First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Australia 2026: State-by-State Guide and Eligibility
The First Home Owner Grant is one of those things that almost every first home buyer has heard of, but surprisingly few understand in full detail. The amount you can receive, whether you qualify at all, and even whether it applies to the property you're looking at — it all depends on which state or territory you're buying in, and the rules change more often than most people realise.
This guide covers every state and territory with current 2026 figures, so you know exactly what you're entitled to before you start making offers.
⏰ Urgent — QLD and TAS buyers: Queensland's $30,000 grant and Tasmania's full stamp duty exemption both expire on 30 June 2026 for contracts signed after that date. If you're close to signing in either state, timing your contract matters significantly. From 1 July 2026, QLD reverts to $15,000 and TAS moves to a proposed $20,000 (subject to legislation).
Quick Comparison: FHOG by State (2026)
| State/Territory | Grant Amount | Property Cap | New builds only? |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | $30,000 ⚠️ (until 30 Jun 2026) then $15,000 | Under $750,000 | Yes |
| NT | $50,000 | No cap | Yes (new builds) |
| TAS | $30,000 ⚠️ (until 30 Jun 2026) | No cap | Yes |
| SA | $15,000 | No cap (since Jun 2024) | Yes |
| NSW | $10,000 | $600k (purchase) / $750k (build) | Yes |
| VIC | $10,000 | Under $750,000 | Yes |
| WA | $10,000 | $800k (metro) / $1M (regional) | Yes |
| ACT | No cash grant | — | Stamp duty concession instead |
Universal Eligibility Rules
While each state runs its own scheme with its own rules, there are core criteria that apply across the board:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You must be a natural person — companies and trusts cannot receive the FHOG
- Neither you nor your spouse or de facto partner can have previously owned a residential property in Australia that you lived in (the rule starts from 1 July 2000 in most states)
- You must move in within 12 months of settlement or build completion and live there for at least 6 continuous months (12 months in VIC)
- In almost every state, the property must be brand new — established homes generally don't qualify (NT is the exception)
The ownership rule is often misunderstood: If you've owned an investment property you never lived in, you may still qualify for the FHOG in most states. The key is whether you occupied a residential property as your home — not just whether you've ever held a property title. Always confirm your specific situation with your state revenue office.
State-by-State Breakdown
🟡 Queensland (QLD)
$30,000 Expires 30 Jun 2026
Property cap: under $750,000 (including land and variations)
The current $30,000 applies to contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026. From 1 July 2026, the amount reverts to $15,000. New homes only — established properties do not qualify. QLD also offers zero stamp duty on new homes from 1 May 2025 with no price cap, making it one of the most generous combinations in the country while the boosted grant lasts. First home buyers can rent out a spare room without losing eligibility, provided they meet the 6-month occupancy requirement.
🔴 Northern Territory (NT)
$50,000
Property cap: no cap (from 1 July 2026: Darwin $750,000 / rest of NT $600,000)
The highest grant in Australia at $50,000, available under the HomeGrown Territory Grant for contracts signed up to 30 September 2027. New builds only — the separate $10,000 grant for established homes ended on 30 September 2025. Note that new price caps apply from 1 July 2026: $750,000 for Darwin and $600,000 for the rest of the NT. The NT doesn't offer specific first home buyer stamp duty discounts.
🟠 Tasmania (TAS)
$30,000 Expires 30 Jun 2026
Property cap: no cap
Currently $30,000 for eligible transactions until 30 June 2026. A $20,000 grant has been proposed from 1 July 2026, subject to legislation — check the State Revenue Office Tasmania for confirmation. New builds and substantially renovated homes qualify. Tasmania also currently offers a full stamp duty exemption on properties up to $750,000, which also expires 30 June 2026.
🟣 South Australia (SA)
$15,000
Property cap: none (price cap removed June 2024)
SA removed its property price cap entirely in June 2024, making the $15,000 grant available regardless of the property's value. New homes only — houses, units, townhouses, off-the-plan apartments, and house and land packages all qualify. SA also abolished stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land, with no price cap applying to contracts entered on or after 6 June 2024. One of the most improved states for first home buyers in recent years.
🔵 New South Wales (NSW)
$10,000
Property cap: $600,000 (purchase) / $750,000 (house and land package or build)
NSW offers $10,000 for new home purchases under $600,000 or new builds and house and land packages under $750,000. On top of this, NSW first home buyers get a full stamp duty exemption on properties up to $800,000, and a partial concession between $800,000 and $1,000,000. NSW also offers an optional annual property tax instead of stamp duty for properties under $1.5M — worth comparing if you don't plan to hold the property long-term.
