Introduction

Chances are if you are here, you may be looking to buy your first home here in Australia. Every year over 100,000 Australians enter the property market according to CoreLogic, the majority taking advantage of government grants available to help them save thousands on home ownership. 

Early on when I first bought my home I had little to no knowledge about the grants available in my state, and had thought of them as small bonuses that might be out there. Looking back now it really was the make or break difference for me to afford the deposit and stamp duty when I bought my first home. 

I’ve built this guide to walk you through every first time home buyer grant available in 2025 here in Australia by state and territory. This includes a full breakdown of how much you can be eligible for, how to qualify, and how to apply as well as a bonus, covering any not commonly known programs that can help you save faster. Now let me take you through some of the greatest financial boosts available for your first time home purchase.

What is the First Time Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

The first time I learned about the First Time Home Owner Grant (FHOG) I was quite skeptical like a lot of people. At first glance it really feels like a too good to be true incentive that must have some crazy catch to it, like living in the outback or some other crazy requirements I needed to be eligible. But let me confirm - it’s legit and has even been around since the year 2000 helping to help first time home buyers get started in the property market. 

Essentially to narrow it down, FHOG is a once in a lifetime government incentive offered to eligible buyers wanting to build or purchase their first residential property. The biggest benefit is that it is absolutely tax free! This grant can range anywhere from $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 depending on your state or territory. That is a massive help considering all you will need to save for other costs such as your stamp duty, deposits, furniture, move-in expense and legal fees which can make your savings feel like a candle in the wind. 

So now the question is, how do you qualify? Some details can range from state to state but here are the rules that mostly stay consistent across the country. In general, to be eligible:

• You (as well as any co-buyers) cannot have owned a home before in Australia. 
• Like most things you must be over 18 years of age. 
• Need to have Australian citizenship or Permanent resident status. 
• The property itself must be newly built, off-the-plan or at least substantially renovated to qualify. (this was a difficult one for me, its always best to check if your property qualifies ahead of time) 
• Lastly the home you buy has to be the place of your main residence for at least (6 - 12 months). 

Now like me you might be confused on what qualifies as “new” for example if a house was built a few years ago but no one ever lived in it? Keep in mind cases similar to this can still qualify, but it really depends on your state, you can always check the rules online at your state revenue office’s website. Rules and grant amounts vary state by state best to check. 

A big myth that people sometimes assume is that FHOG is an automatic incentive that will always get applied on it when you buy a home. This is absolutely not true as you have to apply for it through your state government or with an eligible lender / broker. 

Keep in mind these programs have deadlines! Don’t miss out on the massive benefit because you decided to leave it to the last moment, I remember when I almost missed the deadline myself due to procrastination. You must submit your application within 12 months of settlement or construction to be eligible for the grant. 

As a summary to best describe FHOG it is quite literally free money (no repayments, no tax), but to qualify you just need to meet the requirements. If you're looking to acquire your first home in 2025, don’t miss your chance to cash in on tens of thousands of dollars in savings. I know mates who missed out because they either assumed they didn't qualify or didn’t bother to file their paper work on time who are still salty to this day. Try your best to not be that person. 

State-by-State Breakdown of First Home Buyer Grants (2025)

When it comes to FHOG not every state will offer the same incentives which can be designed to influence the buyers market state to state. Each state and territory is allowed to run its own rules, which can differ by amounts offered, price caps, and other bonuses like stamp duty exemptions or shared equity schemes. 

Here is a breakdown of what to expect for each state in 2025. 

New South Wales (NSW) 

If you happen to be shopping around Sydney, one of the most expensive markets in the world, you’ll know that every dollar counts. Thankfully, NSW offers a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant if you're purchasing or building your new home under $750,000.  

There are other benefits accessible such as: 

• Discounted stamp duty for homes costing between $800,000 - $1 million. 
• Stamp duty exemptions for homes under $800,000. 
• The Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, this is where the state can contribute up to 40% of the price of the property. 

