First home buyer grants & schemes in Australia

Understanding first home buyer grants & schemes

At Frasers Property Australia, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to own a home and feel a true sense of belonging. That’s why we’re committed to helping first home buyers access the support they need to take those important first steps.

Australia offers a range of government grants, incentives, and schemes designed to make home ownership more accessible for first home buyers. These programs can help you with your deposit, reduce upfront costs, and make the dream of buying your first home a reality.

The First Home Guarantee (FHBG) scheme helps eligible Australians buy their first home with a deposit as low as 5%, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Backed by the federal government, the scheme acts as a guarantor for up to 15% of the property’s value, allowing buyers to secure a home loan with reduced upfront costs. As of October 2025, major changes have expanded access: there are now unlimited places, higher property price caps, and no income limits, making it easier for more Australians to enter the housing market. The scheme applies to new and existing homes and is part of the broader Home Guarantee Scheme, which also includes support for single parents.

A national initiative supporting first-time buyers

The FHOG scheme was introduced in 2000 to help offset the effect of GST on home ownership. It is a national scheme, funded by the states and territories, that provides a one-off grant to first home owners who are purchasing or building a new home and meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria and amount payable differs across states and territories, taking into consideration the value of the home and where it's located. It's often available for new builds or substantially renovated homes.
Check firsthome.gov.au for your region's details.

Stamp duty relief for first home buyers

First home buyers in Australia may be eligible for stamp duty concessions, which can significantly reduce upfront property costs. These concessions vary by state and territory, with each jurisdiction setting its own eligibility criteria, property value thresholds, and relief amounts.
For example, in New South Wales and Queensland, first home buyers purchasing a property under a certain threshold may not have to pay stamp duty at all. Eligibility criteria apply.
Learn more about stamp duty concessions in this article.

The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme helps Australians boost their first home deposit savings through superannuation.

Administered by the Australian Taxation Office, the scheme allows eligible individuals to make voluntary contributions to their super fund - taxed at just 15%, which is often lower than personal income tax rates. You can later withdraw up to $50,000 in total (with a maximum of $15,000 per financial year) from your voluntary contributions, plus associated earnings, to purchase your first home. The FHSS Scheme is a tax-effective way to accelerate savings and reduce the financial burden of entering the housing market. Eligibility criteria apply.

The Help to Buy scheme is a new federal government initiative designed to make home ownership more accessible for low- to middle-income Australians.

Under this shared equity model, the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and 30% for existing ones, reducing the size of both the deposit and the mortgage required - eligible buyers may enter the market with as little as a 2% deposit.

How to apply for first home buyer grants

• Check eligibility criteria for your state or territory.
• Gather necessary documentation (ID, contracts, financial records).
• Apply directly through your state government or lender.
• Seek guidance from your lender or a financial advisor if you’re unsure.

Maximising your opportunities

• Combine incentives: You may be eligible for more than one grant or scheme - check what’s available in your area.
• Act early: Some programs have limited places or timeframes.
• Stay informed: Government policies can change, so keep up to date with the latest information.