First Home Owner Grant 2026: Every Australian State and Territory

What Is the First Home Owner Grant?

The FHOG is a one-off government payment of up to $30,000 to help first home buyers purchase or build a new home in Australia. The First Home Owner Grant was introduced on 1 July 2000 as part of the federal government's tax reform package alongside the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It was designed to offset the impact of GST on home ownership costs for first-time buyers.

Each state and territory administers its own FHOG scheme, which means the grant amount, property value caps and eligibility criteria vary depending on where you buy. In most states, the FHOG is only available for new homes, substantially renovated homes or off-the-plan purchases. Tasmania and the Northern Territory are the two exceptions where the grant is also available for established (existing) homes.

The grant is paid once, typically at settlement, and is applied directly to your purchase. It can be used alongside other first home buyer benefits such as stamp duty concessions and the federal First Home Guarantee scheme.

FHOG by State and Territory

Grant amounts range from $7,000 in the ACT to $30,000 in Queensland and Tasmania, with property value caps between $600,000 and $750,000 in most states. The table below summarises the FHOG in every Australian state and territory as of 2026. Always confirm current figures with your state revenue office, as these can change with state budgets.

Stamp Duty Concessions by State

Most states offer stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers on top of the FHOG, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars. Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax paid when you purchase property. First home buyers can access significant reductions or full exemptions depending on the state and the property value.

Stamp duty concessions apply to both new and established homes in most states, unlike the FHOG which is typically restricted to new homes. This means even if you are buying an established home and cannot access the FHOG, you may still qualify for a stamp duty saving.

First Home Guarantee Scheme (Federal)

The First Home Guarantee lets eligible first home buyers purchase with just a 5% deposit and no LMI, with the federal government guaranteeing the remaining 15% to the lender. This is a federal scheme administered by Housing Australia, separate from the state-based FHOG. It does not give you money directly, but it removes the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can save you $10,000 to $30,000 on a typical first home purchase.

Key details of the scheme as of 2026:

• Deposit required: 5% minimum (2% for single parents under the Family Home Guarantee)
• Income caps: $125,000 for singles, $200,000 for couples
• Places: 35,000 per financial year
• Property price caps: Vary by location (e.g. $900,000 in Sydney, $800,000 in Melbourne)
• Eligibility: Australian citizens aged 18+, must be owner-occupiers

You can use the First Home Guarantee in combination with the FHOG and stamp duty concessions. Your broker can check your eligibility and apply on your behalf through a participating lender. For current property price caps and eligibility details, visit Housing Australia.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

The FHSSS lets you withdraw up to $50,000 in voluntary super contributions to put towards your first home deposit, giving you a tax-effective way to save faster. Under the First Home Super Saver Scheme, you can make voluntary concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions to your superannuation fund, and then apply to withdraw them when you are ready to buy your first home.

Contributions are taxed at 15% inside super rather than your marginal tax rate, which means you effectively save faster compared to saving in a standard bank account. You can contribute up to $15,000 per financial year and withdraw a maximum of $50,000 in total contributions (plus deemed earnings).

To access the FHSSS, you apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a determination of how much you can withdraw, then request the release of those funds. The process takes several weeks, so factor this into your settlement timeline. Full details are available at the ATO website.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the FHOG you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 or over, and you must never have owned residential property in Australia. While each state sets its own rules, the core eligibility requirements are consistent across Australia:

• Citizenship: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. At least one applicant must be a citizen in joint applications.
• Age: You must be 18 years or older at the date of the transaction.
• No prior ownership: You (and your spouse or partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia, whether as an owner-occupier or investor. This includes property owned through a company or trust in some states.
• Residency requirement: You must move into the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement or completion of building, and live there continuously for 6 to 12 months (varies by state).
• Application timing: You must apply within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
• Property type: In most states, the property must be a new home, substantially renovated home or off-the-plan purchase. Tasmania and the NT also allow established homes.
• Property value: The total value of the property (including land) must be below the cap for your state.

How to Apply for the FHOG

Your mortgage broker or lender will typically lodge the FHOG application on your behalf as part of the loan settlement process. The application process is straightforward and your broker handles most of the paperwork. Here is how it works step by step:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you start looking at properties, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for your state. Your broker can do this for you in your initial meeting, or you can check directly on your state revenue office website.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Your broker or lender will provide the FHOG application form as part of the loan application process. You will need to provide proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), evidence of citizenship or permanent residency, and the contract of sale or building contract.

Step 3: Grant Applied at Settlement

Once approved, the grant is paid at settlement and is applied directly to reduce the amount you need to pay. You do not receive the money in your bank account. It is credited through the settlement process, reducing the balance payable on your property purchase.

Step 4: Meet the Residency Requirement

After settlement, move into the property within 12 months and live there as your principal place of residence for the required period (6 to 12 months depending on your state). Keep records such as utility bills and electoral roll enrolment as proof of occupancy.

Common Mistakes That Disqualify You

The most common reason first home buyers are denied the FHOG is that they or their partner have previously owned property, even if they did not live in it. Avoid these five mistakes that can disqualify you from receiving the grant:

1. Prior Property Ownership (Including Inherited Property)

If you have ever held an interest in residential property in Australia, whether purchased, inherited, or received as a gift, you are generally ineligible for the FHOG. This includes investment properties you never lived in. Even owning property through a company or trust may disqualify you in some states.

2. Not Living in the Property

The FHOG requires you to occupy the property as your principal place of residence. If you rent it out, leave it vacant, or fail to move in within the required timeframe, you will be required to repay the grant in full, plus interest and penalties.

3. Applying Too Late

You must lodge your FHOG application within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction. Miss this deadline and you lose your entitlement to the grant entirely, with no extensions available in most states.

4. Buying an Established Home (In Most States)

In NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and the ACT, the FHOG is only available for new homes. If you purchase an established home in these states, you will not qualify. Only Tasmania and the Northern Territory extend the grant to established properties.

5. Your Partner Has Owned Property Before

Even if you personally have never owned property, if your spouse or de facto partner has previously owned residential property in Australia, you will generally be ineligible. This catches many couples off guard. Check both partners' property history before relying on the FHOG in your purchase budget.