Renter Home Purchase Program

The Renter Home Purchase Program is a pilot program developed by Aboriginal Housing Victoria that gives eligible renters the opportunity to buy the home they currently live in.

Guided by Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort: Every Aboriginal Person Has a Home, the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework, both programs support Aboriginal home ownership by recognising renters’ deep connections to their homes, families and communities, and help remove barriers into home ownership.

The Renter Home Purchase Program is a voluntary pilot program designed to create a fair and culturally safe pathway into home ownership, starting with a limited number of eligible homes in 2026.

AHV is also supporting community to apply for the new Homes Victoria First Peoples Home Ownership Program. The grants enables eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Victorian’s to enter home ownership.The First Peoples Home Ownership Program may assist community to either purchase their current AHV home (if eligible) or a home of their choice.

We encourage all renters interested in purchasing the property they live to submit their application through the below Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

The Expression of Interest period for the Renter Home Purchase Program is open for 6 months from Monday 5 January 2026 to Tuesday 30 June 2026.

 

About the pilot Renter Home Purchase Program:

  • Eligible AHV renters may be able to buy the home they currently rent.
  • AHV will assess property eligibility, not all properties will be eligible for sale.
  • AHV will assess renter eligibility, not all renters will be eligible.
  • Applications via the Expression of Interest form are open for a limited time.
  • Participation is voluntary – renters who apply are not committing to purchasing, and choosing not to participate will not affect your tenancy.
  • AHV will support eligible renters with general information, guidance, and referrals.
  • AHV does not offer financial advice and does not assess renter’s ability to obtain or service a home loan.
  • Properties are sold at market value with no discounts or concessions.

 

Eligibility Factors:

For an AHV property to be eligible for sale through the RHPP, the property must:

  • Be owned by AHV
  • Be on a separate legal title
  • Align with AHV’s Asset Management Plan

To be eligible to purchase an AHV property through the RHPP, applicants must:

  • Be an AHV renter who has lived in the property they wish to purchase for at least three years
  • Not currently own a home
  • Have demonstrated good tenancy conduct

For more information on eligibility, download the RHPP Frequently Asked Questions here.

 

Key Dates:

  • Applications open: 9am Monday, 5 January 2026
  • Applications close: 5pm Tuesday, 30 June 2026

A member of the AHV home ownership team will be in touch with applicants within 2-5 days of submission. For further information please contact, homebuyer@ahvic.org.au

 

How to apply?

To apply, renters will need to complete and submit an Expression of Interest form during the application window.

Renters can:

  • Complete and submit the form online via the AHV website (available 5 January), or
  • Download the form below and submit via email to homebuyer@ahvic.org.au, or
  • Download and print a hard copy to submit via post or in person to: Aboriginal Housing Victoria, Attn: Homebuyer Coordinator. 125-127 Scotchmer Street, North Fitzroy, 3068

 

If you have any questions regarding the pilot program, please reach out to the team at homebuyer@ahvic.org.au.

 

First Peoples Home Ownership Program

The First Peoples Home Ownership Program is designed to give First Peoples in Victoria a stronger pathway to owning their own home. This initiative provides financial support and one-off grants to make home ownership more achievable. 

This program may help eligible community members to purchase a home by providing financial support up to $37,500 that may cover upfront costs such as stamp duty, legal, and administrative fees.

AHV's three Home Ownership Officers based in the Northern, Eastern and Southern regions will provide culturally appropriate guidance, support and information about the grant and home ownership process.

Please reach out to the team at homebuyer@ahvic.org.au or visit Homes Victoria First Peoples Home Ownership Program application page to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to purchase my home?

Eligibility for the program is based on factors for both the property and the renter.

Properties eligible for sale must be owned by AHV, have a separate legal title, and not be identified as a high demand asset in the AHV portfolio.

Renters must not currently own a home, must have lived in an AHV property for at least three years, and have demonstrated a good rental history.

How do I apply?

To let us know you are interested in purchasing your property, submit an EOI form via the AHV website, email, or download a hard-copy form and return to AHV. AHV will then assess property and renter eligibility. The EOI period opens 5 January 2026 and closes 30 June 2026.

What if I do not want to buy my home?

Participation in the RHPP is entirely voluntary. There is no obligation to apply, and choosing not to participate will not affect your current rental agreement or your relationship with AHV. The program is designed to offer an opportunity – not a requirement. It’s here for those who are ready and interested in home ownership, whilst respecting the choice of those who prefer to remain renters.

Can my previous rent payments go towards the purchase of the property?

No. The amount of rent you’ve paid over the course of your tenancy does not count as a deposit, down payment or discount. The rent you have contributed is used to fund the operation, maintenance, and development of AHV properties. AHV acknowledges that while renters may have lived in the property for many years, all property sales must follow government policy requiring market-based pricing.

Are all AHV properties for sale?

No, not all AHV properties are for sale and importantly, your home will not be sold out from under you. The RHPP is designed to give eligible renters the option to buy their home. If you’re not interested in buying, or if your property isn’t eligible, your tenancy will continue as normal.

Does AHV offer financial assistance as part of the RHPP?

No, AHV does not provide direct financial assistance as part of the RHPP. However, as part of AHV's First Peoples Home Ownership Program grant support please feel free to contact us at homebuyer@ahvic.org.au or call/text Dani at 0439 381 992.

Eligible applicants may also access financial support through external programs such as Indigenous Business Australia’s Home Finance products and other state and federal schemes. For more information on available grants, visit the aboriginalhomeownershiphub.org.au.