Starting 1 October 2025, the federal government’s Expanded Home Guarantee Scheme opens new doors for first-home buyers – offering access with just a 5% deposit, no income caps, and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). While the scheme applies to homes under $1 million, its relevance stretches far beyond eligibility. Further information can be found here.
Across Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Brighton, Deagon, and Bracken Ridge, buyers, sellers, and families are preparing – not to react, but to plan with clarity.
Scheme Snapshot:
Income Caps Removed. All first-home buyers are eligible – regardless of income, employment type, or household structure.
Quotas None. Buyers can apply year-round, giving lenders more flexibility.
Purchase Cap Raised to $1M for Brisbane metro – more homes in 4017 now qualify.
Access Streamlined. Regional and outer-metro buyers no longer navigate separate programs.
Deposit & LMI Just 5% deposit, with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance – a potential saving of tens of thousands.
Suburb By Suburb Relevance:
Deagon and Bracken Ridge
Homes under $1M are attracting steady first-home buyer and investor interest. Enquiry is shifting – with buyers asking about renovation potential, rental yield, and long-term value. Sellers are adjusting to a broader mix of buyer goals and expectations.
Brighton
Townhouses and older homes continue to list just under the $1M cap, with steady interest from dual-income buyers and renovators.. Dual-income households are exploring creative entry points – whether through renovation or flexible living setups. Sellers are leaning into lifestyle appeal, highlighting proximity to schools, parks, and the water.
Sandgate and Shorncliffe
Most homes now list above the $1M threshold, reflecting continued demand across 4017’s coastal and family-friendly pockets. Buyer interest remains strong – especially from upsizers, lifestyle-driven families, and long-term planners. Buyers aren’t just looking for a place to live now – they’re setting their sights on Sandgate and Shorncliffe as future goals.
What Buyers, Sellers & Families Are Actively Preparing For:
Buyers
Reviewing suburb options under the $1M cap
Speaking with brokers about eligibility and pre-approval timing
Sharing listings with family – especially when buying near parents or siblings
Planning entry strategies, even if their first purchase isn’t in their ideal suburb
Sellers
Checking if their property qualifies under the scheme
Watching nearby listing activity to understand flow-on demand
Preparing marketing that speaks to first-home buyers and investors
Consulting Aarthi to position their home clearly and competitively
Reading Aarthi’s client reviews – 5.0 stars from over 50 sellers and buyers!
Strategic Families
Helping children or relatives understand the scheme and explore options
Watching suburb movement to time upgrades or downsizing
Considering intergenerational purchases or investment strategies
Staying informed – not to react, but to plan with clarity
Helping You Position Your Home Clearly
Across 4017, buyers, sellers, and families aren’t waiting for headlines. They’re already making informed decisions based on what’s observable, relevant, and actionable with local sales, listing trends, and real-time suburb activity.
From Brighton to Bracken Ridge, we’re seeing confident moves driven by lived experience, not speculation. Families are planning ahead, sellers are watching nearby results, and buyers are comparing homes street by street. The market is active, and momentum is building in plain sight.
With so much in motion, trusted guidance matters. Aarthi is your local expert – her calm, clear advice and deep knowledge of Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Brighton, Deagon, and Bracken Ridge make her the go-to for anyone looking to buy, sell, or simply to understand what’s next.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or helping family enter the market – reach out today to explore your options with clarity and confidence. Aarthi is here to guide you through every step
With new pathways available for first home buyers and steady activity across 4017, it’s a smart time to check in, ask questions, and plan ahead.
Spotted something you love?
Let’s make it happen! Contact our team and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
All information provided is believed to be accurate at the time of publication but is not guaranteed. Interested parties should conduct their own enquiries.