loan. You get the keys.
Frequently Asked Questions – Boost to Buy Scheme QLD (FAQ)
Can I use both the Boost to Buy and Help to Buy schemes together?
What happens if I want to sell my house?
Does Spot On Conveyancing charge extra for shared equity settlements?
Conclusion: Which path should you take?
The introduction of the Boost to Buy scheme and the Help to Buy scheme is a game-changer for Queenslanders stuck in the rental trap.
Your Next Step:
- Choose Boost to Buy (QLD) if you earn between $120k–$150k (single) or $160k–$225k (couple) or if you are buying a higher-value property up to $1 million.
- Choose Help to Buy (Federal) if your income is lower, as the higher equity contribution (40%) will make your life significantly easier regarding weekly repayments.
Entering a contract with the government is a 30-year commitment. The paperwork is complex, and the “exit clauses” must be understood fully.
At Spot On Conveyancing, we specialize in guiding first-home buyers through these specific government schemes. We ensure you don’t just get the keys, but that you understand exactly what you are signing.
Thinking of making an offer? Contact our team for a free consultation if you have any questions.
About the Authors
Ana Nicholas & Vlad Simanovic, Directors, Spot On Conveyancing
With over 20 years of combined experience in Queensland property law, Ana and Vlad have established Spot On Conveyancing as a leading firm for residential settlements. They specialize in simplifying complex property transactions, from off-the-plan developments to government-assisted first home purchases. Their philosophy is simple: tech-driven efficiency combined with old-fashioned legal expertise.