Applications for the Australian Government’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme opened on 5 December 2025. Getting approved is a big moment, but what happens next? This guide walks you through what to expect after approval, including how long the process takes, what to do during the 90-day window, and how to plan your move.
How long will it take to approve my Help to Buy Scheme application?
There’s no fixed timeline for approval. Once you apply through a participating lender, your application is assessed by:
- the lender - to check your borrowing capacity and eligibility
- Housing Australia - to confirm your spot in the scheme.
Most lenders aim to give approval within 7–14 business days, as long as all your documents are complete. Housing Australia then confirms your place in the scheme, so make sure everything is in order to avoid delays.
Once approved, you’ll get a conditional approval letter confirming your reserved place in the scheme.
What does ‘conditional approval’ mean?
Conditional approval doesn’t mean the government portion is in your hands yet. It means:
- you meet the scheme criteria
- you’ve been allocated a Help to Buy place
- you now have 90 days to find a property and sign the contract of sale.
During this time, your lender does final checks, but your place in the scheme is already reserved.
It’s like a ticket: You’ve secured your spot, but you need to “activate” it by signing a contract on a home.
Your Help to Buy application was approved — what next?
90 days doesn’t sound like a lot of time to find a house, especially for first home buyers. But, here’s what you can focus on to find a home in that time.
Finalise your budget
Do this early on so you can act quickly when you find the right property. Factor in:
- Deposit (minimum 2%)
- Stamp duty (if applicable)
- Inspections
- Legal fees
- Moving costs
- Storage if you have a settlement gap
Start property hunting immediately
Look for homes that meet the Help to Buy criteria:
- Property price caps
- Location restrictions
- Borrowing limits
- Government contribution available
Tell real estate agents upfront that you’re purchasing through the scheme. It’ll speed up communication.
Line up a conveyancer or solicitor
They’ll help review contracts and handle settlement deadlines so you don’t lose precious time.
Plan your move early
Because settlement dates can change, look for flexible movers who let you shift your booking without fees. Holloway Removals offers this flexibility along with quick quotes and short-term and long-term storage. This helps you manage your move during the tight 90-day window.
What to do after you find a property
Once you’ve found a property that meets the scheme requirements, your next steps are:
- Submit the property to your lender
They’ll check if the property meets eligibility requirements (price caps, valuations, and borrowing limits). Then they’ll coordinate with Housing Australia to formally approve you. - Sign the contract of sale
Do this with your conveyancer or solicitor. Consider including a “subject to finance” clause so your purchase depends on loan approval. - Receive full home loan approval
Once all checks are complete, your lender confirms your full unconditional home loan. - Complete scheme documentation before settlement
Housing Australia will give you documents to sign, including the second mortgage (the government’s equity contribution). - Settlement
Once everything is signed and processed, you’re officially a homeowner under the Help to Buy scheme!
What’s the settlement timeline under Help to Buy?
Settlement usually occurs 30–90 days after signing the contract. During this time, you should organise building and pest inspections, arrange insurance, and book removalists and storage.
Here’s a typical timeline to help you stay on track once you’re conditionally approved for the Help to Buy scheme.
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Receive conditional approval, finalise budget, and start property research |
| 3–7 | Property viewings, inspections, shortlist properties |
| 8–11 | Continue property research if needed, make offers on shortlisted homes |
| By week 12 | Submit selected property to lender for full loan approval Finalise scheme documentation Sign the contract of sale |
| 13–14 | Book removalists and storage |
| 14–16 | Settlement and move-in (dates may vary depending on contract) Enjoy your new home! |
Common questions first home buyers ask
Q: What if I don’t find a house within the 90 days?
You might lose your place in the Help to Buy scheme and you would need to reapply. Start searching as soon as you get conditional approval.
Q: Can I extend the 90-day period?
Usually no. Places in the scheme are limited, so don’t expect any extensions to be made.
Q: What if the seller wants a fast settlement?
Let your lender and conveyancer/solicitor know straight away. You might need to book a mover who can handle a short turnaround.
Q: What if settlement is delayed?
This happens quite often. If your lease ends before your settlement date, you can store items from your existing home in a short-term storage facility. It’ll be cheaper than temporary accommodation.
Settling into your new home
Buying a home through the Help to Buy shared equity scheme is exciting, and with good planning, you can be a home owner in no time!
If you’re a first home buyer or another eligible applicant, Holloway Removals’ flexible moving and storage options can give you a seamless move into your new home.
