First Home Buyer Grant NSW 2026

The New South Wales First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) gives eligible first home buyers $10,000 towards the purchase of a new home valued under $600,000. This applies to newly built homes, off-the-plan apartments, and substantially renovated properties. The grant is not available for established (existing) homes.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and you (or your spouse/partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia. You must move into the property within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least 6 continuous months.

How to apply: Most buyers apply through their lender at the time of settlement. Your mortgage broker or solicitor can lodge the application on your behalf. You can also apply directly through Revenue NSW after settlement, though processing takes longer. You'll need your contract of sale, proof of identity, and evidence the property is a new build.

First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) — NSW Stamp Duty Relief

The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) is the formal name for NSW's stamp duty exemption for first home buyers. Revenue NSW administers it. Eligible buyers pay zero transfer duty on properties up to $800,000 and tapered concessions on properties between $800,000 and $1,000,000. Above $1,000,000, standard transfer duty rates apply with no FHB relief.

FHBAS for vacant land: zero duty on land valued under $350,000 and tapered concessions on land valued between $350,000 and $450,000. The 12-month build-and-occupy rule applies — you must complete construction and occupy as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement.

Eligibility for FHBAS: Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18+, you and any spouse have never received a first home buyer grant or used FHBAS previously, you have never owned residential property in Australia, the property is your principal place of residence (occupy within 12 months for at least 6 continuous months), and the contract date is on or after 1 July 2023.

What happened to First Home Buyer Choice (FHBC)?

The First Home Buyer Choice scheme was a short-lived alternative that let eligible NSW first home buyers swap upfront stamp duty for a small annual property tax. It operated from January 2023 until 30 June 2023 and was then repealed by the new state government. FHBC contracts signed during that window are grandfathered and the annual tax continues; no new applications have been accepted since 1 July 2023. If you're a NSW first home buyer in 2026, the FHBAS stamp duty exemption is the only scheme available — there is no longer a property-tax election.

NSW offers one of the most generous stamp duty exemptions in Australia. First home buyers purchasing a property valued at $800,000 or less pay zero stamp duty. For properties between $800,000 and $1,000,000, concessional rates apply — saving you thousands compared to the standard rate.

This exemption applies to both new builds and established homes, making it one of the broadest concessions available. Properties above $1,000,000 attract the full stamp duty rate with no first home buyer concession.

Example savings: On a $400,000 property, a standard buyer would pay approximately $13,490 in stamp duty — as a first home buyer, you pay $0. On a $600,000 property, you save approximately $21,330. On a $800,000 property, you still pay $0 — saving over $31,000. These savings apply automatically when your solicitor processes the transfer.

First Home Guarantee (federal): Eligible first home buyers can purchase with just a 5% deposit and pay no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The Australian Government guarantees up to 15% of the property value. Since October 2025, there are no income caps and unlimited places. This can save you $10,000-$30,000 in LMI alone.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): Save up to $50,000 in your superannuation fund for a home deposit, with tax advantages. Voluntary contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal tax rate — potentially saving you thousands in tax while building your deposit faster.

Help to Buy Scheme: The government co-contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes (30% for existing homes), reducing your mortgage. You own the home and can buy out the government share over time. Income and property price limits apply.

Combining schemes: In NSW, an eligible first home buyer purchasing a new $550,000 property could receive the $10,000 FHOG, pay zero stamp duty (saving ~$19,000), and use the First Home Guarantee to buy with 5% deposit — a total benefit of over $40,000 in savings and avoided costs.

Step 1 — Get pre-approved: Before you start looking, speak to a mortgage broker who can confirm your borrowing power and check which grants and schemes you qualify for. They'll factor the $10,000 FHOG into your affordability calculations.

Step 2 — Apply through your lender: The most common way to apply for the NSW FHOG is through your bank or lender at the time of your home loan application. Your broker handles the paperwork. The grant is typically paid at settlement, reducing your upfront costs.

Step 3 — Apply directly (if needed): If you don't apply through your lender, you can apply directly through Revenue NSW within 12 months of settlement. You'll need your contract of sale, proof of identity (100 points), evidence the home is new, and your settlement statement.

Common mistakes to avoid: Don't assume established homes qualify — they don't for the FHOG (only for stamp duty exemption). Don't forget to move in within 12 months. Don't change jobs or take on new debt between pre-approval and settlement. And don't wait until after settlement to start your application — lodge it through your lender at the same time as your home loan.