First Home Buyer Grant SA (2025) : How to get $15K Plus Avoid Stamp Duty in South Australia

Introduction

For those looking to buy their first home in South Australia this year, there are big savings to be had even compared to other state programs. With an increased First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) of $15,000 in addition to recently expanded stamp duty exemptions in SA, first-time buyers can now save tens of thousands in upfront costs whether you're building or buying new. 

After helping many first time home buyers in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs a big tip I can suggest is - knowing the exact price cap, timing and documents can make all the difference in qualifying for the grant. Southern Australia is not the largest FHOG offered in the country but it certainly in the upper middle of the pack and can still be a game changer in owning your first home. 

This guide will help you break down exactly how the FHOG in SA works, who can be eligible, how to apply and the different ways you can combine stamp duty exemptions, national schemes and low-deposit loans to make the most of your resources. 

What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in SA?

• A $15,000 grant for buying or building a new home. 
• This only applies to brand-new homes, off-the-plan or owner-builder projects. 
• Keep in mind that the total property value (including land) must be $650,000 or less.

Who is Eligible for the FHOG in South Australia 

• As the name implies you must be a first time home buyer in Australia. 
• At least one of the applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 
• The home must be brand new and never occupied before. 
• Total home value cannot exceed $650,000 (house + land) 
• You must live in the home as a primary residence for at least 6 months. 

Stamp Duty Exemption for First Home Buyers in SA 

• As of June 2024, first home buyers in SA pay no stamp duty on : New homes valued up to $650,000 & vacant land up to $400,000 (if building a new home)
• A Concessional rate applies for homes valued up to $700,000 and the land up to $450,000
• This means total upfront savings up to $30,000+ 
• Applies even if you don’t qualify for the FHOG.
• Must apply at time of settlement via your conveyancer or lender. 

What Property Types Qualify for the Grant in SA? 

• Owner-built homes 
• Newly constructed homes
• Off-the-plan homes such as apartments or townhouses 
• House and land packages
• Homes that are substantially renovated and never lived in 
• Properties must be under $650,000 (total value) 

How to apply for the First Home Owner Grant in SA 

• The easiest way to apply is through a mortgage broker. 
• Alternatively you can apply directly via Revenue SA. 

Documents needed: 

• Proof of identity and residency. 
• Signed contact for land, home, or building. 
• Completed FHOG application form. 
• Occupancy declaration.  

Keep in mind :

• You must apply within 12 months of settlement or build completion 
• The grant is usually paid at settlement or first progress payment. 

Common Pitfalls for First Home Buyers in SA

• Buying established homes and expecting the grant to still apply - only brand new homes typically qualify. 
• Forgetting the $650,000 cap - no exception, anything above is ineligible. 
• Missing the owner-occupancy period, this can cause you to lose the grant. 
• Delaying your application, sending incomplete documents and missing deadlines. 
• Not claiming your stamp duty exemption at the time of your settlement. 

Tips to Maximise First Home Buyer Benefits in SA  

• Aim to buy under $650,000 to access both FHOG and full stamp duty exemption. 
• Target buying in outer Adelaide or regional SA if you want access to lower-cost new builds to hit targets. 
• Stack with the First Home Guarantee if you want (5% deposit, no LMI) 
• Utilize an experienced broker to navigate all of the schemes and applications.
• Keeping all your paperwork is crucial, you’ll need proof of timing, value and owner-occupancy later to retain your grant benefits. 

Real Life Example : How Mia Bought Her First Home in Mount Barker

Mia, a 26-year-old first home buyer, purchased a newly built home in Mount Barker for $638,000. 

Here is the breakdown 

• Claimed the $15,000 FHOG (Home was under $650,000) 
• Paid no stamp duty, saving just over $28,000+. 
• Secured a home loan with only 5% deposit using First Home Guarantee. 
• Managed to get just under the cap with a fixed-priced turnkey build. 
• Applied through her mortgage broker, who helped submit everything to Revenue SA.   

Her total savings were over $43,000, which was able to cover the cost of her deposit and some moving costs.  

How worth it is it to claim the First Home Buyer Grant in SA? 

Well as you can see it is absolutely worth it, with a potential to save over $40,000 in some cases at the same time having potential to claim other useful benefits like the First Home Guarantee. 

It is always key to know exactly what schemes can apply to you, as well as know the various deadlines, criteria and price caps to make the most of your first purchase. Want to check how much you can save? Visit www.homebuyerhelp.com.au to get our free grant calculators as well as all of our step-by-step guides to help you through every stage of your home purchase.