Queensland Boost to Buy and Pathways Shared Equity
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_QLD_SHARED_EQUITY (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2025). It explains Queensland's Boost to Buy and Pathways Shared Equity schemes — where the government co-purchases part of a home to help eligible buyers into ownership.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify if you live in Queensland (state = QLD) and you do not already own a home (is_homeowner = false).
It is not a cash grant. The amount block is eligibility_only, so there is no payout to estimate — instead the government takes a co-ownership stake in your home. Under Boost to Buy the government co-buys up to 30% of a new home or 25% of an established home.
Outcome summary: a smaller deposit and a smaller mortgage because the government shares the purchase. Social housing tenants may instead access a Pathways Shared Equity Loan.
What Is This Payment?
Shared equity schemes lower the barrier to home ownership by having the government co-purchase part of the property. You buy a home with a government partner taking an equity share, which reduces the deposit and mortgage you need.
In the rule database this is a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. The product confirms whether you qualify rather than estimating a dollar amount, because the government's contribution is a share of the property value rather than a fixed cash sum.
There are two pathways. Boost to Buy lets the government co-buy up to 30% of a new home or 25% of an established home. Separately, social housing tenants may be able to use a Pathways Shared Equity Loan to move toward ownership.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none. There is no direct cash payment; the value is a government co-ownership stake that reduces what you have to borrow.
- Boost to Buy: the government co-purchases up to 30% of a new home.
- Established homes: the government co-purchases up to 25%.
- Pathways Shared Equity Loan: a separate option for social housing tenants moving toward ownership.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.
- Queensland resident:
state = QLD. The schemes are run by the Queensland Government. - Not already a homeowner:
is_homeowner = false. The schemes are aimed at helping people who do not already own a home into ownership.
When you apply you provide evidence of your income, since the schemes are targeted at buyers who need help into ownership. Further program-specific limits apply on top of the rule conditions shown here, so check the official guidance for the current property and income criteria.
The product surfaces shared equity to non-homeowners because co-purchasing with the government can make ownership achievable with a smaller deposit and a smaller loan than buying outright.
How To Apply
The channel is online. You will need evidence of your income.
- Apply online through the Boost to Buy program.
- Provide evidence of your income.
- If you are a social housing tenant, ask about the separate Pathways Shared Equity Loan.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: buying a new home
Chloe and Sam cannot save enough deposit for a new home on their own. Under Boost to Buy the government co-buys up to 30% of the property, so they need a smaller deposit and a smaller mortgage.
Scenario 2: buying an established home
Tane buys an established house with the government co-purchasing up to 25%, reducing the amount he has to borrow.
Scenario 3: a social housing tenant
Fatima is a social housing tenant who wants to buy. She explores the separate Pathways Shared Equity Loan designed for tenants moving toward ownership.
Scenario 4: already a homeowner
Greg already owns a home, so is_homeowner = false is not met and he is not eligible for the shared equity scheme.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking it is a cash grant: the government takes a co-ownership share in your home rather than handing you money.
- Mixing up the percentages: Boost to Buy co-buys up to 30% of a new home but up to 25% of an established home.
- Assuming existing owners qualify: the scheme is for buyers who do not already own a home (
is_homeowner = false). - Overlooking extra program limits: income and property criteria apply on top of the basic eligibility shown here — check the official guidance.
- Confusing the two pathways: Boost to Buy and the Pathways Shared Equity Loan are different programs; the loan option is for social housing tenants.
- Forgetting income evidence: you must provide evidence of your income when you apply.
Related Benefits
- Queensland First Home Concession — stamp duty relief for first-home buyers.
- Queensland First Home Owner Grant — a grant for eligible first-home buyers.
- Queensland Public and Community Housing — subsidised social housing.
- Queensland NILS Housing Loan — an interest-free loan for relocation and setup costs.
- Home Equity Access Scheme — a federal scheme to draw on home equity.
- Age Pension — federal income support for older Australians.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of the home does the government buy?
Under Boost to Buy the government co-purchases up to 30% of a new home or up to 25% of an established home.
Is shared equity a grant?
No. The government takes a co-ownership stake in the property rather than giving you cash, which reduces your deposit and mortgage.
Who is eligible?
Queensland residents who do not already own a home. Additional income and property criteria apply, so check the official guidance.
What if I am a social housing tenant?
Social housing tenants may be able to use a separate Pathways Shared Equity Loan to move toward ownership.
What do I need to apply?
You apply online and provide evidence of your income.
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