First Home Owner Grant by State (2026): How Much and Who Qualifies

Last checked: 13 November 2026

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment from your state or territory government to help you buy or build your first home. The most important thing to know is that in every state that still pays it, the grant is only for new homes. It won’t help with an established home, but a stamp duty concession might.

Here’s what each state pays right now, and the main rules.

First Home Owner Grant amounts by state

State	Grant	Property value cap
NSW	$10,000	Buying a new home: $600,000. Building (land plus build): $750,000
VIC	$10,000	New homes up to $750,000
QLD	$30,000	New homes valued under $750,000, including land
WA	$10,000	$800,000 south of the 26th parallel (including Perth), $1,000,000 north of it
SA	Up to $15,000	No value cap for contracts signed from 6 June 2024
TAS	$20,000	For transactions starting 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027
ACT	No grant	The ACT uses the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (stamp duty) instead
NT	$50,000 (HomeGrown Territory grant)	New homes, for contracts from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027

Grant amounts and caps change at state budgets, so always check the current rules with your state revenue office before you sign a contract. We do this for every client.

Who qualifies?

The rules vary a little by state, but you’ll usually need to:

Be at least 18, and a natural person (not a company or trust)
Have at least one buyer who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Never have owned residential property in Australia, and never have received a first home owner grant before (this includes your spouse or partner)
Buy or build a new home, under your state’s value cap
Live in the home as your main residence. In NSW, that means at least 12 months in a row, starting within 12 months of settlement or of the build finishing

If your circumstances change and you no longer meet the rules, you may have to pay the grant back.

NSW in more detail

The NSW First Home Owner (New Homes) Grant is $10,000. It’s available for a newly built home, an off-the-plan purchase or a substantially renovated home. It is not available for established homes.

Buying a new home: the price must not exceed $600,000
Building: the land plus the building contract must not exceed $750,000

Many NSW first home buyers will get a bigger saving from stamp duty. Eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty on new or existing homes up to $800,000. See our stamp duty concessions guide.

How the grant works with other help

The grant can often be combined with a stamp duty concession and the federal 5% Deposit Scheme. For example, a first home buyer purchasing a new NSW apartment for $590,000 could potentially:

Buy with a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance
Receive the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant
Pay no stamp duty, because the price is under $800,000

Everyone’s situation is different, so we check each scheme against your purchase before you commit.

How do I apply?

In most states you can apply through your lender, if they’re an approved agent, or directly with your state revenue office. Your lender usually pays the grant at settlement for a purchase, or with the first progress payment for a build. We’ll organise this as part of your loan.

The forms can be confusing, and small mistakes cause delays. We help you complete your grant and scheme applications and submit them through your lender, and Myra from our team reviews every form before it’s sent, to avoid delays and rejections.

FAQs

Can I get the First Home Owner Grant on an established home?

Not in any state that currently pays it. The grant is for new homes only. But you may still qualify for a stamp duty concession on an established home.

Can couples get two grants?

No. Only one grant is paid per purchase, even if two first home buyers are buying together.

Is the grant taxable?

The grant is generally not treated as taxable income, but speak with your accountant about your own situation.

Can I rent the home out?

Not straight away. You need to live in it for the required period first, or you may have to repay the grant.

Official sources

Albert Waldron is a Credit Representative (407514) of Australian Finance Group Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 389087. This is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please seek advice before acting. Government scheme, grant and stamp duty rules change often; eligibility is confirmed by the relevant government agency.