Buying your first home is a big deal. It’s exciting, a little scary, and can get pretty overwhelming, especially with all the paperwork and costs involved. That’s why the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) exists, to give you a leg up when you're just starting out. It's not a loan. It’s a government grant for first home buyers. Free money to help with the cost of your new home. Sounds good, right? But there’s a catch, it’s not automatic. You’ve got to know if you qualify, how much you can get, and how to apply. Let’s break it all down in a way that actually makes sense.
What is the First Home Owner Grant in Australia?
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment made by state and territory governments to help people buying or building their first new home. The idea is to make it easier to get into the market. This isn’t a repayment scheme. If you’re eligible, you get the cash, and that’s it. You don’t pay it back. But the rules can vary depending on where you live. FHOG in NSW might be different from FHOG in QLD or VIC, so you’ve got to look at the details in your specific state.
Who Qualifies for the First Home Owner Grant in Australia?
Here’s where you need to pay attention. Not everyone can get the grant. You need to meet the FHOG eligibility criteria, which are mostly the same across the board, with slight differences by state. In general:
You must be buying or building a brand-new home (not a previously lived-in one).
You or your partner must not have owned a home in Australia before.
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
You need to live in the home yourself for at least 6 to 12 months (depends on the state).
The property must fall under a price cap, which also varies by state.
If you’ve already owned a property, even just a slice of one, you probably won’t qualify. This grant is strictly for first-time home buyers.
Is the First Home Owners Grant Still Available?
Yes, it is. The First Home Owner Grant in Australia is still running in 2025, though it can change over time depending on the government’s housing policies. Some people think it was phased out, but that’s not true. What has changed is the amount you can receive and the conditions, which differ from one state to another. So before you give up or assume it’s not for you, check your state’s latest info. You might still be eligible.
How Much is the First Home Owner Grant?
The amount depends on where you are. As of 2025:
NSW offers $10,000 for buying or building a new home valued under $750,000.
VIC also provides $10,000, but only for new homes under $750,000 in metro areas.
QLD has one of the highest grants: $30,000 for eligible first-time buyers of new homes up to $750,000.
Other states offer grants too, ranging between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on location and policy updates. Always check the official website or speak to a lender to confirm the latest numbers. If you're wondering how much is the First Home Owner Grant right now in your area, don’t guess, get the facts straight from the source.
First Home Buyer Benefits 2025: More Than Just a Grant
The First Home Owner Grant isn’t the only support available. In 2025, there are several first home buyer benefits that can help you save thousands:
Stamp duty concessions or exemptions in many states
First Home Guarantee scheme (only 5% deposit needed, no LMI)
Low-deposit home loan offers with government support
Access to superannuation for your first home through the First Home Super Saver Scheme
When you combine all these with the grant, the savings can add up fast. So don’t stop at just the FHOG, look at the full picture. If you’re applying for FHOG in Australia, ask about every benefit you can possibly claim.
Applying for FHOG in Australia: How It Works
It’s easier than you think. You can apply:
Through your lender or mortgage broker when applying for a home loan
Directly through your state’s revenue office if you’re paying upfront or using savings
You’ll need:
Proof of ID and citizenship/residency
A signed contract for purchase or construction
Proof that it’s a new property (builder’s documents or occupancy certificate)
Declaration that you’re a first-time buyer
The form is pretty straightforward, and your lender can usually walk you through it. Most applications are processed within a few weeks, and the money is either paid at settlement or after construction starts, depending on how you’re buying.
What If You’re Buying With a Partner?
Good question. If you’re buying with someone else, both of you must meet the criteria. If your partner has owned property before, you’re both ruled out. Even if just one person fails the test, the whole application gets knocked back. So double-check your co-buyer’s background before assuming you’re eligible.
FHOG for House and Land Packages
Thinking of building instead of buying? That’s totally fine. In fact, house and land packages or new builds are perfect for FHOG. You can still qualify as long as:
The property hasn’t been lived in before
The construction hasn’t started (or just started recently)
You plan to live there yourself, not rent it out
Many builders even advertise their homes as “FHOG ready,” so you know upfront that it fits the criteria. Just be sure the final price, including land, stays under the state’s limit.
Final Tip: Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table
This grant is literally free money for doing something you already planned to do, buy your first home. And with property prices still high in many parts of Australia, every dollar counts. The biggest mistake people make is assuming they don’t qualify or missing the deadline because they didn’t ask. Don’t be that person. If you’re even thinking about buying a new home, check your eligibility today.
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