There is no single federal scheme, but rather several federal supports available in 2026, including the First Home Guarantee and the Help to Buy scheme. The core complication is that each scheme carries its own eligibility criteria, income caps, and property price caps that are reviewed regularly.
Federal support options
The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5 per cent deposit and no LMI. Additionally, the Help to Buy scheme allows the government to co-purchase up to 40 per cent of a home for eligible low-to-middle income earners.
Risks for new builds
While federal schemes lower the entry barrier, the construction sector remains volatile. Some volume builders are still carrying legacy contracts priced before the cost surge, which maintains a level of risk for those choosing to build.
Fixed-price contract scrutiny
Buyers in Officer, Pakenham South, or Clyde North should not trust “fixed-price” labels without a solicitor’s review. These contracts often contain escalation clauses, provisional sums, or prime cost items that allow builders to pass on material cost increases.
The honest reality
The worst of the builder collapse wave hit in 2022 to 2023, but the risk has not disappeared. Many buyers mistake a fixed-price contract for total protection, while in practice, these documents often contain clauses that allow costs to rise above a certain threshold.
Questions to consider
- Does the chosen property in Officer or Pakenham fall within the $600,000 stamp duty full exemption threshold?
- Has a solicitor reviewed the build contract for escalation clauses and provisional sum items?
- Which builders in the South East corridor have a documented completion track record rather than just verbal assurances?
Talk to KR Peters for a straight-talking appraisal with no obligation.
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Market information is general in nature and reflects conditions
at the time of publication. For advice specific to your property,
contact KR Peters.