Apply for Home Ownership support

Welcome! Thank you for your interest. If you meet our eligibility criteria as listed below, click on the button to express your interest.

There are multiple ways that you may be eligible. If you're not sure, express your interest and we’ll assess and let you know the outcome.

If you live in the Wollongong Local Government Area click here

Eligibility criteria for our Empowerment Services

To be eligible for our Empowerment Services*, you must:

  1. Be living in social or affordable housing, or be on a social or affordable housing wait-list

    OR

  2. Meet the government's income eligibility limits to be eligible for social or affordable housing in your state. See the income tables for eligibility limits as your guide (note: you must have a moderate income or less).

    OR

  3. Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and meet the income thresholds set by the Aboriginal Housing Office for their Aboriginal Home Buyer Saver Scheme. 

    Note: If you're unsure of your eligibility, express your interest, and we’ll assess and let you know the outcome.

 

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability and funding. Head Start Homes is not a home loan lender and does not provide financial advice. Head Start Homes Limited ACN 620 944 532

Additional eligibility criteria for our Empowerment Products

Our Empowerment Products may have additional eligibility criteria (see below). We will discuss availability and your eligibility as you progress along your home ownership journey with our Head Start Savings Plan.

Head Start Guarantee

To be eligible for our Head Start Guarantee* you must:

  1. Be approved for our Empowerment Services and actively participate in your Head Start Savings Plan; and

  2. Be employed and meet the lender’s application criteria; and

  3. Be eligible for a Health Care Card, Pension Concession Card, or Family Tax Benefit Part A; and

  4. You must live in your purchased home upon settlement.

The process

  1. You express your interest

  2. Head Start Homes will assess your expression of interest and will contact you regarding any next steps.

  3. If approved, our Home Ownership Success team will provide you with access to our Empowerment Services which includes working with you on your Head Start Savings Plan.

  4. As you progress on you Head Start Savings Plan we will work alongside you to help you create your own home ownership pathway. Along this journey, you may be eligible for one or more of our other Empowerment Products and Services which may require you completing a more detailed application form. Our Empowerment Products and Services have been designed to provide fairer access to affordable housing and/or home ownership. For example:

    • With the demonstrated ongoing success of your Head Start Savings Plan, Head Start Homes may introduce you to a lender that may assist with your home loan application with a Head Start Guarantee* or other Guarantee products available. A guarantee can help remove or reduce the deposit you need to pay for a bank loan and/or lenders mortgage insurance. You may also be eligible for discounted interest rates and low fees from the lender.

    • If you are approved for a home loan, we may provide a free Head Start Purchase service to support you in finding the right home.

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Subject to availability and funding. Head Start Homes is not a home loan lender and does not provide financial advice. Head Start Homes Limited ACN 620 944 532

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Will I be guaranteed a home loan once I apply?

No – there are a number of stages that need to be completed before a home loan may be provided. Head Start Homes will provide ongoing guidance if you are approved for our Empowerment Services.

+ Are there any application fees?

No our Empowerment Products and Services are free

+ Is there a maximum loan amount for the Head Start Gurantee?

Our Head Start Guarantee currently has a maximum Guarantee amount which we will explain to you should you apply and be accepted for our Head Start Guarantee.

+ How will the Head Start Guarantee help me to buy a home?

If you are successful in your application for a Head Start Guarantee and also get approved for a home loan there may be:

  • No deposit required for a home loan of up to $550,000.
  • No Lenders Mortgage Insurance
  • Interest rate discounts and savings for your home loan from the financial institution providing the home loan

+ What steps are taken to ensure I can afford the loan?

Financial institutions (e.g. banks) are responsible for all aspects related to the loan including conducting all needs based conversations and credit assessments and processing all supporting documents to ensure that you can afford the loan and that the loan is suitable for your needs.

+ How long will the application process take?

This is hard to say as there are several factors that can speed up or slow down the process like the amount of savings you have and if you already have a home in mind. You will also need to go on a waitlist until we have raised enough funds to support your application. This could take a few months up to several years.

+ Are there any restrictions on what types of homes can be purchased?

Yes. your new home will need to be existing Torrens or Strata title dwellings.

Torrens title means the purchaser owns the land and building. Strata title means that there are multiple owners of properties on one piece of land where all owners are responsible for the areas that are shared known as 'common areas.'

+ Will I get any assistance with purchasing my home?

If you are approved for a Head Start Guarantee you will be provided with property purchasing support to help you and your family find the right home.

+ Who will assist me during the loan application process?

During the application stage you will be assisted by Head Start Homes and a financial institution. Each of these organisations will have a different role. Please see our stakeholder map for further information.

+ Will it negatively impact my current tenancy situation with my Community Housing Provider if I apply with Head Start Homes?

No.

+ How does the Head Start Guarantee work?

Please visit www.headstarthomes.org.au/ourproducts for detailed information on how the Head Start Guarantee works.

+ What is a guarantor?

A guarantor is someone who can help you secure a home loan by offering their own property as security for the loan.

+Will Head Start Homes provide other products and services to help me buy a home?

Yes. We have a range of other Empowerment Prodcuts and Services which may be able to support you on your home ownership journey.

+ How does the Head Start Homes help end poverty and homelessness?

Please visit this page for more detailed information as to how our solution helps to end poverty and homelessness.

+ Where does Head Start Homes get its funding?

Head Start Homes receives its funding from a diverse range of entities including businesses, Foundations and Government agencies. We are also authorised to fundraise as a charity. You can learn more in our latest annual report.

+ Where can I get more information about Head Start Homes?

Please visit our website www.headstarthomes.org.au

+ Who can I contact to get more information

+ Who controls Head Start Homes ?

Head Start Homes is a not for profit community services organisation and has an independent skills-based Board of Directors and is controlled by highly regarded leaders within the non-profit sector. For further information on our Members and Directors please visit https://www.headstarthomes.org.au/people/

+ How can I donate money to Head Start Homes?

Please visit: www.headstarthomes.org.au/donate/.

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