Living Stonnington: Woodards South Yarra

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First Home Buyer Scheme

Melbourne’s property market just received a welcome lift. The Federal Government’s decision to fast track the new First Home Buyer Scheme is already generating a surge of optimism, not just among first-time buyers, but right across the market.

Originally set for 2026, the rollout has been brought forward, allowing more Victorians to enter the property market sooner. Here’s what’s changing, and what it means for Melbourne.

What’s New in the Scheme

• 5% Deposit, No Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Eligible first home buyers can now purchase with as little as a 5 percent deposit, and the government will guarantee part of the loan, meaning they can avoid paying LMI altogether.

• No Income Caps and No Limit on Participants

The program is now open to all first home buyers, with no income limits and no restriction on the number of people who can access it. That means more buyers can qualify, and they can act right now.

• Higher Property Price Caps

Reflecting Melbourne’s real-world prices, the new thresholds have been lifted significantly:

- Metro Melbourne and Geelong: up to $950,000

- Regional Victoria: up to $650,000

• Streamlined Access

The previous regional and metro programs have been merged into one, making the process faster and simpler through participating lenders.

What It Means for Melbourne Homebuyers

For first-time buyers, this is an opportunity to enter the market earlier than expected. A five percent deposit opens doors that many thought were still years away. And with property price caps adjusted to match Melbourne’s actual market, more established homes, not just new builds, are now within reach.

For Victorians, there are also additional statebased incentives that complement the federal scheme — including the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for new homes and full or partial stamp duty exemptions for properties up to $750,000.

Buyers who may have felt locked out by rising prices now have a genuine pathway to home ownership, particularly across the city’s middlering suburbs where quality homes sit within that $700,000 to $950,000 range.

What It Means for Sellers

While the scheme targets buyers, the positive flow-on for sellers is undeniable.

1. More Active Buyers, Right Now

With deposits no longer the main barrier, we’re seeing increased enquiry and attendance at opens. That energy drives competition, especially in the first and second quartile of Melbourne’s housing market.

2. Upward Pressure on Mid-Range Prices

Most first home purchases sit between $600,000 and $950,000, the same range many Melbourne sellers are in. More buyers in that band means stronger offers and shorter days on market.

3. Market Momentum Builds Across the Ladder

When first home buyers purchase, existing owners can upgrade. It’s the start of the chain that keeps the entire Melbourne property market moving.

A Confident Step Forward for Melbourne

This change is about more than affordability; it’s about restoring confidence in the market. By encouraging more first home buyers to act, momentum is building again at the entry level, helping to balance supply and demand across Melbourne.

For buyers, it’s a chance to get started sooner. For sellers, it’s a positive signal that activity and competition are returning to the market.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Buyers should confirm their eligibility and seek independent financial advice before applying. Scan the QR code to view article