The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment funded by an Australian state or territory government to help eligible first home buyers purchase or build a new home they will live in. The FHOG is separate from federal home-buyer schemes, and the grant amount, property value limits and eligibility rules vary between states and territories.
Information in this guide is current as of August 2026. FHOG rules can change, so always confirm your eligibility with the relevant state or territory revenue authority before signing a contract.
How the FHOG works for Australian home buyers
The FHOG is a one-off, state-funded cash payment designed to help eligible first home buyers who are building or buying a brand-new home!
Here’s the need-to-know:
- State or territory funded: The FHOG is run by your state or territory government – not the Australian Government. So, the rules can look a little different depending on where you live.
- It’s a one-off payment: As the name suggests, you’ll receive the grant once for an eligible purchase or build. Sadly, there’s no FHOG subscription service!
- When you get it can vary: Depending on your state and whether you’re buying or building, the payment could be made at settlement, when your build reaches a certain stage, or after the transaction is complete.
- Location matters: The amount you can receive, property price caps, residency requirements and rules around previous property ownership all vary between states and territories.
In short: the FHOG can give eligible first home buyers a helpful boost towards getting into their brand-new home, but exactly what you’re entitled to depends on where you’re buying or building.
FHOG amounts and thresholds by state and territory
There’s no one-size-fits-all FHOG amount across Australia. The grant varies depending on which state or territory you’re buying or building in.
The table below gives you a snapshot of the main current FHOG arrangements for eligible transactions as of September 2026.
| State or territory | FHOG for eligible new homes | Key property/value rule |
| Western Australia | $10,000 | Under $800,000 south of the 26th parallel; under $1 million north of it. |
| South Australia | Up to $15,000 | No property value cap for contracts from 6 June 2024. |
| New South Wales | $10,000 | New home generally up to $600,000; land + comprehensive building contract generally up to $750,000 |
| Victoria | $10,000 | New home valued at $750,000 or less |
| Queensland | $30,000 | New home valued at less than $750,000, including land |
| Tasmania | $20,000 | Applies to eligible new-home transactions commencing from 1 July 2026 |
| Northern Territory | $50,000 | No property value cap |
| Australian Capital Territory | $0 | N/A |
Western Australia: $10,000 FHOG rules and property caps
Good news for WA first home buyers: the FHOG is a one-off $10,000 payment if you’re eligible and buying or building a new home.
The property price cap depends on where your new home is located:
- South of the 26th parallel: Your home needs to be valued under $800,000.
- North of the 26th parallel: The limit increases to $1,000,000.
The $800,000 threshold applies to eligible transactions commencing on or after 7 May 2026. And if you’re buying in Perth, this is the figure you’ll want to keep front of mind, as the Perth metropolitan area falls south of the 26th parallel.
So, what actually counts as a “new” home? The FHOG can apply to a newly constructed home, a qualifying off-the-plan home, or a home that has undergone substantial renovations. An established home that hasn’t had substantial renovations won’t qualify for the WA FHOG.
But wait – there’s another first home buyer benefit worth knowing about.
WA also offers a First Home Owner Rate of duty, which can reduce or even wipe out your transfer duty if you’re eligible. From 7 May 2026, eligible new or established homes valued up to $600,000 attract no duty, with a concessional rate available for properties up to $800,000.
And just to keep things interesting: the First Home Owner Rate of duty is separate from the FHOG. That means, if you meet the requirements, you could potentially benefit from both.
South Australia: $15,000 FHOG rules for new builds
For South Aussie first home buyers, there’s also good news: the FHOG is a one-off payment of up to $15,000 if you’re eligible and buying or building a brand-new home to live in.
And here’s a big one – there’s currently no property value cap for the SA FHOG. For contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024, there’s no maximum purchase price you need to stay under to qualify for the grant.
The FHOG can apply to a few different types of new-home projects, including:
- A newly built home
- An off-the-plan apartment
- A comprehensive building contract
- A contract to build
- An owner-builder project
There’s also an important change to be aware of when it comes to previous property ownership.
From 13 February 2025, the rules became stricter. For contracts entered into on or after this date, you and your spouse or domestic partner generally must not currently own, or have previously owned, residential property anywhere in Australia.
So, while the lack of a property price cap is a pretty big plus, it’s worth paying close attention to the previous-property ownership rules- they could be the deciding factor in whether you’re eligible.
