Rent to buy - frequently asked questions

A rent-to-buy scheme offers the ability to buy a home that a customer initially rents, while saving for a deposit. At the end of an agreed period, the customer – who should have built up enough funds– takes out a mortgage and pays out the owner.

Rent to Buy is a State Government scheme where eligible buyers can rent their home at a reduced rent before they buy.

100 homes that are under construction under the SA Housing Trust’s Affordable Homes Initiative (AHI) will be rented to buyers as affordable rentals (at 75% of market rent) for one to two years, before buying the home as an affordable home purchase.

You provide the Trust with information about your property needs and they will identify suitable properties for you. Homes vary in size and location, though most are two or three-bedroom townhouses.

This is intended to provide a base two-year affordable rental option (with possibility of a one-year extension) to provide another pathway to assist moderate income key worker households, who are struggling to achieve homeownership, to purchase a home.

Eligibility criteria for the Rent to Buy are the same as the criteria for those purchasing and affordable home  https://homeseeker.sa.gov.au/  as detailed on the Homeseeker SA website.

For singles, annual income before tax limit of $115,000 or less, and for couples or families, an annual income before tax of $150,000 or less. Asset limits are $543,750 for singles, and $693,500 for couples or families, also apply.  Minimum income limits will be set in line with loan serviceability requirements for the purchase of an affordable property.

The initiative will be open to all eligible purchasers however individuals who have been employed long-term and have spent an extended period in the rental market without the opportunity to transition into home ownership will be prioritised.

Those who have been long term renters and whom this scheme will benefit the most will be prioritised.

Renters would be pre-qualified to test that they meet the criteria and are expected to have the capacity to purchase the property by 2028-29.  At the conclusion of the lease term, the pre-qualified tenant would have the first option to buy the home.

If the tenant does not purchase the home, they would vacate the property, and the property would be sold to another eligible buyer through the HomeSeeker affordable home purchase scheme.

By paying a reduced, affordable rent (75% of market rent) for two years, renters will be able to save to purchase their home.

Go to Homeseeker SA website, register your interest, and we will be in touch.

No. The Federal scheme gives people an "equity contribution" to purchase a home, of up to 40 per cent of the cost of a new home, or 30 per cent for existing homes. The buyer doesn’t pay rent on the stake owned by the government.

After a period (one to two years), you can purchase the property. You can choose how to purchase the property, which might include through shared equity.

Both the landlord and you as the tenant have responsibilities for repairs and maintenance. The landlord is responsible for ensuring the property is in a reasonable state of repair and meets minimum safety standards. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the home in a reasonable condition and informing the landlord of any needed repairs. 

Tenants are responsible for repairs needed due to their own actions, such as damaging a window while playing a ball. Tenants are responsible for maintaining the lawn and garden areas, including mowing, weeding, and watering. 

No. You must:

• Be a South Australian resident
• Earn a moderate income (eg under $150,000 household income)
• Not currently own property
• Meet HomeSeeker SA eligibility
• Be ready to work toward homeownership

No, only those listed on the lease agreement and option to purchase are able to purchase the home. In the event that there is more than one purchaser named and one of which no longer wishes to purchase the home, the other can still purchase the home providing they have the financial means to do so.

The intent is that you buy the home, however, if you are unable to settle, the home will be sold through HomeSeeker SA to an eligible buyer.

There will be a 24-month caveat on the title that will mean purchasers cannot sell the home within this time unless they obtain written approval from the Trust.

Absolutely if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Absolutely if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Thank you for registering! Once you have completed your registration, the Housing Trust will carefully review your application to check eligibility and will be in touch via email in the first instance.

The homes in this program currently offer 2 or 3 bedrooms. We encourage you to consider your family’s needs when applying to ensure the home suits your household.

The first homes are expected to be released in August 2025, with the majority available in early 2026.

As with all construction projects, completion dates can sometimes change due to progress on site. While we provide an estimated handover date, this may be subject to change if needed.

The Agent will keep you updated on construction progress.

The program will offer a variety of homes, including walk up apartments, townhouses, and single-storey houses.

All future releases will be communicated directly to those eligible applicants who have registered through the Rent to Buy page on the Homeseeker SA website.

If you are offered a home through this program, you will sign a lease agreement for an initial 12 months, with the possibility to extend for a further two 12 months subject to the Housing Trust’s approval. You will also sign a sales contract at the same time, so that you can settle on the home at the end of the lease period.  

Yes, absolutely. If you are ready to buy sooner, you can request an early settlement to purchase your home before the lease term ends without penalty.

No. Pre-approval is not required to register on Homeseeker. Your financial assessment will take place later in the process.

No. The rent is set at 75% of the market rate to help make you save towards your home purchase. Rental payments do not go towards the purchase price or deposit.

When signing the lease, you will need to pay a bond equivalent to 4 to 6 week’s rent (based on 75% of market rent) and when signing the sales contract, you may be required to pay a $1 deposit.

We encourage you to apply only for homes that suit your needs and preferences. If you decide not to proceed with the lease and sales contract after being offered a home, you won’t be offered another home through this program.

If you are unable to complete the purchase, you will need to vacate the property. The home will then be made available to another eligible buyer through the Homeseeker SA affordable home purchase scheme

No, Rent to Buy homes are not listed directly on Homeseeker. You must register through the Rent to Buy link on the Homeseeker SA website and be assessed for eligibility before homes are offered.

Yes, you may choose to purchase your home using a shared equity loan or other financing options that best suit your needs.