Home ownership pathways for First Nations families

Breaking Barriers to Home Ownership 

Karisa, a proud Bundjalung woman, and her partner Dylan have achieved a milestone that will resonate for generations: owning their first home through Indigenous Business Australia’s Indigenous Home Ownership Program. For Karisa, this is more than a financial achievement—it’s a significant milestone, as she is one of the first in her family to secure home ownership. 

Karisa and Dylan educated themselves early on, attending an information session to learn about the process and ask questions. From that first session, Karisa and Dylan found not just information but ongoing support. IBA’s team guided them through the application process, offering help at every step. 

The Indigenous Home Ownership Program is delivered by IBA to support First Nations Australians into home ownership through flexible loans and tailored assistance. It helps eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access mainstream finance through low deposit requirements, flexible loan terms, and ongoing mentoring. 

In the 2025 financial year, IBA approved 584 home loans. Of these, 310 were issued to single applicants and 274 to joint applicants. 107 of loans were through shared equity. First Home Buyers comprised the majority of approvals, accounting for 506 loans, while 78 loans were provided to previous homeowners. 

By state, New South Wales and Queensland recorded the highest number of approvals with 184 and 180 respectively. Victoria followed with 82 approvals, South Australia with 38, Western Australia with 36, Tasmania with 29, the Northern Territory with 28, and the Australian Capital Territory with 7. 

Like many first home buyers, Karisa and Dylan faced a tough property market with rising prices, fierce competition, and limited stock. Dylan admits there were times they wondered if it would ever happen, but they stayed focused and kept pushing forward.  

“Holding those keys and knowing this is ours forever—that feeling is worth every step,” he says. 

IBA’s support was critical in helping them navigate complex lending requirements and understand what lenders look for. The shared equity program provides an accessible pathway to home ownership, reducing upfront costs and making the dream achievable. 

Karisa and Dylan’s success shows that with determination and the right support, home ownership can become a reality—even in a challenging market. Karisa reflects that budgeting and planning were key, and the workshops gave them the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps.  

Karisa reflects that the workshops gave them the confidence to take the next steps.  

"The workshops were amazing, they gave us the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps," she said. 

Karisa encourages others to start early, learn about programs like IBA’s shared equity support, and seek help when needed.  

“IBA helped us every step of the way,” she says. 

Karisa and Dylan’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, planning, and community support. It’s proof that with the right tools and determination, breaking barriers to home ownership is possible. 

The Indigenous Home Ownership Program contributes to Closing the Gap Outcome 9: People can secure appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and needs, and Outcome 8: Strong economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. 

Read more about the program from Indigenous Business Australia and home ownership | NIAA

Photo: Karisa and partner Dylan with their daughter outside their new home