Help to Buy income and threshold updates 2026-27

At the beginning of each financial year, financial limits for the Help to Buy Scheme are updated through indexation, in accordance with processes set out in the Scheme's legislation.

Indexation adjusts thresholds for income limits for applicants and participants in the Scheme. Indexation also adjusts when Housing Australia adjusts the Commonwealth share for approved home improvements or other changes to a Participant's home. These changes are made under rules to reflect changes in wages, market conditions and cost-of-living factors. Through indexation each year, the Scheme ensures that its settings remain current, fair, and responsive over time, supporting continued access for eligible participants.

The tables below set out the changes from Financial Year 2025/26 to Financial Year 2026/27. These changes apply to all applicants and participants in the Scheme.

Income thresholds

 Income threshold for period 
1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026
 
Income threshold for period 
1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027
 
Notice of Assessment requiredFY2025FY2026
Single applicant$100,000$103,000
Single parent applicant$160,000$165,000
Joint applicants$160,000$165,000

Thresholds for a Commonwealth Share Percentage adjustment

In certain circumstances, the Scheme allows for adjustments to be made to the share of a property under the Scheme that is owned by the Commonwealth. This is called the Commonwealth Share Percentage (CSP). Changes are made to the CSP only when activities occur in excess of threshold limits. These thresholds are updated each financial year and are set out below. Depending on the scenario, the CSP may be reduced to reflect an increase in property value, increased to recoup a loss in value, or adjusted to account for changes in total property costs. 

 
Commonwealth Share Percentage (CSP) adjustment event
 
1 July 2025 - 30 June 20261 July 2026 - 30 June 2027

Home improvement

  • Minimum improvement works spend
$20,000$21,000

New build - cost variation

  • Minimum build cost increase
$20,000$21,000

Refer to the Help to Buy Customer Guide or Home Improvement Guide for more information on how the above may impact the Commonwealth's equity share in your home.

For a complete list of all thresholds, please refer to the Help to Buy General Terms.

Please note: Property price caps are not subject to indexation. Instead, they are set and updated through separate policy decisions made by the Australian Government.