EZY LOANS AUSTRALIA · FIRST HOME OWNER GRANTS
First Home Owner Grants by State
A complete guide to the First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty concessions, Keystart and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, state by state.
First home buyer grants explained
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment to help eligible first home buyers buy or build a new home to live in. The grant amount, value caps and eligibility rules vary by state and territory, and are separate from stamp duty concessions, which can save you thousands more. As your first home buyer mortgage broker, we help you work out and claim everything you qualify for.
FHOG amounts, caps and stamp duty concessions across WA, NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, NT and the ACT.
Grants at a glance (new homes, always confirm current amounts):
| State / Territory | New-Home Grant | Property Value Cap | Established Homes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | $10,000 | $800k (south of 26th parallel, incl. Perth) / $1M (north), from 7 May 2026 | Not eligible - new only |
| VIC | $10,000 | $750,000 | Not eligible |
| QLD | $30,000 | Under $750,000 | Not eligible |
| NSW | $10,000 | $600k (home) / $750k (house & land) | Not eligible |
| SA | Up to $15,000 | New / off-the-plan / build | Not eligible |
| TAS | $30,000 (to $20,000 from 1 Jul 2026) | New homes | Stamp duty exemption instead |
| NT | $50,000 (to 30 Sep 2027) | New homes | $10,000 (to 30 Sep 2025) |
| ACT | Ceased 2019 - Home Buyer Concession Scheme | - | Stamp duty concession |
First Home Owner Grant by state and territory
Western Australia (WA)
A one-off $10,000 grant to buy or build a new home as your principal place of residence. For transactions from 7 May 2026 the value cap is $800,000 south of the 26th parallel (including all Perth metro areas) or $1,000,000 north of it. You must apply within 12 months of completion.
- You must be 18 or over, and at least one applicant an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You must hold a relevant interest in the land and occupy the home as your principal place of residence
- Not eligible if you or your spouse/partner previously received the grant, or owned residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000, or owned and occupied a property on or after 1 July 2000 (per the rules)
Victoria (VIC)
A $10,000 grant for a new home (house, townhouse, apartment or unit) valued up to $750,000, under a contract signed on or after 1 July 2013. The home must be new, not previously sold or occupied, and used as your principal place of residence.
- All applicants must be natural persons, at least 18, with one an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- At least one applicant must live in the home for 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion
- You may still qualify if you owned property after 1 July 2000 but never lived in it; ADF personnel are exempt from the residency rule
Queensland (QLD)
$30,000 for contracts signed on or after 20 November 2023 (otherwise $15,000), for a new home valued under $750,000 (including land and variations). The grant is for new homes only; there is no grant for established homes. Your income has no bearing on eligibility.
- You must be 18 or over and an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or applying with one)
- You or your spouse must not have previously received a grant, or owned residential property you lived in since 1 July 2000
- Move in within 1 year of completion and live there for 6 continuous months; not available for investment properties
New South Wales (NSW)
A $10,000 grant for a new home. Caps: newly built home up to $600,000; vacant land plus building contract combined up to $750,000; substantially renovated home up to $600,000.
- Each applicant must be 18 or over, with at least one an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You or your spouse must not have owned a home in Australia before 1 July 2000
- For contracts on or after 1 July 2023, occupy the home within 12 months and live there for 12 continuous months
South Australia (SA)
A one-off payment of up to $15,000 to buy or build a new home, off-the-plan apartment, substantially renovated home, or under a building contract or as an owner builder.
- Each applicant must be 18 or over and a natural person, with one an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or NZ Special Category visa holder
- For contracts on or after 13 February 2025, you are not eligible if you or your partner own or have owned any Australian residential property
- All applicants must live in the home for at least 6 continuous months, starting within 12 months of completion
Tasmania (TAS)
$30,000 for eligible new homes (including off-the-plan and substantially renovated) until 30 June 2026, reducing to $20,000 from 1 July 2026. Established homes instead receive a stamp duty exemption.
- Be at least 18 and an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Not have previously owned residential property in Australia, individually or with a partner
- Move in within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least 6 continuous months
- Extras: 100% stamp duty exemption on established homes up to $750,000, and the MyHome shared equity scheme (government co-purchase up to 40%)
Northern Territory (NT)
$50,000 for new homes (1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027) and $10,000 for established homes (1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025). Apply within 12 months of the completion date.
- Be a natural person, at least 18, with one applicant an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You and your partner must not have previously received a FHOG, or owned residential property before 1 July 2000, or occupied an owned property on or after 1 July 2000
- At least one applicant must live in the home for 12 continuous months, starting within 12 months of completion
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
First Home Owner Grant payments ceased in the ACT on 1 July 2019 and have been replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which provides stamp (conveyance) duty concessions instead.
