Buying your first home? You’re probably juggling numbers, checking realestate.com.au daily, and wondering how anyone manages to save a deposit and pay stamp duty without living on instant noodles. Here’s the good news: there’s a surprising amount of help out there, if you know where to look.
Let’s make sure you’re aware of the support programs that may be available.
What Help Is Available for First Home Buyers?
The Australian Government, along with every state and territory, offers a variety of incentives to help first-home buyers get in the door sooner. These include:
- Grants like the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) — in some states, may be worth up to $30,000, depending on eligibility
- Deposit-saving schemes like the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI)
- Stamp duty concessions that can reduce upfront costs where criteria are met
- Shared equity programs such as Help to Buy, reducing how much you need to borrow
These aren’t niche loopholes, they’re legitimate, government-backed programs designed to support eligible first-home buyers
Top Tips to Maximise Your First-Home Benefits
Check Your Eligibility Early
Many schemes have strict criteria around income, property value, and location. Start by using official tools like your state’s revenue office calculator or the federal government’s eligibility checkers. It only takes a few minutes but they may help you understand whether you meet the criteria for certain concessions.
Time Matters
Some schemes — like the First Home Guarantee — have limited spots each year. Others apply only if you sign before a certain date. Don’t wait until you’ve found a property to investigate your options, knowing your options early helps you plan ahead when you find a property you’re interested in.
Document Everything
From tax returns to payslips and ID, every scheme will want evidence. Having this ready in advance can streamline your application and avoid last-minute delays.
Tell Your Broker
Your mortgage broker can help you understand how certain schemes interact with the loan application process. Don’t assume they’ll bring it up; raise it early and often.
Keep It All in One Place
Tracking all this info across different sites can get overwhelming. That’s where a good guide (like ours) comes in handy — a central source for grants, schemes, calculators and step-by-step timelines.
Don’t overlook programs that may apply to your situation
You’re already doing the hard work, saving, researching, showing up to inspections. These programs are designed to give you a boost, not a handout. But if you don’t know what exists or how to apply, you could be leaving yourself short.
Want to see exactly what you qualify for, and how to apply? Download our free First Home Buyer e-book. It’s packed with eligibility checklists, step-by-step instructions, live links to apply, and tools to simplify the whole process. Whether you’re six months out or signing next week, it is a helpful resource to support you through different stages of the buying journey.
Download the e-book now and take control of your first-home journey.
