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The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Australia provides substantial financial assistance to eligible first-time property buyers, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on your state or territory.
Each Australian state and territory operates its own version of the grant with different eligibility criteria, property price caps, and application processes. The grant is exclusively available for new homes and comes with strict residency requirements and ownership history checks that can disqualify applicants who have previously owned property anywhere in Australia.
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The First Home Owner Grant varies significantly across Australian states and territories, with the Northern Territory offering the highest amount at $50,000 and no property price cap.
Most states restrict the grant to new homes only, with strict eligibility requirements including Australian citizenship or permanent residency and no previous property ownership in Australia.
| State/Territory | Grant Amount | Property Price Cap | Stamp Duty Concession | New Homes Only | Income Test | Can Combine Federal Schemes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Territory | $50,000 | No cap | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Queensland | $30,000 | $750,000 | Full concession | Yes | No | Yes |
| South Australia | $15,000 | Varies | Some relief | Yes | No | Yes |
| New South Wales | $10,000 | $600,000-$750,000 | Exempt up to $800,000 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Victoria | $10,000 | $750,000 | Exempt up to $600,000 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Western Australia | Up to $10,000 | $700,000-$750,000 | Concession varies | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tasmania | $10,000 | No limit | Concessions available | Yes | No | Yes |
| ACT | None | N/A | Concessions available | N/A | N/A | Yes |
How much money can I actually get from the First Home Owner Grant in my state or territory?
The First Home Owner Grant amount varies dramatically across Australian states and territories, with the Northern Territory offering the most generous support at $50,000.
Queensland provides $30,000 for eligible new homes under $750,000, making it the second-highest grant available as of September 2025. Most other states including New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania offer $10,000, while South Australia provides $15,000.
The Australian Capital Territory does not offer a First Home Owner Grant but provides other first-home buyer concessions. These amounts are current as of September 2025 and represent the maximum grant available in each jurisdiction.
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What are the eligibility rules for the First Home Owner Grant where I plan to buy?
The core eligibility requirement across all Australian states is that at least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, with some limited exceptions for New Zealand citizens.
You must be purchasing the property as your principal place of residence and intend to occupy it within 12 months of settlement. The property must be newly constructed or substantially renovated, not an existing home that has been previously occupied.
All applicants must sign a statutory declaration confirming they meet the eligibility criteria, and any false declarations can result in penalties including full repayment of the grant plus interest. Each state revenue office conducts verification checks to ensure compliance with their specific requirements.
Does the property price have to stay under a certain cap to qualify for the grant?
Most Australian states impose property price caps for First Home Owner Grant eligibility, with these limits varying significantly between jurisdictions.
New South Wales has a $600,000 cap for new homes, though this increases to $750,000 for land and construction packages. Victoria sets its cap at $750,000, while Queensland also uses $750,000 as the maximum property value for their enhanced $30,000 grant.
Western Australia applies different caps depending on location, with $700,000 in Perth Metro and Peel regions and $750,000 elsewhere. The Northern Territory and Tasmania impose no property price caps, allowing the grant to be claimed on properties of any value.
South Australia has price caps that vary depending on specific circumstances and location within the state.
Is the grant available for both new and existing homes, or only for new builds?
The First Home Owner Grant is exclusively available for new homes across all Australian states and territories that offer the scheme.
New homes are defined as properties that have never been lived in, are newly constructed, or have undergone substantial renovation that meets specific criteria set by each state. Existing homes that have been previously occupied do not qualify for the grant under any circumstances.
However, first-home buyers purchasing existing properties may still be eligible for stamp duty concessions or exemptions in most states, which can provide significant savings even without the cash grant. The restriction to new homes is designed to stimulate construction activity and housing supply rather than simply supporting property transfers.
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Can I still get the grant if I've owned property before, even jointly or overseas?
Previous property ownership in Australia will disqualify you from receiving the First Home Owner Grant, regardless of whether the ownership was sole or joint.
This includes any residential property you may have owned with a spouse, partner, or other co-owner anywhere within Australia. Recent changes in South Australia from February 2025 have tightened these rules significantly, removing previous exceptions for investment properties.
Overseas property ownership typically does not affect your eligibility for the Australian grant, as the restriction specifically applies to Australian property ownership history. However, each state revenue office will verify your ownership history through comprehensive database checks before approving any grant application.
Even brief periods of property ownership, including inherited properties, can disqualify applicants under the current rules.
How do my income, residency status, or visa type affect my eligibility?
The First Home Owner Grant itself does not include income testing, meaning there are no maximum income limits to qualify for the grant across any Australian state or territory.
However, your residency status is crucial for eligibility, with Australian citizenship or permanent residency required for at least one applicant. Temporary visa holders, including skilled worker visas, student visas, and working holiday visas, are generally ineligible for the grant.
While the grant has no income test, federal schemes that can be combined with the FHOG do have income caps, such as the First Home Guarantee which limits singles to $125,000 annually and couples to $200,000. New Zealand citizens may be eligible in some states under specific reciprocal arrangements.
