First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Grant Eligibility Checker

Find out if your state government will give you free cash to buy your first home.

Property Type

Brand New / Building Established / Existing Home

State / Territory

Property Value (Purchase Price)

State Rules $0 Maximum Property Value Cap

Eligibility Status Eligible Meets state criteria

Approved Grant Amount

Tax-free cash to boost your house deposit

Did you know? In Queensland, the FHOG was temporarily tripled to $30,000 for eligible first home buyers buying or building a new home up to $750,000.

Government Rules: The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is almost exclusively available for newly built homes, off-the-plan purchases, or substantial renovations. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, over 18, and actually live in the home for at least 6 continuous months within a year of completion. Rules and thresholds are subject to state budget updates.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Eligibility & Amount Checker: Australia (2026)

💡 Expert Tip (The ‘New Home’ Limitation): A common misconception is that the FHOG applies to any first home. In almost every Australian state, the grant is **ONLY available for brand-new homes** that have never been lived in before. This includes off-the-plan apartments, newly constructed houses, or house-and-land packages. If you are buying an established (existing) home, you won’t get the cash grant, but you might still be eligible for Stamp Duty concessions. Always double-check if the property qualifies as ‘new’ before counting that $10k–$30k into your deposit!

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a national scheme funded by individual states and territories to help first-time buyers offset the high cost of entering the property market. While the core idea is the same across Australia, the grant amount and the maximum property value allowed vary significantly depending on whether you are buying in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. Our FHOG Eligibility & Amount Checker helps you navigate these state-specific rules to see exactly how much government assistance you can claim.

Standard Eligibility Criteria Across Australia

While each state has its own fine print, there are several “Universal Rules” that apply to the FHOG regardless of where you are buying in Australia:

Citizenship/Residency: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident.
First-Time Owner: You (and your partner/spouse) must never have owned a residential property in Australia before. This includes investment properties.
Age Limit: All applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of settlement or the start of construction.
Primary Place of Residence: You must move into the home within 12 months of settlement and live there continuously for at least 6 to 12 months (depending on the state).

*Disclaimer: Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced by state revenue offices. Providing false or misleading information can result in heavy fines and the forced repayment of the grant with interest.*

FHOG Amounts and Price Caps by State

Because the housing markets in NSW and VIC are different from the NT or Tasmania, the grant amounts are tailored to local conditions. Here is a snapshot of how the FHOG generally operates:

New South Wales (NSW): Generally offers a $10,000 grant for new homes with a total value cap (usually around $750k).
Victoria (VIC): Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes. VIC previously offered higher grants for regional areas, so always check for active regional incentives.
Queensland (QLD): Has historically been very aggressive, offering up to $15,000 or even $30,000 during specific stimulus periods for new builds under a certain cap (e.g., $750k).
Western Australia (WA): Typically provides a $10,000 grant for new homes with varying price caps depending on whether the property is north or south of the 26th parallel.

*Disclaimer: Grant amounts and price thresholds are subject to change in every State Budget. This tool provides estimates based on current publicly available data.*

How to Apply for the Grant

In most cases, you don’t need to apply for the FHOG yourself. If you are taking out a mortgage, your bank or mortgage broker (acting as an Approved Agent) will handle the paperwork for you as part of your home loan application. The grant is usually paid at the time of settlement (for a completed new home) or at the first progress payment (for a house-and-land package). If you are buying with cash, you can apply directly through your state’s Revenue Office website after settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FHOG & First Home Buyer Guide)

1. Can I use the FHOG as part of my home deposit?

Technically, yes, but with a catch. Most banks will not count the FHOG as part of your “genuine savings” (the 5% you save yourself). However, they will add the grant amount to your total funds at settlement, which can help you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) or cover your legal costs.

2. What if I own an investment property but have never lived in it?

In many states, if you have owned an interest in residential property before (even as an investment), you are disqualified from the FHOG. However, some states may allow it if you can prove you never lived in that property. Always check your specific state’s “previous ownership” rules carefully.

3. Does the grant apply to ‘Fixer-Uppers’ or renovations?

No. The grant is specifically for “New Homes.” A heavily renovated existing house does not count as a new home unless the original house was completely demolished and a new one was built in its place.

4. What happens if I move out of the house before 6 or 12 months?

If you fail to meet the residency requirement, you must notify the State Revenue Office immediately. Usually, you will have to pay back the full amount of the grant. The ATO and State Revenue Offices use data-matching (utility bills, electoral rolls) to find people who claim the grant and then immediately rent the property out.

5. Can I get the grant if I am buying the home with a friend?

Yes, as long as all applicants meet the eligibility criteria. If even one person in the joint application has owned a home before or doesn’t meet the residency status, the entire application will be ineligible for the grant.