From 1 October 2025, first home buyers will enter a very different property market. The Federal Government is overhauling the Home Guarantee Scheme, making it easier to buy but also riskier without the right legal guidance. At Pannu Lawyers, we make sure you enter this market with clarity, confidence, and contracts that protect you.
The reforms introduce five major shifts. First, the Government will abolish the quota system so every eligible buyer with at least a 5% deposit can apply. This removes the race for limited places. Second, income caps will disappear. If you earn above the current threshold, you can now access the scheme. Third, property price caps will rise significantly. For instance, in New South Wales the limit in Sydney and key regional centres will reach about $1.5 million. Fourth, the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee will merge with the main scheme, so buyers deal with one set of rules nationwide. Finally, the start date has been moved forward to 1 October 2025, giving you less time to prepare but more reason to act now.
Even with these changes, the rules still demand discipline. You must contribute a minimum 5% deposit, live in the property yourself, and satisfy lender serviceability and credit requirements. This is where many buyers stumble, often because they rush into contracts without proper legal review.
At Pannu Lawyers, we warn buyers that timing matters. If you exchange contracts before 1 October, you may miss out on the new benefits. We also stress that you must check whether your postcode and purchase price sit within the new caps.
Finance clauses, disclosure requirements, and settlement conditions can expose you to serious risk if drafted poorly. With higher caps, banks will lend you more, but that does not mean you should stretch to the maximum. More buyers competing under the new rules will also drive price pressure, which means your legal strategy must be watertight.
That is why you need us involved early. We review your contract before you sign, confirm your eligibility under the new scheme, and negotiate clauses that protect you if finance falls through. We also help you budget for stamp duty, legal costs, and other expenses that the scheme does not cover. By acting with us before 1 October, you position yourself ahead of the rush.
The changes create opportunity, but without strong legal guidance, opportunity quickly turns into liability. At Pannu Lawyers, we do not let that happen. We combine market knowledge with precise contract review, so you buy your first home with certainty—not guesswork.
If you are planning to buy from 1 October 2025, contact Pannu Lawyers today. We will guide you step by step, ensure you qualify under the new rules, and secure your position in this competitive market. Your first home is too important to risk. With us, you take possession on your terms.