🟢 Victoria (VIC)
$10,000
Property cap: under $750,000
Victoria offers $10,000 for new homes under $750,000. VIC requires you to occupy the property for at least 12 months (longer than most other states). The stamp duty exemption for first home buyers applies to properties under $600,000, with a partial concession between $600,000 and $750,000. VIC has some of the highest standard stamp duty rates in Australia, so the exemption is particularly valuable.
🟤 Western Australia (WA)
$10,000
Property cap: $800,000 (metro/south of 26th parallel) / $1,000,000 (regional/north)
WA raised its metropolitan property cap from $750,000 to $800,000 on 7 May 2026 — a meaningful update given Perth's recent price growth. The $10,000 grant applies to new builds and substantially renovated homes. WA first home buyers also benefit from stamp duty exemptions on new and established homes valued under $600,000, with concessions to $800,000.
⚪ Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
No cash grant
Stamp duty concession instead
The ACT replaced the FHOG with the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS), which reduces or eliminates transfer duty for eligible first home buyers on properties up to $1,020,000. From 1 July 2026, the ACT is abolishing stamp duty for all first home buyers entirely, regardless of property value — making it potentially the most generous jurisdiction for stamp duty relief in Australia. Income thresholds apply to the HBCS — combined household income must be under $250,000 for most buyers.
How to Apply
The application process is largely the same across states:
- Through your lender (most common): Most banks and mortgage brokers are approved agents for the FHOG. They handle the application as part of your home loan process, and the grant is paid directly at settlement or first drawdown. This is the simplest route for the majority of buyers.
- Direct application through your state revenue office: If you're an owner-builder, buying without a mortgage, or your lender isn't an approved agent, you can apply directly. Most states allow up to 12 months from taking possession to lodge a direct application.
When is the grant paid? For completed new home purchases: at settlement. For house and land packages or construction loans: at the first progress payment (usually the foundations stage). For owner-builders: after the final inspection certificate is issued. The timing varies — confirm with your lender or state revenue office for your specific situation.
Combining the FHOG with Other Schemes
The FHOG is designed to stack with other federal and state government schemes — you don't have to choose between them.
- First Home Super Saver (FHSS): You can release up to $50,000 (or $100,000 as a couple) from super for your deposit, then receive the FHOG at settlement on top. Read our FHSS guide.
- First Home Guarantee (Home Guarantee Scheme): Lets eligible buyers purchase with a 5% deposit and no LMI. Fully compatible with the FHOG.
- State stamp duty exemptions: Most states offer stamp duty concessions or exemptions on top of the cash grant — QLD, SA, NSW, VIC, WA and ACT all have first home buyer duty relief of some kind. See our Stamp Duty guide.
Common Questions
Can I get the FHOG on an established (existing) home? ▼
In almost every state, no. The FHOG is restricted to brand new homes, off-the-plan purchases, and substantially renovated properties that have never been lived in or sold since the renovation. The Northern Territory was the only exception with a $10,000 grant for established homes, but that ended on 30 September 2025. If you're buying an established property, check whether your state's stamp duty concessions apply instead.
My partner owned a property before — do I still qualify? ▼
It depends on whether they lived in it. If your partner previously owned an investment property but never occupied it as their principal place of residence after 1 July 2000, you may still qualify in most states. However, if either of you has previously lived in a property you owned in Australia, you are generally not eligible. Rules vary slightly by state, so confirm your specific situation with the relevant state revenue office before assuming either way.
Is the FHOG taxable income? ▼
No. The First Home Owner Grant is not assessable income for tax purposes. You don't declare it in your tax return and it doesn't affect your Medicare levy, HECS repayments, or any other tax calculation. It's a straight cash payment from the state government.
Can I use the FHOG as my deposit? ▼
Not directly as your upfront deposit at signing — because the grant is paid at settlement or first drawdown, not when you exchange contracts. However, some lenders will factor the incoming grant into their assessment of your financial position. For construction loans, the first drawdown (when the grant arrives) is typically early in the build, which can reduce how much you need to draw from your loan at that stage.
Can I receive the FHOG more than once? ▼
No. The FHOG is a one-off payment per person (or couple). Once you've received it, you're not eligible to receive it again for a future purchase, even if you sell the first property and buy another new home later.
Related Articles
Sources: firsthome.gov.au, Queensland Revenue Office, Revenue NSW, State Revenue Office Victoria, RevenueSA, Department of Finance WA
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and property price caps are set by individual state and territory governments and change frequently. Always verify current information with your state revenue office or a licensed mortgage broker before making property decisions.
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