First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes by State

First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemptions by State

Every Australian state offers stamp duty relief for first home buyers, but the thresholds and rules vary significantly. Here's a quick comparison:

• NSW: Full exemption under $800,000. Concession up to $1,000,000.
• VIC: Full exemption under $600,000. Concession up to $750,000.
• QLD: Full exemption on new homes. Concession on established homes under $700,000.
• WA: Full exemption under $430,000. Concession up to $530,000.
• SA: Full exemption on new homes under $650,000.
• ACT: Full exemption under $607,500 (Home Buyer Concession Scheme).

Use our stamp duty calculator to see exactly how much you'll pay — or save — in your state.

First Home Buyer Schemes Australia — What's Available in 2026

Beyond state grants, the federal government runs several schemes that help first home buyers get into the market sooner:

• First Home Guarantee: Buy with 5% deposit, no LMI. Limited places per year. Learn more.
• Family Home Guarantee: Single parents buy with 2% deposit, no LMI.
• Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee: 5% deposit for regional buyers.
• First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS): Save for your deposit through super with tax benefits. Full FHSS guide.

State and federal schemes can be combined — for example, a QLD first home buyer could get the $30,000 FHOG plus the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) plus stamp duty concessions. A broker can help you stack these together. Get matched for free.

FHOG Eligibility — Do You Qualify?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) eligibility rules are similar across all states:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• You must be 18 years or older
• You (and your partner) must never have owned residential property in Australia
• The property must be a new home or substantially renovated (not established, except in some states)
• The property value must be under the state threshold
• You must move in within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months

Select your state above to see the specific grant amount and property value cap for your location.

How to Apply for the First Home Owners Grant

In most states, you apply through your mortgage lender at settlement — not directly to the government. Your broker or lender handles the paperwork. The typical process: 1) Get pre-approved with a lender, 2) Find your property, 3) Your lender lodges the FHOG application on your behalf, 4) Grant is credited at settlement, reducing the amount you need upfront.

Need help navigating the process? Get matched with a broker who specialises in first home buyers — they handle FHOG applications every week.

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