Victoria (VIC) 

For the state of VIC, FHOG can grant you $10,000 for new builds up to $750,000 for a place of principal residence. If you're buying in region VIC, this grant can be stacked with concessions and stamp duty waivers. 

• Concessions available for homes up to $750,000 
• No stamp duty on homes up to $600,000
• Look out for affordable houses schemes available in certain LGAs. 

Queensland (QLD) 

Probably the most booming first time home owner market in all of Australia from 2024 - 2025 and it’s no wonder because QLD increased its FHOG to $30,000 last year and is still available to this day. This applies to all new homes, units and off-the-plan town houses if the home remains under $750,000.  

Other benefits: 

• Stamp duty relief on homes under $550,000
• Bonus concessions for first time home buyers building on vacant land. 

One of the hottest markets and most generous government grants going on but keep in mind like most states this needs to be your primary residence for at least 6 - 12 months. 

Tasmania (TAS)

Now for a while TAS has been another hot market, and its $30,000 FHOG just got extended for another year as it was set to expire June 30th of 2025. 

Things to consider for a property  

• Must be brand new as in new built homes, and off-the-plan purchase or owner-builder constructions. 
• Must be the principal place of residence within 6 - 12 months of completion and you must live in it for at least 6 months. 
• Unlike other states there are no set price caps as long as you buy at reasonable market price. 
• Stamp duty concessions are available separately for homes under $600,000. 
• MyHome Shared Equity Program available through Homes Tasmania - where the government can share equity in the purchase up to 40% to make it more affordable for you. 

Western Australia (WA) 

WA offers a $10,000 FHOG only available to new homes and the cap on value ranges depending on the location of the home. 

• $750,000 cap for homes south of 26th parallel. (e.g Perth) 
• $1 million cap for north side homes. 
• Stamp duty discounts for land purchases. 
• Access to Keystart loans, which only require as little as 2% deposit. 

Combining the 2% deposit from keystart and $10,000 from FHOG can help people get into the WA market much easier and earlier than most other states. 

South Australia (SA)

If you are interested in SA, they are currently offering a grant for $15,000 constructing or purchasing a new residential property. The property must be of the following: A newly built home, off-the-plan apartments or townhouses, House-and-land packages, or owner-builder projects. 

Keep in mind: 

• The property must be new and never lived in. 
• Must be valued at $650,000 or less. 
• You must live in the home for 6 months within 12 months of settlement or construction. 
• If you are building, the land cost + construction cost must be under $650,000

Australia Capital Territory (ACT) 

Currently- ACT is the only state that no longer offers a FHOG. This is not something to worry about because fortunately ACT offers something even better for most buyers. 

Other benefits: 

• Stamp duty exemptions of up to $35,000 on homes under $1 million! 
• Income-tested concession which will range based on household size. 
• New Help-to-buy shared equity schemes in 2025. 

Northern Territory (NT)

Finally NT which is probably the most simple state when it comes to its FHOG. They offer $10,000 with no price cap which is pretty rare. 

Other benefits: 

• BuildBonus Grant (maybe extended)
• Home buyer Initiate for low to median incomes families.
• Remote housing incentives for those buying outside Darwin. 

Due to the simplistic nature of NT’s grants note that approval times are typically much faster than the other states listed above. 

Final Thoughts: 

Keep in mind no matter where you look to buy your first home in Australia, there are essentially discounts and free money waiting for you- if you know how to claim it. Its always best to check each state’s revenue office online when shopping around and note that your broker and conveyancer are your best friend when it comes to understanding the and processing the paperwork. 

Getting a First Home Owner Grant will help you save on tens of thousands of upfront costs when buying your home. For many of us that can be the difference of another year of saving or being able to put in an offer for just the right home that you are looking for. 

If you found this guide helpful, we have plenty of free step-by-step guides, resources and support programs that can help you cover every step in depth with your home buyer journey. 

Visit us at www.homebuyerhelp.com.au and get free access today!