Teachers, nurses, police, single parents and older singles will be able to tap into a $780.4 million shared equity scheme to buy a home under a new NSW Government trial.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean announced the scheme, which is to start in January 2023, ahead of the handing down of the 2022-2023 Budget.
Under the scheme, the NSW Government would contribute an equity share up to 40 per cent for a new property or up to 30 per cent for an existing property purchased by eligible buyers.
“One of the government’s priorities is to make home ownership a reality for more people across our state and allow people to live closer to where they want to work, live and raise a family,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This Budget continues our focus on significant and important reform to create a brighter future for NSW families.
“We are continuing to invest in our people to transform our state as we embark on delivering what matters to make daily life better for people across our state.”
The scheme will be available to key worker first home buyers who are nurses, teachers or police, as well as singles aged over 50, and single parents with a child or children under 18.
Participants must have a gross maximum income of $90,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples, with a minimum two per cent deposit.
As many as 3000 spots will be available each year for two financial years.
The maximum value of a property that can be purchased 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.
Treasurer Matt Kean said many older singles struggled to find secure housing, with the number of women aged over 55 among the fastest growing cohort of homeless people in the nation.
“Housing security is the bedrock of financial security,” Mr Kean said.
“A safe and secure home is fundamental to allow people to earn an income, care for their loved ones and pursue their own interests and aspirations.”
Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the scheme would not only help participants overcome the deposit barrier to home ownership, but reduce the size of their mortgage and its repayments.
“This scheme forms part of a broader housing package of $2.8 billion,” Mr Roberts said.
“It marks another step in the government’s plan to ensure that every person in NSW has a place to call home.”