East coast summary: NSW, Victoria and Queensland grants
Thinking east coast? Here’s the quick FHOG snapshot:
- NSW: Eligible first home buyers can get $10,000. New homes generally need to be $600,000 or less, or up to $750,000 for vacant land with a comprehensive building contract.
- Victoria: Eligible first home buyers can get $10,000 on a new home valued at $750,000 or less, provided it becomes your principal place of residence.
- Queensland: Queensland is the big one, with the FHOG now at $30,000 for eligible new-home contracts from 1 July 2026. The home, including land, must be valued at less than $750,000.
Same country, very different rules – so your postcode matters!
Established homes vs. new builds vs. house and land packages
The FHOG generally applies to new homes rather than established homes, although the exact definition of a new home and limited exceptions vary between jurisdictions.
| Property type | FHOG eligibility | How it is treated |
| Established home | Not eligible | An existing/previously occupied home does not qualify for the FHOG. |
| New build | Eligible | A newly constructed home can qualify, subject to the relevant state or territory’s FHOG rules and eligibility requirements. |
| House and land package | Eligible | Generally treated as a new-build purchase because the home is constructed as part of the package, subject to the applicable state or territory rules. |
Key takeaway: If you’re buying an established property, the FHOG generally isn’t available. If you’re building a new home or purchasing a qualifying house and land package, you may be eligible, provided you meet the other requirements.
Key eligibility criteria for the FHOG
The rules vary from state to state, but before you get too excited about the FHOG, there are a few boxes you’ll generally need to tick:
- You’re buying or building a new home that qualifies under your state’s rules.
- You meet the first home buyer and previous ownership requirements.
- You’re 18 or over (unless an exemption applies).
- You’re applying as an individual, not a company or, generally, a trustee.
- You meet the relevant citizenship or residency requirements.
- The property will be your principal place of residence.
- You meet the required minimum occupancy period.
- The property falls within any applicable price cap.
- Your spouse or partner’s property ownership history doesn’t make you ineligible.
- You can provide the required ID, transaction, and residency documents.
Think of this as your starting checklist, not the final word. FHOG rules can vary significantly between states, so always check the specific requirements for where you’re buying or building!
Primary place of residence and minimum occupancy rules
The FHOG is designed to help owner-occupiers, so there’s usually one important catch: you need to actually move into the home and live there for a minimum period.
The exact rules vary by state:
WA: Each applicant generally needs to live in the home as their principal place of residence for at least six continuous months, starting within 12 months of completion.
South Australia: All applicants generally need to live in the new home for at least six continuous months, with occupation starting within 12 months of settlement or construction completion.
In other words, the FHOG is about helping you get into your home, not just helping you buy an investment property.
Impact of partner or spousal ownership history
Even if you’re buying the new home in your name only. Your partner’s property history could change the answer
This is particularly important in South Australia. For contracts entered into from 13 February 2025, you’re generally not eligible if you or your spouse or domestic partner currently own, or have previously owned, residential property anywhere in Australia.
The takeaway: if either you or your partner has owned property before, check your state’s rules before assuming you qualify as a first home buyer.
Stacking government assistance: FHOG, deposit schemes and duty concessions
The good news is you don’t necessarily have to pick just one! The FHOG can generally be combined with stamp duty concessions and the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme, as each one is assessed separately.
Here’s what each one does:
- FHOG: A state or territory payment for eligible first home buyers buying or building a qualifying new home.
- Stamp duty concession: A state or territory benefit that can reduce or even eliminate transfer duty for eligible buyers.
- 5% Deposit Scheme: An Australian Government scheme that can let eligible first home buyers purchase with a minimum 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Eligible single parents or legal guardians may be able to use a 2% deposit.
So, depending on your circumstances, you could potentially stack the benefits and make getting into your first home a little easier (the dream, right?!).
Combining the FHOG with state stamp duty exceptions
As mentioned, the FHOG and stamp duty concessions are separate benefits, so you may be able to access both if you meet the requirements.
South Australia: Eligible first home buyers may receive up to $15,000 through the FHOG, while also accessing full stamp duty relief on qualifying new homes and other eligible transactions under the current rules. The two benefits have separate applications and eligibility requirements.
Western Australia: The FHOG is also separate from the First Home Owner Rate of duty. WA has increased its duty thresholds alongside the increase to the FHOG property price cap.
The takeaway: don’t stop at the FHOG. If you’re eligible, there could be a second benefit waiting to help reduce the upfront cost of buying your first home.
Using the grant alongside the 5% Home Guarantee Scheme
The FHOG and the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme are separate programs, so you may be able to use them together if you meet the rules for both!
