First Home Owner Grant
A state payment to eligible first home buyers, generally limited to new or substantially renovated homes.
The grant is administered by each state and territory, so amounts, thresholds and eligibility differ. Most now restrict it to newly built homes rather than established properties.
Eligibility generally requires that you have never owned residential property in Australia, that you are buying as an individual rather than a company or trust, and that you live in the property for a minimum period.
The grant is often less valuable than the stamp duty concessions available alongside it. In several states the duty exemption for first buyers is worth considerably more than the grant itself.
Grant versus duty concession
A grant might be worth $10,000, while a full stamp duty exemption on a $650,000 first home can save more than $25,000 — often the larger benefit by some margin.
The bit people get wrong
Grants and concessions almost always require you to live in the property, typically for six to twelve months starting within a year of settlement. Buying purely as an investment forfeits them.
Common questions
Can I get the grant for an established home?
In most states no. The grant is generally restricted to new builds or substantially renovated properties, though stamp duty concessions may still apply to established homes.
Can both partners claim it?
No. The grant is per property, not per person, and both applicants generally must not have owned property before.
Does it affect the First Home Super Saver scheme?
No, they are independent. You can use FHSS savings alongside a grant and any stamp duty concession you qualify for.
Run your own numbers