Introduction 

Are you looking to come to New South Wales for your first home purchase? Well let me show you how you can save tens of thousands with programs like the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and other massive stamp duty exemptions. 

The new south wales real estate market is infamous for being one of the most expensive markets in the world, especially if you're looking around Sydney. We want to make sure you're taking advantage of every dollar of savings you can, to help you settle in this beautiful state. With the help of government schemes available NSW this makes it much more possible for first time buyers to enter into the housing market in this renown state. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know navigating the first home buyer grant, and other schemes available here in NSW. From eligibility, step-by-step instructions, and how to make the absolute most of each program offered in 2025. 

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in NSW

• $10,000 grant for brand-new homes or builds. 
• Eligible for new properties valued at $750,000 or less. 
• This can apply to off-the-plan purchases, house-and-land packages and owner-builder construction projects. 
• Property must be your primary residence. 
• Keep in mind you must live there 6 months continuously with the first 12 months. 

Who is Eligible for the FHOG in NSW? 

• Must be a first-time home buyer and have never owned a home in Australia before. 
• You must be 18 years or older.
• At least one of the applicants on the property must be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia. 
• Property must be brand new and never previously occupied before. 
• Applies to homes or building contracts up to $750,000. 

Stamp Duty Exemptions & Concessions in NSW 

• Full stamp duty exemption for new or existing homes under $800,000. 
• Concessional rates for homes priced between $800,000 and $1 million. 
• Applies to first home buyers only. 
• This is built into the purchase/settlement process so no separate application is necessary. 
• For example if you're purchasing a property for $750,000 that would = $29,000 in total savings. 

Additional NSW Schemes available for First Time Home Buyers 

Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper 

• NSW Government can contribute up to 40% of the purchase price
• No repayments needed or rent on the government’s portion, 
• Currently available for singles earning under $93,200 or couples under $124,200 

First Home Guarantee (Federal) - Extended to June 30th, 2026

• 5% Deposit, no LMI 

Family Home Guarantee (for single parents) 

• 2% Deposit, no LMI 

First Home Super Save Scheme 

• Use up to $50,000 from your super toward your deposit

How to Apply for the First Home Buyer Grant in NSW 

• Applying through an approved lender or broker when you get a loan is the easiest way. 
• Or apply directly through Revenue NSW
• Must apply within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
• Grant is paid at settlement or first progress payment (if building) 

Required Documents are as follows:  

• Declaration of Occupancy 
• Proof of ID and citizenship or permanent residence. 
• Contract of sale or a building contract. 

Common Mistakes First Home Buyers Make in NSW

• Thinking existing homes qualify for the FHOG (only new home qualify) 
• Not selecting or negotiating on a home price to keep the price below 750k cap. 
• Applying too late or incorrectly. (Don’[t send incomplete documents.) 
• Partnering with someone who has previously owned a property before. 
• Assuming you can rent the property right away, this must be your primary residence first before you can treat it as an investment property. 

Pro Tips to Maximise Your First Home Buyer Benefits in NSW

• Combine FHOG with stamp duty exemption and First Home Guarantee. 
• Keep in mind that building or buying in region NSW can lead to more affordable land. 
• Grants change and expire all the time, keep in mind deadlines to not lose out. 
• Utilising a mortgage broker will make applying for NSW schemes much easier. 
• Try to apply early - processing can take 4 - 6 weeks in addition to possible delays this can cause you to easily miss deadlines. 

Example: How Ben & Priya Used Grants to Buy in Western Sydney 

Ben and Priya, a younger couple bought their first home in Western Sydney, they found a brand-new off-the-plan townhouse valued at $740,000 - just under the FHOG cap. 

The programs they were able to access : 

• $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
• Full stamp duty exemption, this saved them $28,000. 
• 5% deposit loan via the First Home Guarantee, meaning no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) 

Collectively this helped Ben & Priya save over $38,000 in upfront costs, which also helped them move in much faster than expected. They applied through their broker which made the paperwork and process much easier to navigate, and it was all approved before settlement. 

Conclusion : Is the First Home Buyer Grant in NSW Worth It? 

Without a doubt, if you are buying in NSW, receiving the $10,000 FHOG, in addition to stamp duty exemptions, shared equity and federal schemes, can help you save tens of thousands towards owning your first home. 

Never assume you qualify, make sure you do research, check the details and apply on time and consider consulting a mortgage broker who can walk you through your state's schemes. Each scheme alone can save you at least $10,000, which is way too good a benefit to miss out on.

If you want to see how much you can qualify for in your state, visit www.homebuyerhelp.com.au to use our free grant calculator as well as to access our other guides and resources to help you buy a home.