Updated Guide to the First Home Buyers Grant

At any given time, one in five owner-occupiers buying property are doing it for the first time; the Australian Bureau of Statistics puts the exact proportion at 17.9 per cent at the end of 2017.

One of the best ways to get financial assistance with a first-time purchase is using government grants. But depending on where you buy, you’re going to face very different requirements and receive very different amounts.

First home owner grant in New South Wales

Maximum amount: $10,000

FHBs in New South Wales face some of the highest property prices in the country – something the State government has taken positive steps to mitigating. The NSW first home owners grant (FHOG) gives consumers a maximum of $10,000, as long as:

• They are buying a new home valued at $600,000 or less, or
• Building a new home valued up to $750,000.

There are additional concessions on stamp duty for properties under $800,000, while buyers are not required to pay any stamp duty at all on homes under $650,000. Depending on the initial property value, this can save FHBs an additional $30,000.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

Download our NSW First Home Buyers Quick Reference Guide.

First home owner grant in Victoria

Maximum amount: $20,000

The Victorian FHOG amount varies depending on where you buy. Buyers can receive up to $20,000 for a new home (built or bought) in regional Victoria, and $10,000 for the same kind of property purchased or developed in metropolitan areas. The maximum property value for accessing this grant is $750,000.

There are further concessions available if the home is your principal place of residence (PPR), or if you are a pensioner, off-the-plan buyer, young farmer or purchasing a home between $600,001 and $750,000.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

First home owner grant in Tasmania

Maximum amount: $20,000

In Tasmania, the first home buyer scheme of $20,000 has been extended for an additional year and is now available until 30 June 2019.

The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment for eligible applicants who buy or build a new home – this refers to a comprehensive building contract, owner-builder construction, or purchase of a new property. For those seeking to build and claim the FHOG, construction must be completed within 24 months of the start date to remain eligible.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

First home owner grant in Queensland

Maximum amount: $15,000

As of 1 July 2018, the Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant has been reduced to $15,000.

To be eligible for the grant you must be buying or building a new home, valued under $750,000, and it must be occupied by you for the first six months of existence. If you have to move out during this time, the government may request that you pay back the grant. You aren’t eligible for the QLD FHOG if you or your spouse have previously owned property in Australia.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

First home owner grant in South Australia

Maximum amount: $21,330

In South Australia, the standard first home owners grant is $15,000 for the construction or purchase of a brand new property (i.e. a property that has not previously been occupied). There are additional concessions if you are buying off-the-plan that could see the amount increase to $21,330.

The market value ceiling for claiming the FHOG in South Australia is $575,000 – a figure that applies to the value of a construction after it is completed.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

First home owners grant in Northern Territory

Maximum amount: $26,000

The Northern Territory’s first home owner grant is the biggest in the country, reaching $26,000 and with no upper threshold regarding property value. However, this only applies to first home buyers purchasing new homes that have never previously been lived in or sold as a place of residence.

While there is no grant for first home buyers of an established home, the NT Government does have discounts on stamp duty of up to $23,928 for first home buyers purchasing a home over $600,000.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

First home owner grant in Western Australia

Maximum amount: $15,000

In Western Australia, the FHOG will vary depending on the location of your new purchase or build. An initial grant of $10,000 applies to relevant properties, with value thresholds of $750,000 south of latitude 26 (including Perth), and $1,000,000 above this level.

Those buying an established home (i.e. a home that has previously been occupied) are not eligible for the FHOG, however they may be eligible for the First Home Owner Rate of duty (FHOR). The FHOR of Duty is available for first home owners buying an established or new home, or building a new home.

There is a further $5,000 available for those who are building a new home or buying off-the-plan. Builders must commence construction within 26 weeks of contracts being signed, and complete construction within 18 months. There is a hard limit for this boost, where contracts must be signed by June 30, 2019.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

First home owner grant in ACT

Maximum amount: $7,000

In the ACT, the First Home Owner Grant is $7000 until the 30 June 2019. This applies to first home buyers who are buying or building their first new home, an off-the-plan home or a substantially renovated home. The total value of the property (home plus land) must be $750,000 or less. Plus, at least one applicant must move into the home within one year and live in the home as the principal place of residence for at least one year.

Additional eligibility criteria apply, read more here.

> Search for Property under $650,000

> Using your Super as a Deposit for your First Home.