- You must be an individual 18 or over
- For transaction dates before 1 July 2026, income thresholds and prior-property requirements apply
- You must own and live in the home as your principal place of residence continuously for at least one year, starting within one year of settlement
WA extras: Home Buyers Assistance
A Home Buyers Assistance Account grant pays up to $2,000 of incidental expenses for first-time home buyers in WA, such as mortgage registration, conveyancing, valuation, inspection and establishment fees, and mortgage insurance premiums.
- The home price must be $500,000 or less, and you must not own or have previously owned a home in WA
- The home must be bought through a licensed WA real estate agency and financed by a lending institution (which lodges the application)
- The home must be established or partially built at contract acceptance, and be your principal place of residence
- You must intend to live in the home for at least the first 12 months, and lodge within 90 days of settlement
WA extras: Keystart low-deposit loans
Keystart is a WA Government lending initiative that helps buyers who cannot meet the strict deposit or lending criteria of mainstream banks. It offers a low 2% deposit, no Lenders Mortgage Insurance, and lets you put your FHOG towards your deposit when building.
| Keystart limit (Perth Metro) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Singles income cap | Up to $148,000 per year |
| Couples / families income cap | Up to $218,000 per year |
| Property purchase price limit | Up to $800,000 (up to $860,000 for certain products) |
| Minimum deposit | 2% (no Lenders Mortgage Insurance) |
Keystart loan options
- Low Deposit Home Loan - buy an established property or build a standalone house, townhouse, apartment or unit
- Shared Ownership Home Loan - the Housing Authority co-owns up to 30% of the property to lower your mortgage
- Urban Connect Shared Equity - the State Government contributes an equity share up to 35% (max $250,000) for apartments/townhouses near transit hubs
- Low Deposit Modular Loan - for prefabricated or modular homes built offsite
To qualify you generally must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18, residing in or moving to WA, show stable income or regular employment for at least six months, and not own any other land or home when your Keystart loan settles.
First home buyer stamp duty matrix
Stamp (transfer) duty concessions can save first home buyers thousands, and often apply on top of the FHOG. Thresholds vary by state and change over time – here is a comprehensive snapshot:
| State | Established homes | Vacant land | New build / construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | Exempt to $600k, concession to $800k | Nil to $450k, concession to $550k | Two-part contract: $0 if land under $450k |
| NSW | Full relief to $800k, partial to $1M | Full to $350k, concession to $450k | Keep land component under $350k to avoid duty |
| VIC | Exempt to $600k, concession to $750k | Same thresholds ($600k / $750k) | Off-the-plan concession deducts build costs |
| QLD | Exempt to $700k, concession to $800k | Uncapped exemption | Uncapped exemption on new builds |
| SA | No relief (standard rates) | Uncapped 100% exemption | Uncapped 100% exemption on new homes |
| ACT | Abolished for first home buyers | No limits | No value, type or income limits |
| TAS | 100% exemption to $750k | - | Grant applies (FHOG) instead |
| NT | No FHB duty discount | No FHB duty discount | Back-end grants ($50k FHOG) instead |
Most state revenue offices require you to move into the property within 12 months of settlement and live there continuously for 6 to 12 months to keep the concession.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (formerly the Home Guarantee Scheme) helps first home buyers buy sooner. From 1 October 2025 the Scheme expanded, with no income caps, no waitlists and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
- Low deposit - a minimum 5% for first home buyers, or 2% for eligible single parents or guardians
- No income caps - your income does not restrict your access
- No Lenders Mortgage Insurance - reducing your upfront costs
- Wide choice of homes - houses, townhouses, apartments, house and land, off-the-plan or building on vacant land, at or below location price caps
- Government-backed - a guarantee is provided to your lender
- Unlimited spots - apply when you are ready, no queue
To be eligible you generally need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over, have a 5% deposit, not have owned property in Australia in the last 10 years, buy at or below your location’s price cap, live in the home as an owner-occupier, and take a principal and interest loan from a participating lender (up to 30 years). You must also meet your lender’s credit policy. You can apply on your own or with one other person.
Not sure which grants you qualify for?
Grants, schemes and stamp duty rules change often and depend on your circumstances. Talk to Ezy Loans and we will work out exactly what you can claim, and match you to the right lender.
Written by Amrinder Singh – Mortgage & Finance Broker, Ezy Loans Australia. Credit Representative 505232, authorised under Australian Credit Licence 377294 (Mortgage Australia Group Pty Ltd).
This guide provides general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial, tax, credit or legal advice. Grant amounts, value caps, stamp duty thresholds and scheme rules change regularly and vary by state, territory and individual circumstances – always confirm the current details with the relevant state revenue office or with us before you apply. All loans are subject to lender approval and eligibility criteria.
Ezy Loans Australia is a Perth-based mortgage and finance brokerage helping first home buyers, investors and refinancers across Australia secure the right loan with confidence.
Contact Info:
- 905 Hay St, Perth WA 6000
- amrinder@ezyloansaustralia.com.au
- 0432 066 362