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Here’s How the HomeStart Changes Will Impact Buyers

Buying your first home can be overwhelming, but Rise High has your back! Check our the latest HomeStart changes which could turn your homeownership dreams into a reality sooner!
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Here’s How the HomeStart Changes Will Impact Buyers

Buying your first home can be overwhelming, but Rise High has your back! Check our the latest HomeStart changes which could turn your homeownership dreams into a reality sooner!
Share this article with friends and family:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
WhatsApp

Keep reading

If you want to buy a home, you’ve probably heard of HomeStart. They’re a South Australian government organisation that provides low-deposit loans and other support options to help people break into the property market.
 
As of the 22nd of January 2026, HomeStart kicked off two major changes, which will affect thousands of buyers across South Australia.
 
Let’s break it down.

 

What’s changing with HomeStart?

 

  • The maximum loan amount has increased to $850,000 (from $750,000)
  • Modifications to their borrowing capacity calculators will increase users’ capacities by 5-7%, depending on income

 

How will these HomeStart changes impact buyers?

 

According to HomeStart, these changes aim to “expand access to a broader range of suburbs” for first-home buyers. If you’re eligible for HomeStart benefits, you could enjoy a larger borrowing capacity, which may bring once-unaffordable suburbs within your reach!

 

Chat with us to determine your eligibility and create a plan to get into your first home sooner. We’ve worked closely with HomeStart to help thousands of Australians buy their first properties, and we can help you too.

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When the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifts the official cash rate, it’s known as a rate hike. These increases are usually introduced to slow inflation and stabilise the economy — but they can have a direct impact on anyone with a mortgage or anyone planning to buy property.

So what does a rate rise actually mean for you? Let’s break it down.

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