Government grants for home buyers in Australia

If you’re planning to buy your first home in Australia, chances are, you might’ve asked yourself: “Are there any government grants for first time home buyers?” The good news is—yes, and they could make a big difference in your home buying journey. Whether you’re buying your very first property, raising a family on your own, or looking to settle in a regional area, there are a number of government grants and schemes in Australia designed to ease some of the upfront costs. In this guide, you’ll learn more about all the major government grants for home buyers, who they’re for, how they work, and what you should consider before applying.

Government grants & schemes available in Australia

There are several Australian government grants for first home buyers, each with its own purpose and eligibility requirements. These initiatives aim to support Australians on their path to home ownership, especially those who may face financial hurdles.

First home buyer government grants and other government schemes set out in this article are provided as a general guide only and do not constitute advice. Actual figures and grants may vary depending on the customer’s individual circumstances and the eligibility criteria outlined on different state and territory government websites. See the full disclaimer below.*

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment designed to assist first-time buyers with the costs of buying or building a new home. The amount and eligibility criteria vary by state and territory, but the grant generally applies to newly built properties, not established homes.

Here’s how much eligible recipients can receive depending on their state*:

State	Eligible amount
Queensland	$15,000
Victoria	$10,000
South Australia	$15,000
New South Wales	$10,000
Western Australia	$10,000
Tasmania	$30,000
Northern Territory	$10,000

First Home Guarantee (Formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme)

The First Home Guarantee helps eligible buyers purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit, without needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The Australian Government guarantees up to 15% of the home loan, making it easier to enter the market sooner. Up to 35,000 places are made available each financial year. Other eligibility criteria apply.*

Family Home Guarantee (for single parents)

The Family Home Guarantee scheme is one of the Australian government grants for first home buyers designed specifically for eligible single parents with at least one dependent. It allows them to purchase a home with just a 2% deposit, without paying LMI. Up to 5,000 places are made available each financial year. Other eligibility criteria apply.*

Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee

To support regional growth and housing accessibility, the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee assists eligible buyers in regional areas by allowing them to purchase a home with a 5% deposit and no LMI. The property must be in a designated regional area, and applicants must meet residency and income requirements. Up to 10,000 places are made available each financial year.

Stamp Duty Concessions & Exemptions

Depending on your location, you may be eligible for full or partial stamp duty exemptions  . For example, in New South Wales, first home buyers purchasing a property under a certain threshold may not have to pay stamp duty at all. Other states offer concessions that reduce the overall cost.

Shared Equity Schemes (e.g. Help to Buy program)

Shared equity programs, such as the proposed Help to Buy scheme, aim to make housing more affordable by allowing the government to co-purchase a percentage (30% for an existing home and 40% for a new home) of the property. This reduces the loan amount required, lowering monthly repayments. Buyers retain the option to purchase a greater share of the property over time. Other eligibility criteria apply.*

Eligibility criteria for these grants

Eligibility for government grants for home buyers can vary widely. Here are some common factors:

1. Citizenship or residency

Most programs and government grants for first time home buyers require applicants to be Australian citizens or permanent residents. This ensures the assistance is going toward people who plan to live and build their future in Australia. Temporary residents are generally not eligible, so be sure to check your visa or citizenship status before applying.

2. Income limits

Some grants, especially those involving guarantees and shared equity programs, have income thresholds that determine eligibility. For instance, under the federal First Home Guarantee (FHBG) scheme, individuals must earn an annual income of $125,000 or less, while couples must earn $200,000 or less to qualify. These limits help prioritise grants for low-to-middle income earners, so having recent tax returns on hand can help you assess where you stand.

3. First home buyer status

Some Australian government grants for first home buyers are exclusively for those who have never owned property before. This includes investment properties and any ownership interest, even if you didn’t live in the home. If you've owned property in the past, you may need to explore alternative schemes.