The 5% Deposit Scheme can help eligible first home buyers get into the market with a minimum 5% deposit, while the FHOG provides a state or territory payment for an eligible new home.
The 5% Deposit Scheme can also be used for a range of property types, including new and existing homes, house and land packages, off-the-plan properties and vacant land with a building contract, subject to the relevant price caps.
But, qualifying for one doesn’t automatically mean you qualify for the other. Each scheme has its own eligibility rules.
Step-by-step process for applying for the FHOG
The process varies a little from state to state, but the general steps are pretty straightforward:
- Make sure the property qualifies. Check that you’re buying or building an eligible new home and that it falls within any applicable price cap.
- Check your first home buyer status. Look at both your own and your spouse or partner’s previous property ownership and FHOG history.
- Know the residency rules. Find out when you need to move in and how long you’ll need to live there.
- Check your dates. The contract date, construction start date or when foundations are laid can affect your eligibility and the amount you receive.
- Get your paperwork ready. Have your ID, citizenship or residency documents and property paperwork on hand.
- Apply through the right channel. Depending on your state, you may be able to apply through an approved lender or financial institution, or directly through the relevant revenue authority.
- Apply at the right time. This could be before settlement, at settlement, at a construction milestone or after the build is complete – it depends on your state and situation.
- Keep your proof of residence. Hang on to documents showing that you lived in the property for the required period.
- Keep the revenue authority in the loop. If your circumstances change or you realise you can’t meet the requirements, let the relevant authority know as soon as possible.
So, check the rules early, get your documents ready and don’t leave the application until the last minute.
Required documentation and identity verification
Paperwork might not be the exciting part of buying your first home, but getting it sorted early can save you a headache later…
You’ll generally need some combination of:
- Proof of identity for each applicant.
- Citizenship or permanent residency documents, where required.
- Your contract of sale or building contract.
- Evidence of land and construction costs for house-and-land or owner-builder projects.
- Evidence of the property’s value, if required.
- Details of any previous property ownership.
- Documents relating to relevant marital or relationship changes.
- Proof of residence if your application is reviewed.
The exact requirements vary between states.
Our tip: don’t wait until settlement to discover you’re missing something. If you’re applying through a lender or approved agent, ask them early what documents they need and when they need them.
Common pitfalls first home buyers make
The FHOG can be a great helping hand, but there are a few easy traps to fall into. Here are some of the big ones to watch out for:
- Assuming every first home buyer qualifies. The FHOG is generally for eligible new homes, with state-specific rules to meet.
- Buying an established home and expecting the grant. Most current FHOG schemes don’t cover established homes. The NT’s temporary established-home grant was an exception and ended for contracts after 30 September 2025.
- Missing the price cap. Being even slightly over your state’s property value limit can mean missing out.
- Assuming the grant is the same everywhere. FHOG amounts vary significantly between states and territories.
- Forgetting about your partner’s property history. Your spouse or domestic partner’s previous ownership can affect your eligibility, even if they aren’t buying the new home with you.
- Mixing up the FHOG and stamp duty relief. They’re separate benefits with separate rules – and you may be eligible for both.
- Signing before checking the rules. Contract dates can determine which FHOG amount and eligibility rules apply, so check first and sign second.
- Forgetting the residency requirement. The FHOG comes with strings attached – you generally need to actually live in the home for the required period.
- Assuming the 5% Deposit Scheme guarantees your loan. It doesn’t. You’ll still need to meet your lender’s borrowing and credit requirements.
- Relying on old information. FHOG amounts and property caps can change. Recent changes in Queensland, Tasmania and WA are a good reminder to always check the latest government guidance.
Next steps for first home buyers
The FHOG can make a real difference to the upfront cost of your first home, but what you’re entitled to depends on a few key things – where you’re buying, whether the home is genuinely new, the property value, your previous property ownership and your plans to live in the home.
If you’re buying or building in WA or SA, your first step should be to check the current FHOG rules before signing your contract. From there, look at how the FHOG could work alongside any available stamp duty concessions and the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme.
Ready to take the next step? At La Vida Homes, we know that getting started is often the hardest part. Whether you’re exploring government schemes, comparing finance options or planning your first build, we’re here to help make the journey feel a little simpler.
Important: This guide is general information only and isn’t financial, legal or tax advice. FHOG rules and administrative requirements can change, and eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant state or territory revenue authority before entering into a property contract.
