Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but saving for a deposit and covering upfront costs can be challenging. That’s where the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) comes in—a government initiative designed to help first-time buyers enter the property market. At Mortgage Matrix, we simplify home loans, so here’s everything you need to know about the First Home Owner Grant in Australia.

What Is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

The FHOG is a one-time grant offered by state and territory governments to eligible first-home buyers purchasing a newly built home, an off-the-plan property, or building a home. The amount varies depending on the state or territory you’re buying in.

The grant is intended to make homeownership more accessible by providing financial assistance toward the purchase price or covering upfront costs like stamp duty.

How Much Is the First Home Owner Grant?

The grant amount depends on where you're buying. Here’s a quick breakdown of FHOG amounts by state and territory (as of 2024):

State/Territory FHOG Amount Conditions NSW $10,000 For new homes valued up to $750,000 VIC $10,000 ($20,000 in regional areas) For new homes valued up to $750,000 QLD $15,000 For new homes valued up to $750,000 WA $10,000 For new homes valued up to $750,000 SA $15,000 For new homes valued up to $650,000 TAS $30,000 For newly built homes ACT No FHOG Replaced by stamp duty concessions NT $10,000 For new homes, no price cap

📌 Note: Government grants and eligibility requirements may change. Always check with your state or territory revenue office for the latest updates.

Who Is Eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?

To qualify for FHOG, you generally need to meet these key requirements:

✔ Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
✔ Be a first-home buyer (you or your partner must not have owned property in Australia before)
✔ Buy or build a new home (established homes do not qualify in most states)
✔ Live in the property as your primary residence for at least 6-12 months
✔ Meet property value caps (varies by state)

Can FHOG Be Used for a Deposit?

Yes, in some cases. While most lenders do not accept FHOG as part of a home loan deposit, you may be able to combine it with savings, a guarantor loan, or other government schemes to meet deposit requirements.

💡 Want to know how much you can borrow? Try our Borrowing power calculator

Stamp Duty Exemptions & Concessions for First Home Buyers

Many state governments offer stamp duty exemptions or discounts for first-home buyers, further reducing upfront costs. For example:

🏡 NSW: No stamp duty for homes under $800,000, discounts up to $1,000,000
🏡 VIC: No stamp duty for homes under $600,000, discounts up to $750,000
🏡 QLD: Concessions for homes under $550,000

Check your state’s First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme for eligibility.

Other First Home Buyer Schemes

Along with FHOG, you may also be eligible for:

✔ First Home Guarantee – Buy with just a 5% deposit and no LMI
✔ Help to Buy Scheme – The government co-buys up to 40% of your home
✔ Super Saver Scheme – Withdraw voluntary super contributions to boost your deposit

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

The First Home Owner Grant can help make homeownership more affordable, but navigating home loans and government incentives can be tricky. Mortgage Matrix is here to simplify the process!

💬 Book a free appointment with our expert mortgage brokers today and take the first step towards owning your dream home.