4. Property price caps

Grants usually apply to homes below a certain value, which can differ by state and region. For example, the cap might be $750,000 in some regions, but lower in others. Staying within these limits—as per the Housing Australia website—is crucial. If your property exceeds the cap, you won’t qualify for the grant even if you meet all other criteria.

5. Property type and use

Most government grants for home buyers are intended for new homes or those currently under construction, and they must be used as your primary residence. Investment properties typically don’t qualify. You may be required to move in within a certain timeframe and live there for a minimum period (e.g. 6 or 12 months), so plan accordingly.

Note: State-specific criteria may also apply, so it’s important to consult your local government’s website or speak to a property expert for the most up-to-date information.

Considerations before applying for government grants in Australia

Government grants for first home buyers can provide much-needed assistance, as they can significantly reduce the financial barrier to homeownership by lowering upfront costs like deposits and stamp duty. That said, there are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Impact on loan structure: Some schemes and government grants for home buyers reduce your deposit requirement but may come with conditions such as property restrictions or resale limitations.
• Long-term obligations: In shared equity schemes, you may need to buy back the government’s share of your property later.
• Price caps: If you’re eyeing a property in a major city, the property value may exceed the cap for your chosen grant. Hence, it’s wise to check each state’s property price cap on the Housing Australia website before you apply for a grant.
• Repayment planning: While most government grants for first time home buyers can reduce upfront costs, it's essential to understand your total financial commitment, including any changes to mortgage repayments.

Before making any decisions, you may want to speak with a mortgage broker or advisor who understands your financial goals.

Regional differences across Australia

The availability and scope of government grants for first home buyers can vary depending on where you live:

• New South Wales (NSW): Offers up to $10,000 FHOG for new homes, and First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme, including stamp duty exemptions.
• Victoria (VIC): FHOG of up to $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000; also offers stamp duty concessions.
• Queensland (QLD): FHOG of $15,000 or $30,000 depending on your circumstances for new homes under $750,000 (including land).
• Western Australia (WA): Offers a $10,000 FHOG for new residential properties and stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

Note: The information above is just a general guide. It’s best to check each state or territory’s official government site to understand what’s available in your region.

How to start researching the right grant for you

With multiple government grants for home buyers and schemes available (each with its own eligibility rules, deadlines, and conditions), knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. But with the right resources, you can confidently narrow down your options and make informed decisions.

• Check government websites: Federal and state government portals are your most reliable source of up-to-date information. For national programs like the First Home Guarantee or Family Home Guarantee, visit the Housing Australia website. For state-based grants like the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp duty concessions, check your local state revenue office or housing department’s website.
• Estimate eligibility with tools and calculators: Many official websites offer free tools or calculators to help you determine your eligibility based on your income, location, and property price.
• Consult mortgage brokers and advisors: These professionals can help you compare home loan products, explain how different grants or guarantees impact your borrowing power, and ensure your finances are in good shape. It’s also a good idea to speak to a broker if you're unsure how to meet the eligibility criteria, need help calculating your deposit, or want expert advice on maximising your chances of approval.

Conclusion

Buying your very first home can be a daunting experience since it’s a big decision and investment. So, if you’ve previously wondered, “What are the government grants for first home buyers?”—now you know and can rest assured. Whether it's the First Home Guarantee, FHOG, or stamp duty concessions, there are several programs and schemes designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for first-time buyers, single parents, low-income earners, and regional buyers. The key is to explore what’s available, understand how each grant applies to your situation, and think about the long-term impact on your financial goals.

Ready to find your dream home before applying for a government grant? Check out our residential  offerings or get helpful tips from our Property Investor Guide.

*First home buyer government grants and other government schemes set out in this article are provided as a general guide only and do not constitute advice. Actual figures and grants may vary depending on the customer’s individual circumstances and the eligibility criteria outlined on different state and territory government websites. Purchasers are responsible for seeking independent professional advice or making their own enquiries in relation to eligibility to any grants or schemes. No representations or warranties are made as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of any estimates and its contents.