Paramedics and early childhood educators will be able to buy their own home through the NSW Government's Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper after the eligibility criteria was expanded to include more key workers.
A lending partner has also been appointed ahead of the program's launch next month, which will support single parents and older singles as well as first home buyer teachers, police, nurses and midwives.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said eligibility for the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper had been expanded to more key workers to help more first home buyers get into the market.
"We're helping more key workers own their first home. Lower-income single parents and singles older than 50 can also receive help to secure their own home," Mr Perrottet said.
"We're removing the hurdles to home ownership with a lower upfront deposit, no lenders' mortgage insurance and no interest on the Government's equity share."
Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government would contribute up to 40 per cent for a new home or up to 30 per cent for an existing home for eligible buyers.
"The NSW Government's Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper will help make home ownership a reality for more people who would otherwise struggle to buy their own home," Mr Kean said.
"These key workers are the backbone of our communities and this initiative, which will enable them to buy a property with as little as a two per cent deposit, will help them find a place to call their own."
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank will be the initial participating lender for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, while other lenders will have the opportunity to join the initiative in 2023.
A new online tool launched today will help NSW residents identify if they are eligible to apply.
"To help secure your own home sooner, jump online to see if you're eligible for the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper," Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said.
"This could be your pathway to secure your own home valued up to $950,000 in Sydney and regional centres, and up to $600,000 in other parts of NSW."
Under the NSW Government's Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper:
- Up to 3,000 spots will be available each year for two financial years
- Key worker first home buyers who are nurses, midwives, paramedics, teachers, early childhood educators and police officers - as well as singles over 50 and single parents with a dependent child or children - can apply
- Participants must have a maximum gross income of $90,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples
- Participants must have a minimum deposit of 2 per cent of the purchase price
- The Government will make a maximum equity contribution of 40 per cent for a new home and 30 per cent for an established home
- The maximum value of the property that can be purchased under the scheme is $950,000 in Sydney and regional centres including the Central Coast, Illawarra, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the North Coast of NSW, and $600,000 in other parts of NSW.
The Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper will be available from 23 January 2023. To find out if you are eligible and register your interest go to: nsw.gov.au/shared-equity
