Help to Buy Income Limits Raised for FY27 — What It Means, and What to Do If You Still Don't Qualify

The federal government has raised the taxable income limits for its Help to Buy shared-equity scheme and opened 10,000 new places for FY27, expanding access for eligible first home buyers (The Adviser, 1 July 2026).

Under Help to Buy, the government takes an equity stake of up to 30–40% in a home, reducing the deposit and loan size a buyer needs. Raising the income caps means more households now fall under the threshold — a genuine help for salaried first-time buyers who have been priced out.

The catch for self-employed and migrant buyers

As useful as the scheme is, it isn't a fit for everyone. Three limits stand out:

1. Places are capped. Even at 10,000 new spots nationally, demand is expected to far outstrip supply.
2. Income assessment leans on clean, verifiable PAYG-style income. Self-employed applicants with income spread across a company or trust often struggle to present the neat figures the scheme and its lending partners expect.
3. Property price caps limit the scheme to certain suburbs and price points — often below what buyers in Sydney and Melbourne actually need.

For recent migrants, PR holders and business owners, the practical result is that a government scheme alone rarely solves the deposit-and-serviceability puzzle.

The alternative path

This is where the non-bank sector plays a complementary role. Rather than relying on a limited government allocation, borrowers with non-standard income can be assessed on the full picture of their finances:

• Alt Doc lending (MPFG Bright) uses BAS statements, accountant's letters and business bank statements to evidence income — no payslips required.
• Full Doc options (MPFG Priz) suit PR holders and new migrants with establishing Australian income.
• Expat programs (MPFG Expat) serve Australians earning overseas, with LVR up to 80%.

The takeaway for buyers: check your Help to Buy eligibility first — if you qualify and secure a place, it can materially cut your deposit. But if the caps or income tests rule you out, a non-bank lender that understands alternative documentation can often still find a workable path to the same goal.

This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or credit advice. Eligibility for government schemes and loan approval is subject to individual assessment. Speak to a licensed MPFG specialist about your circumstances.