First Home Buyer Grant SA 2026

The South Australian First Home Owner Grant is $15,000 for new homes. What makes SA unique is that there is no property price cap on the FHOG — you receive $15,000 regardless of how much your new build costs. This is one of the few states with no cap.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and neither you nor your partner can have previously owned residential property in Australia. You must move into the property within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months. The grant applies to new builds, off-the-plan purchases, and substantially renovated homes only.

How to apply: Apply through your lender at the time of your home loan application. Your broker handles the paperwork and the $15,000 is credited at settlement. Alternatively, apply directly through RevenueSA within 12 months of settlement. You'll need your contract of sale, proof of identity, evidence the home is a new build, and your settlement statement.

First home buyers in South Australia receive a full stamp duty exemption when purchasing a new home. This means zero transfer duty on new builds for eligible first home buyers, regardless of the property price. This is in addition to the $15,000 FHOG.

For first home buyers purchasing established homes, stamp duty relief is also available. Properties under $700,000 may qualify for concessional rates, with the amount of relief reducing as the property value increases.

Example savings: On a $400,000 new build, you pay $0 stamp duty (saving approximately $14,630). On a $500,000 new build, you pay $0 (saving approximately $21,330). On a $600,000 new build, you pay $0 (saving approximately $28,830). Combined with the $15,000 FHOG, a first home buyer purchasing a $500,000 new build saves over $36,000 in government support.

First Home Guarantee (federal): Eligible first home buyers can purchase with just a 5% deposit and pay no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The Australian Government guarantees up to 15% of the property value. No income caps and unlimited places since October 2025. This can save $10,000-$25,000 in LMI costs.

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 rate — potentially saving thousands 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), reducing your mortgage. You own the home and can buy out the government share over time.

Combining schemes: An SA first home buyer purchasing a new $500,000 property could receive $15,000 FHOG, pay zero stamp duty (saving ~$21,000), and use the First Home Guarantee for 5% deposit with no LMI (saving ~$12,000) — a total benefit of nearly $50,000 in savings and support. Adelaide's relatively affordable median price makes SA one of the best states for first home buyers.

Step 1 — Get pre-approved: Start with a mortgage broker who can assess your borrowing power and confirm which grants and schemes you qualify for. They'll factor the $15,000 FHOG and stamp duty savings into your total affordability.

Step 2 — Apply through your lender: The simplest method is to apply for the FHOG through your bank or lender at the time of your home loan application. Your broker handles the paperwork and the $15,000 is credited at settlement, reducing your upfront costs.

Step 3 — Apply directly (if needed): You can apply directly through RevenueSA within 12 months of settlement. Required documents include your contract of sale, proof of identity (100 points), evidence the home is a new build, and your settlement statement.

Common mistakes to avoid: Don't assume established homes qualify for the FHOG — only new builds are eligible. Don't forget that SA has only a 2 business day cooling-off period (one of the shortest in Australia) — arrange your inspections quickly. Don't wait to engage a conveyancer — have one ready before you make an offer. And don't miss out on combining the FHOG with the First Home Guarantee and FHSSS for maximum benefit.