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What extra first-home buyer stamp duty concessions or exemptions are available in my state?
First-home buyers in Australia can access significant stamp duty savings that often exceed the value of the cash grant itself.
New South Wales provides complete stamp duty exemption for properties up to $800,000 and partial concessions for properties between $800,000 and $1 million. Victoria offers full exemption up to $600,000 and concessions between $600,000 and $750,000.
Queensland provides full transfer duty concessions for eligible first-home buyers, while Western Australia offers varying concessions depending on property location and value. These stamp duty savings can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, particularly in higher-value property markets.
Tasmania and the Northern Territory also provide stamp duty relief, though specific thresholds and calculation methods differ between these jurisdictions.
Are there additional state-based grants or discounts on top of the national First Home Owner Grant?
Several Australian states offer additional grants and incentives beyond the standard First Home Owner Grant, particularly for energy-efficient homes or regional purchases.
Some states provide home builder bonuses, solar panel rebates, or additional support for purchasing in regional areas to encourage population growth outside major cities. These supplementary programs often have separate application processes and eligibility criteria.
Construction-related incentives may include rebates for energy-efficient appliances, solar installations, or meeting specific environmental standards. Regional development grants can provide extra thousands of dollars for properties purchased in designated rural or developing areas.
The availability and value of these additional grants change regularly, so checking with your state revenue office or speaking with a qualified mortgage broker ensures you access all available support.
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Can I combine the grant with federal schemes like the First Home Guarantee or the First Home Super Saver Scheme?
Yes, the First Home Owner Grant can be combined with federal government schemes, allowing first-home buyers to access multiple forms of assistance simultaneously.
The First Home Guarantee enables you to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit while avoiding lenders mortgage insurance, and this can be used alongside your state's FHOG. The First Home Super Saver Scheme allows you to save for a deposit using your superannuation, providing tax advantages that complement the cash grant.
These federal schemes have their own eligibility criteria, including income caps of $125,000 for singles and $200,000 for couples, plus property price limits that vary by location. Qualifying for one scheme does not automatically qualify you for others, so separate applications are required.
The combination of these programs can provide substantial financial support, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars in deposit requirements, insurance costs, and upfront payments.
What is the exact application process, and do I apply through the bank or directly with the government?
First Home Owner Grant applications can be submitted either through your lender during the mortgage application process or directly with your state or territory revenue office.
Applying through your lender is often more convenient as they handle the paperwork and coordinate the grant payment with your settlement, ensuring the funds are available when you need them. Direct applications to the revenue office give you more control over timing but require you to manage the process independently.
Required documentation typically includes proof of identity, residency status, purchase contract, building contract (for new construction), statutory declarations, and evidence that the property will be your principal residence. Some states require additional documents such as builder warranties or completion certificates.
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How long does it usually take for the grant money to be paid, and when is it applied during settlement or construction?
Grant processing times vary between states and application methods, typically ranging from two to eight weeks from the time all required documentation is submitted.
For established new homes, the grant is usually paid at settlement, either directly to you or to your lender to reduce the amount you need to pay. For properties under construction, payment occurs after practical completion when you receive the certificate of occupancy or similar completion documentation.
Bank-facilitated applications often process faster because lenders have established systems with state revenue offices, while direct applications may take longer but give you more control over the timing. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
The grant funds are typically applied to reduce your deposit requirement or settlement costs, providing immediate financial relief during the property purchase process.
If I sell or move out of the property earlier than required, will I have to repay the grant?
Most Australian states require you to occupy the property as your principal residence for a minimum period, typically between six and twelve months, to retain the grant.
If you sell the property or cease using it as your principal residence before meeting the minimum occupancy requirement, you will be required to repay the full grant amount plus interest and potential penalties. Each state monitors compliance through various means including electoral roll checks and council rate records.
Exceptions may apply in cases of genuine hardship, job relocation, or significant life changes, but these require formal application and approval from the relevant revenue office. Some states offer pro-rata repayment arrangements for partial occupancy periods.
The repayment obligation remains attached to the property title until the minimum occupancy period is satisfied, ensuring compliance even if ownership changes hands.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
The First Home Owner Grant represents one of Australia's most significant property purchase incentives, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on your chosen state or territory.
Understanding the specific eligibility criteria, property price caps, and application processes for your target location is essential for maximizing the financial benefits available to first-time property buyers in Australia's competitive real estate market.
Sources
- Your Mortgage - How Does the First Home Owner Grant Work
- Queensland Revenue Office - First Home Grant Eligibility
- Property Buyer - First Home Buyer Grants 2025
- Suncorp Bank - First Home Owners Grant by State
- South Australia Revenue - First Home Owner Grant
- Entourage Property - 2025 First Home Owners Grant
- NAB - First Home Guarantee Fact Sheet
- Australian Government - First Home