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You may be able to boost your home-buying budget by up to $250,000.

Increase your purchase price range and unlock your home ownership dreams with Keystart and the WA Government.

Feel like home ownership is just out of reach?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to increase your purchase price range with Keystart’s Urban Connect Shared Equity Home Loan. With a Keystart shared equity loan, the Western Australian Government contributes towards the purchase price of your new home, acting as a silent partner to help boost your home-buying budget.

Your Keystart loan will be based on your share of the home only, meaning the size of the loan you need to purchase the property is reduced. This means lower upfront costs and lower monthly repayments compared to purchasing the property at full price. The home is yours to live in and enjoy. No landlord, and no rent inspections.

We also don’t charge lender’s mortgage insurance, and with our low 2% deposit requirement, home ownership may be within reach after all. 

Find out if you qualify for a Keystart home loan.

Your new home could be closer than you think. Tell us a bit about yourself to discover whether a Keystart home loan could be an option for you. 

See if you qualify

A different pathway: The shared equity home loan journey.

New to shared equity? These short videos walk you through what you need to know.

 

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Part 1 - Buying your home through a shared equity home loan.

Explore what shared equity is, how the government co-ownership model works, and how it may be able to help you into a home of your own.

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Part 2 - Life with a shared equity home loan.

Discover how loan repayments work, how you may be able to grow your share of the home over time, and how to track your progress through the Keystart app.

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Part 3 - Moving on: refinancing or selling.

Learn more about what happens when you’re ready to move on from Keystart – either by refinancing to another lender, or by selling your home.

 

Income limits and property purchase price caps.

To be eligible for Keystart's Urban Connect Shared Equity Home Loan, income limits and property purchase price caps apply.

 Income limitsProperty purchase price caps
Individual applicants$128,000$800,000
Joint applicants/families$197,000$800,000

 

Real people. Real stories.

"Owning my own apartment makes me feel proud of myself, especially at the moment, with how competitive the market is. The feeling – the sense of home that I get – is what I value the most.

I didn’t think it was going to be achievable [for me], until I came across Keystart. With the right support, I know that it’s achievable now."

James
Keystart customer

"I wouldn't have been able to enter the home market at all without shared equity – I wouldn't have been able to afford to purchase an apartment on my own at the full price. The Government came in, and they were able to purchase a percentage of my property, which for me meant lower monthly repayments, and it made the repayments more manageable."

Jasmine
Keystart customer

Have a question or ready to get started?

Let us know how we can help. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.

 

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Frequently asked questions.

  • Q What property types are eligible under the Urban Connect Shared Equity Home Loan?
    A

    Urban Connect Shared Equity is available for individual, multiple or grouped dwellings – including apartments, townhouses, unit and villas – which are newly-built, under construction or off-the-plan, giving eligible buyers a range of different property options.  

    Properties can be single or multi-storey, built or survey strata, or on a green title with a maximum land size of up to 300 square metres in the metro area and up to 500 square metres in regional areas. 

  • Q Can I choose the percentage I own?
    A

    No. With our Urban Connect Shared Equity Home Loan, the percentage you own of the home will be determined by your financial situation and personal circumstances. Depending on this, the WA Government can co-own up to 35% of your property, capped at $250,000.

    You are welcome to increase your ownership percentage as soon as you're financially ready to do so. Stamp duty concessions and incentives may apply.

  • Q Where can I find a property to purchase using Urban Connect Shared Equity?
    A

    You can search for properties anywhere in Western Australia using online platforms such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. The price of the property must sit below our property purchase price cap, and meet all other Urban Connect Shared Equity Home Loan eligibility requirements, including a maximum land size of up to 300 square metres in the metro area and 500 square metres in regional areas.

  • Q Are there any restrictions on selling my home?
    A

    You can sell your home at any time. The WA Government will have the first right to buy your share of the home. If they decline, you may sell the home on the open market. For more information on selling your home, check out our All about shared equity guide. 

  • Q How much can I borrow with the Urban Connect Shared Equity Home Loan?
    A

    The amount you may be able to borrow depends on your annual taxable income, savings, expenses, debts, and the current interest rates. 

    Use our Do I qualify tool to discover whether a Keystart home loan could be an option for you.

  • Q Is Urban Connect Shared Equity the same as the Federal Government Help to Buy scheme?
    A

    No. Urban Connect Shared Equity is a shared equity home loan available through Keystart, supported by the Western Australian Government. Federal schemes are administered separately, including the Australian Government Help to Buy scheme. With Help to Buy, your home loan from your chosen lender is supplemented by an additional Australian Government home loan through Housing Australia.

    Visit the Urban Connect Shared Equity page for more information on the specific eligibility requirements for Urban Connect Shared Equity.