First Time Home Buyer Grant Victoria (2025) : Everything You Need to Know

Introduction 

Want to buy your first home in Victoria? You’ll have plenty of good company with thousands of Aussies who will choose to take advantage of the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in 2025, in addition to stamp duty exemptions that can help save you tens of thousands.

When I was first entering the property market for the first time it was here in Melbourne and I remember not having any idea about how to access the programs out there for me. I’ve created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know to navigate the first home buyer grant here in Victoria. This will cover everything from eligibility, application steps, other benefits and common mistakes to avoid. 

What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) In Victoria? 

The (FHOG) in Victoria is a government program to assist first time home buyers in the state get into the real estate market. Here are some general things to know: 

• You may receive $10,000 for new homes under $750,000 
• This is only available to First-time home buyers purchasing or building a new home. 
• Applies to off-the-plan apartments, house-and-land packages, or new construction. 
• You must occupy the home for at least 12 months with 12 months of settlement.
• Can be combined with other schemes like the Super Save Scheme and First Home Guarantee. 

Eligibility Criteria for Victoria’s FHOG

• Must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident
• You or any co-buyers on the property must not have owned property in Australia before. 
• You must be 18 years or older. 
• Any property must be brand new, and never lived in. 
• Price cap: $750,000 for contract, off-the-plan purchase, or land + build.
• You must occupy the property, meaning this is not eligible for investment properties. 

What Other Benefits do I receive in Victoria as a First Time Home Buyer? 

• Stamp duty exemption on homes up to $600,000 
• Stamp duty concessions between $600,001 to $750,000 
• First Home Guarantee - recent extended from July 1st 2025 -June 30th 2026 (5% Deposit, no LMI)
• Shared equity pilot programs (Homes Victoria) 
• Regional and affordable housing initiatives. 

How to Apply for FHOG in Victoria

• The easiest way is to apply through your broker/lender but you also can do so on your own through your State Revenue Office (SRO).
• Documents needed : signed contract, proof of ID, building details if applicable. 
• Must include proof of occupancy within 12 months 
• You must also apply within 12 months of settlement or build completion. 
• Your bank may apply on your behalf during the loan process (we usually recommend going through a broker as they will have best deals on loans)  

Most Common Mistakes Made by First Time Home Buyers in VIC

• Assuming established homes qualify for FHOG (They do not) 
• Forgetting to apply on time. 
• Not properly accounting total build cost for house and land packages. 
• Applying jointly with a partner who has owned a home before. 
• Thinking you can rent the property right away (Must be main residence) 

Pro Tips to Maximise Your First Home Grant 

• Consider building within regional VIC to find better deals on land. 
• Timing your purchase helps considerably to prevent missing grant deadlines.
• Use grant + stamp duty savings towards your deposit. 
• Speak to a mortgage broker who can guide you through VIC Schemes. 
• Combine FHOG with First Home Guarantee or Super Saver Scheme. 

Real-Life Example : How FHOG Helped One Buyer in Victoria 

• Sarah, a 29-year-old nurse in Geelong used FHOG + stamp duty exemption. 
• She Bought a $610,00 off-the-plan townhouse. 
• Collectively she saved $10,000 in grant and over $13,000 in stamp duty. 
• She decided to use the savings to pay her lender mortgage insurance and the rest to furnish her new home. 
• She applied through her lender and had approval in under 4 weeks. 

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

Without a doubt. Quite easily when building or buying a new home in Victoria, the $10,000 FHOG in combination with stamp duty relief and other nation schemes, you are looking at $20,000 in savings right out of the gate. If you want to capitalize on this essentially free money, remember to act wisely, plan to meet the criteria, and act fast within the deadlines as these programs are always subject to change. 

Do you want free and direct grant support to go over your eligibility or help you apply? We will connect you with a trusted Victorian broker that can help you on the phone or over zoom, absolutely free of charge and obligation free.

For more guides like this and all the free resources you need to walk you through step-by-step on how to own your first home, visit: www.homebuyerhelp.com.au.