Buying your first home can feel like you’re learning a whole new language; stamp duty, LMI, pre-approval… and now, the First Home Owner Grant? If you're wondering "what is the First Home Owner Grant and how do I get it?", you’re not alone. This may provide additional support for eligible first-home buyers.
Here’s what every first-home buyer needs to know.
What Is the First Home Owner Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment from your state or territory government to help you buy or build a new home. It's designed to help first-home buyers get into the market sooner, especially if saving a deposit has been tough.
Grant amounts vary by state and may change over time. As of December 2025, they typically range from $10,000 to $30,000. The catch? You usually have to buy a brand-new property, not an existing one, and there are price caps that vary by state.
Who Can Get the Grant?
While eligibility rules differ slightly across Australia, the basics are usually:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You’re over 18
- You (and your partner) have never owned property in Australia before
- You plan to live in the home (for at least 6–12 months, depending on the state)
It’s generally not available for investment properties or purchases where you don’t intend to meet the residency requirements.
How Much Can You Get?
Here’s a quick peek at what different states offer (as at December 2025):
NSW: $10,000 for new homes up to $750,000
VIC: $10,000 for new builds (or $20,000 in regional areas in some years)
QLD: $15,000–$30,000 for new homes under $750,000
TAS: $30,000 (extended until June 2025)
SA, WA, NT: $10,000–$15,000 depending on region and property value
ACT: No FHOG currently available
Keep in mind, each state has its own rules, including deadlines, residency requirements and which properties qualify, and your broker can help you understand how these grants may interact with your loan application process.
How Do You Apply?
In most cases, you apply:
- Through your lender or mortgage broker (when arranging your loan), or
- Directly with your state’s revenue office, often online
Timing matters. Some grants must be lodged before settlement, while others are paid post-purchase. So it’s best to confirm timing requirements early in the process with your broker or lawyer.
Don’t 'Leave Money on the Table'
Many eligible buyers miss out simply because they weren’t aware of the rules or didn’t apply on time.
If you're in the thick of saving for a deposit or trying to stretch your budget to match your dream home, for some buyers, the FHOG may help reduce upfront costs, depending on eligibility. It’s not just a nice bonus, it could be the thing that gets you the keys.
Ready to Maximise Your First-Home Benefits?
The FHOG is just one piece of the puzzle. Our free First Home Buyer e-book gives you the full picture, including a state-by-state guide to grants, stamp duty exemptions, and low-deposit schemes. You’ll also get checklists, calculators, and clear step-by-step help from deposit to moving in.
Download your free copy now and explore the range of programs and options that may apply to first-home buyers.
