Australia’s housing market is shifting under the weight of major policy changes. From October 2025, the Home Guarantee Scheme will undergo its most significant expansion since launch. The new settings include unlimited places, no income caps, and higher property price thresholds [1][2]. The goal is to support more Australians, helping them to purchase their first property.
For mortgage brokers, these changes will likely mean higher client demand. With fewer barriers, more people will apply for loans, and many will turn to brokers for help navigating the options [3]. This creates opportunities for brokers to grow their books of business and cement their role as trusted guides in a competitive market.
But higher demand is not without challenges. More buyers in the market can drive property prices upward, particularly in capital cities and high-demand regional areas [3][4]. For some clients, this will make affordability more difficult, even with scheme access. Brokers will need to balance optimism with realism when managing client expectations.
The volume increase also brings operational pressure. Brokers who rely on manual processes may struggle to keep up. The solution is efficiency. By adopting systems to automate applications, pre-approvals, and document collection, brokers can handle more clients without sacrificing service [4][5]. Time saved on administration can instead be spent on building relationships and offering personalised advice.
It is also vital for brokers to stay up to date with market movements. Rising property prices, limited housing supply, and regional variations all influence borrowing strategies. Clients will expect brokers to provide clear insights, not just loan comparisons [2][5]. Accessing aggregated data and training through networks can help brokers stay informed and ahead of the curve [1][3].
There is also a reputational angle. Brokers who can clearly explain how the scheme works, what it means for clients, and how it affects long-term affordability will stand out. This positions them as more than just facilitators of finance. They become strategic partners who help clients make informed, sustainable decisions.
The expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme will open doors for thousands of Australians. For mortgage brokers, it presents both opportunity and responsibility. Those who invest in process improvements, market knowledge, and client education will thrive in this environment. They will not only write more loans but also build stronger, more enduring client relationships.
References:
[1] https://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/government-fasttracks-5-deposit-scheme-for-firsthome-buyers-287883.aspx
[2] https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/media/unlimited-places-higher-property-price-caps-first-home-buyers-1-october-2025
[3] https://www.news.com.au/finance/labors-expanded-low-deposit-homebuyer-scheme-set-to-drive-up-the-prices-by-as-much-as-90000/news-story/e703bb05162f35fc27184ddea17d5de3
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/28/tax-breaks-for-investors-unfair-but-theres-no-quick-fix-housing-affordability-boss-says
[5] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/housing-assistance/housing-assistance-in-australia/contents/housing-policy-framework
