First Home Owner Grant
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), also informally known as the First Home Buyers Grant, was introduced on 1 July 2000 to help first-time buyers purchase their first property sooner.
This grant is part of a nationwide initiative, funded by individual states and territories. Each state or territory has its own specific legislation governing the grant, meaning the eligibility criteria and amount can vary depending on your location.
How Much is the First Home Owner Grant in Each State or Territory?
Here’s a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) by state and territory:
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NSW: $10,000
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VIC: $10,000
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QLD: $30,000 (Note: The grant in Queensland doubled on 20 November 2023)
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WA: $10,000
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SA: $15,000
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TAS: $30,000
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NT: $10,000
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ACT: The ACT government no longer offers the First Home Owner Grant.
Keep in mind that eligibility and additional requirements may vary by region, so it’s important to check your local regulations for the most accurate information.
Am I eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?
The following criteria are generally consistent across all Australian states and territories for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG):
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The property must be newly built, off-the-plan, or substantially renovated.
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The application for the FHOG, including the required form and supporting documents, must be submitted within 12 months of completing an eligible transaction.
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Applicant(s) must be at least 18 years old.
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Applicant(s) must not be a company or trust.
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At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
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Applicants must not have previously received a FHOG in any Australian state or territory.
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Applicants must not have held a relevant interest in a residential property in Australia before 1st July 2000.
Want to learn more about other government schemes? Check out our guide to the government’s Home Guarantee schemes for further details.
Find out if you’re eligible for the First Home Owners Grant
Chat to a Home Loan Specialist about the government schemes available to you.
First Home Owner Grant criteria in each state and territory
In addition to the eligibility requirements in the section above, here are the other requirements for each state and territory:
First Home Owner Grant in Victoria
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The amount paid for the property (including the contract price for construction when building the home) must be $750,000 or less.
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At least one applicant must live on the property for at least 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned a residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.
First Home Owner Grant in New South Wales
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For a newly built house, townhouse, apartment, unit, or similar, the purchase price must be $600,000 or below.
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For a vacant land and building contract with a builder, the total combined cost of the land value plus the comprehensive home building contract (including any building variations) must be $750,000 or below.
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For a substantially renovated home, the purchase price must be $600,000 or below.
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Applicant(s) must live in the home for at least 6 months.
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Applicant(s) must not have occupied any property in Australia for 6 continuous months after 1 July 2000.
First Home Owner Grant in Queensland
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The value of the property must be $750,000 or less.
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Applicant(s) must live in the property for at least 6 months, starting within 12 months of the completion of the transaction.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned a residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000, or after 1 July 2000, that they lived in.
First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia
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Applicant(s) must live in the property for at least 6 months, starting within 12 months of the completion of the transaction.
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Applicants must not have held a relevant interest in a property in Australia after 1st July 2000 and occupied that property for at least 6 months after 1st July 2004.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned residential property anywhere in Australia before 1 July 2000.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned residential property anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000 and occupied that property as a place of residence before 1 July 2004.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned residential property anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000 and occupied that property as a place of residence for a continuous 6 months on or after 1 July 2004.
First Home Owner Grant in South Australia
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The market value of the property must be $575,000 or less.
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In addition to Australian citizens and permanent residents, New Zealand citizens permanently residing in Australia and holding a Special Category Visa may also be eligible.
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Applicant(s) must live in the property for at least 6 months, starting within 12 months of the completion of the transaction.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned a residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned residential property and lived in it for 6 months or more after 1 July 2000.
First Home Owner Grant in Tasmania
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Applicant(s) must live in the property for at least 6 months, starting within 12 months of the completion of the transaction.
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Applicants must not have occupied and held a relevant interest in the same property in Australia after 1st July 2000.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned a residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned residential property and lived in it for 6 months or more after 1 July 2000.
First Home Owner Grant in Northern Territory
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Applicant(s) must not have owned a residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.
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Applicant(s) must not have owned residential property and lived in it after 1 July 2000.
First Home Owner Grant in the Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) no longer offers the First Home Owner Grant. Instead, the territory provides several stamp duty (also known as transfer duty) exemptions and concessions as an alternative to assist first-home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Home Owner Grant
Need Help with Your First Home Owner Grant?
We’re here to make your First Home Owner Grant application stress-free! Our team will assist you every step of the way, from completing the application form, to gathering the correct supporting documents, and even following up to ensure your grant is approved and paid promptly.
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