Help to Buy Scheme vs Rent-to-Buy: Which is Better for First HomeBuyers?

This guide provides an in-depth comparison of Rent-to-Buy homes (also known as Rent-to-Own) and the government-backed Help to Buy Scheme, helping you understand which pathway to homeownership aligns best with your needs. Both schemes aim to make owning a home more accessible, but how do they differ in terms of costs, flexibility, and eligibility? This guide covers all the details.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Comparison Table
3. How Rent-to-Buy Works
4. How Help to Buy Works
5. Eligibility and Accessibility
6. Property Price Caps
7. Pros and Cons of Each
8. Flexibility and Future Options
9. Future Mortgage Guarantee
10. FAQs
11. References

1. Introduction

For Australians aspiring to enter the property market, Rent-to-Buy and Help to Buy present two promising options. While Help to Buy offers government support through shared equity, Rent-to-Buy programs like those offered by PublicSquare provide flexibility and lower upfront costs. Let’s explore the similarities and differences to help you make an informed decision.

2. Comparison Table

The table below summarises the key differences between Rent-to-Buy and Help to Buy:

3. How Rent-to-Buy Works

Rent-to-Buy offers an innovative way to transition from renting to owning. With low initial costs, you can move into your chosen home while gradually building your deposit. Here’s how it works:

• Upfront Costs: Secure the property with a 1.1% Kickstarter fee and a four-week rental bond.
• Weekly Contributions: Pay rent plus an additional contribution towards your deposit.
• Purchase Flexibility: After 4–7 years, you can purchase the property at a pre-determined price, which includes modest annual price growth rates (4–5%).
• No Ownership Costs: During the lease, property maintenance and costs such as Rates and Building Insurance is covered by the owner.

4. How Help to Buy Works

The Help to Buy scheme provides immediate shared equity ownership, reducing upfront costs and loan amounts. Here are its key features:

• Government Contribution: The government covers up to 40% of the home’s purchase price for new homes and 30% for existing homes.
• Deposit Requirements: Buyers only need a 2% deposit.
• Shared Ownership: The government retains a proportional share of the property’s equity, which must be repaid through voluntary contributions or upon sale.

5. Eligibility and Accessibility

Rent-to-Buy is accessible to a wider audience with no income or property ownership restrictions. Help to Buy, on the other hand, imposes strict criteria:

• Income Caps: Singles earning less than $90,000 or couples earning less than $120,000 qualify for Help to Buy.
• Owner-Occupier Requirement: Help to Buy properties cannot be used for investment purposes.
• Residency: Help to Buy requires citizenship, whereas Rent-to-Buy has no such restrictions.

6. Property Price Caps

Rent-to-Buy is not bound by strict price caps, offering access to properties valued up to $850,000 or higher in certain markets. Help to Buy imposes price caps that vary by state:

7. Future Mortgage Guarantee

PublicSquare’s Rent-to-Buy program includes a Future Mortgage Guarantee, which supports tenants in securing financing when they’re ready to purchase. If they can't secure a mortgage, PublicSquare will sell them home on the open market, waiving a sales commission, and allowing the tenants to recover up to 100% of their contributions - even more if the property appreciation has performed well.

8. Pros and Cons of Each

Rent-to-Buy Pros:

• Low upfront costs and flexible purchase options.
• No income restrictions or strict property caps.
• Future Mortgage Guarantee ensures financing when ready or ability to recover up to 100% of contributions contributions, or more, with no overhanging debt.

Help to Buy Pros:

• Reduced deposit requirements and mortgage amounts.
• Immediate partial ownership of the property.

Cons:

• Rent-to-Buy: Delayed ownership
• Help to Buy: Shared ownership limits full property control.

9. FAQs

Rent-to-Buy FAQs

1. Can non-permanent residents use Rent-to-Buy? Yes, there are no residency or citizenship restrictions when commencing Rent-to-buy arrangement, however you should plan to achieve at least permanent residency before switching to a mortgage.
2. What happens if I can't get a home loan?Under PublicSquare's Future Mortgage Guarantee, If you cant secure a home loan, PublicSquare will sell the home allowing you to recover up to 100% of your contributions or more if the property has performed well, and walk away.
3. Are there maintenance costs during the lease? No, these are covered by the property owner. Along with rates and landlord's insurance.
4. Can I purchase the property before the lease ends? Yes, you have the flexibility to buy the home at anytime after 3 years.

Help to Buy FAQs

1. Do I need to be an Australian citizen? Yes, permanent residency does not qualify.
2. How much of the property does the government own? Up to 40% for new homes and 30% for existing homes.
3. Are property caps strict? Yes, they vary by state and cannot be exceeded.
4. Can I repay the government’s equity? Yes, through voluntary contributions or when you sell the property.
5. What happens if my income exceeds the threshold? You may be required to repay the government’s share of the property.

References

• Rent-to-Buy Explained
• Help to Buy Scheme