The Queensland Government's Boost to Buy Scheme provides a major leg-up for first-home buyers, allowing them to purchase property with just a 2% deposit. However, because it is a shared equity program funded by taxpayers, it is targeted at middle and lower-income earners.
For many hopeful buyers, the biggest question is whether their salary qualifies. If you earn too much, you will be disqualified from the scheme. Conversely, if you earn too little, you may not satisfy commercial lending requirements to borrow the remaining mortgage portion.
This guide details the official Boost to Buy income limits for 2026, explains how different compensation elements (overtime, bonuses, allowances) are assessed, and maps out the salary ranges required to purchase different property values.
What Are the Boost to Buy QLD Income Limits?
The Queensland Treasury has set strict limits on household earnings. The maximum gross annual income allowed is based on your filing and applicant type:
| Applicant Structure | Maximum Gross Income Threshold | Assessment Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant | $150,000 | Applies to individuals purchasing a home alone with no dependants. |
| Couple (Joint Applicants) | $225,000 | Combined gross income of both partners. Both must be first-home buyers. |
| Single Parent (with dependants) | $225,000 | Higher limit applies to support single parents with dependent children. |
Gross Annual Income: The thresholds are calculated on gross income—meaning your total earnings before any income tax, Medicare levies, or HELP/HECS repayments are deducted.
Assessment Period: The approved lender (such as Unity Bank) will assess your current income by verifying your last 2-3 consecutive pay slips and crossing them with your most recent ATO Notice of Assessment.
Salary Eligibility Scenarios
To demonstrate how these rules apply in practice, let's analyze some common salary scenarios for individual and joint applicants.
Single Applicant Scenarios
- Salary of $60,000: Eligible. Well under the $150,000 single cap. However, with this income, your maximum mortgage capacity is approximately $300,000. Under the scheme, this allows you to purchase a property worth up to $420,000 to $440,000.
- Salary of $100,000: Eligible. Fits comfortably within the single threshold. You can service a larger mortgage of up to $500,000, which enables you to buy properties priced up to $700,000 with government assistance.
- Salary of $150,000: Eligible. This is the exact maximum boundary. You qualify, but you must make sure that you do not earn any additional bonuses or overtime that would push you even $1 over the limit.
- Salary of $160,000: Ineligible. Because your income exceeds $150,000, you are disqualified from the scheme as a single applicant.
Couple Applicant Scenarios (Combined Income)
- Combined Income of $180,000: Eligible. Well below the $225,000 limit. This combined income allows you to service a mortgage of up to $900,000, placing properties up to the scheme's maximum $1,000,000 cap within reach.
- Combined Income of $225,000: Eligible. The exact maximum boundary for couples. You qualify, but any pay increases prior to formal loan approval could push you over.
- Combined Income of $240,000: Ineligible. Disqualified. You must seek standard lending options or other government assistance programs.
Entry-Level and Graduate Salary Eligibility
A major target group for the Boost to Buy program is recent university graduates entering the workforce. Let's review typical starting salaries in Queensland for 2026:
- Graduate Teacher: Starting salaries in Queensland public schools are approximately $85,000 to $90,000 per year. Fully eligible (comfortably under the $150k limit).
- Graduate Nurse: Typical starting salaries in QLD Health range from $80,000 to $85,000 plus shift penalties. Fully eligible.
- Graduate Engineer: Starting salaries average $85,000 to $95,000. Fully eligible.
- Graduate Accountant / IT Professional: Entry-level wages range from $70,000 to $85,000. Fully eligible.
Conclusion: Virtually all entry-level professionals in Queensland fall comfortably within the single income limit. The scheme represents an excellent accelerator for graduates who want to stop renting and buy a home early in their careers.
Can Government Employees Qualify?
Yes. Public servants, including teachers, police officers, nurses, and administrative staff, are eligible if they meet the household thresholds.
For example, a Queensland Police Constable (Year 1) earns a base salary of around $85,000, plus shift allowances, which is fully eligible. A Senior Teacher (Step 9) in QLD earning approximately $115,000 is also eligible as a single applicant.
However, public sector employees must make sure that shift penalties, overtime, and allowances are factored into their gross income calculation, as these additions can sometimes push they close to the $150,000 single cap.
How Income Is Assessed by Lenders
Lenders do not just look at your base salary. To ensure 100% compliance with government guidelines, the approved lender (Unity Bank) will evaluate:
- Overtime and Shift Penalties: If you regularly work overtime, lenders will take an average of this income over the last 12-24 months. If it is regular, it counts toward the gross annual threshold.
- Allowances: Regular allowances, such as car or travel allowances, are added to your gross income. Non-regular reimbursements of costs are usually excluded.
- Self-Employed Income: Calculated from your net business profit before tax. Lenders usually require two consecutive years of tax returns to verify stability.
- Contractor Income: Assessed based on contract daily or hourly rates. If your contract has been renewed consistently, lenders will project this as your annual salary.
Salary Needed to Buy Different Property Values
While the government supports you, you still have to repay the remaining mortgage portion. The table below outlines the suggested gross annual income needed to service the loan portion (assuming a 2% deposit and a 30% government contribution at 6% interest over 30 years):
| Property Price | Government Share (30%) | Mortgage Portion (68%) | Monthly Repayments | Suggested Income Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $600,000 | $180,000 | $408,000 | $2,446 / mo | $85,000 - $110,000 |
| $700,000 | $210,000 | $476,000 | $2,854 / mo | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| $800,000 | $240,000 | $544,000 | $3,262 / mo | $115,000 - $145,000 |
| $900,000 | $270,000 | $612,000 | $3,669 / mo | $130,000 - $150,000 (Single Cap) |
| $1,000,000 (Cap) | $300,000 | $680,000 | $4,077 / mo | $145,000 - $225,000 (Couple limit) |
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
- Using Net Income instead of Gross: Always check your before-tax income. Using net (take-home) pay will cause you to underestimate your income, which could result in a surprise rejection if your gross salary exceeds limits.
- Ignoring Partner's Income: If you buy together, both salaries count. A couple earning $120,000 and $110,000 ($230,000 combined) exceeds the $225,000 threshold, even though both are separately under $150,000.
- Forgetting One-off Bonuses: Lenders will look at your history. If you received a significant bonus in your latest tax returns, it may be averaged and push you over the limit.