The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment from state and territory governments to eligible first home buyers. Introduced nationally in 2000, it has evolved significantly — with each state and territory now running its own version with different amounts, eligibility thresholds, and property type requirements.
In 2026, the FHOG remains one of the most valuable financial benefits available to Australian first home buyers. Combined with stamp duty exemptions and the federal First Home Guarantee, it can significantly reduce the total cost of your first property purchase.
FHOG Quick Reference: Every State and Territory
| State/Territory | Grant Amount | Property Type | Price Cap | |-----------------|-------------|--------------|-----------| | NSW | $10,000 | New homes only | $600,000 | | VIC | $10,000 | New homes, regional only | $750,000 | | QLD | $30,000 | New homes | $750,000 | | WA | $10,000 | New homes | $750,000 | | SA | $15,000 | New homes | $650,000 | | TAS | $10,000 | New homes | No cap | | ACT | $7,000 (limited availability) | New homes | No cap | | NT | $10,000 | New homes | No cap |
NSW First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $10,000
Eligible properties: Newly built homes, off-the-plan apartments, and substantially renovated homes. Established (existing) homes do not qualify for the FHOG in NSW.
Price cap: $600,000 (including land for house and land packages)
Stamp duty: NSW offers full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers on properties up to $800,000 (new or existing) and partial concession up to $1,000,000.
Who pays it: Revenue NSW, administered through the lender at settlement or first drawdown.
Tip for NSW buyers: The stamp duty exemption (potentially $30,000+ for a $750,000 property) is often more valuable than the FHOG itself. Make sure you claim both.
VIC First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $10,000 for regional Victoria; $0 for metropolitan Melbourne
Eligible properties: New homes only. Metropolitan Melbourne FHOG was removed in 2023.
Price cap: $750,000
Stamp duty: Full exemption for properties up to $600,000; partial concession $600,001–$750,000. This is available for metropolitan Melbourne buyers even without the FHOG.
Regional definition: Properties outside the Melbourne metropolitan statistical area, Geelong statistical area, and Ballarat statistical area. Includes Bendigo, Wangaratta, Shepparton, and many regional towns.
Tip for VIC buyers: If you're open to regional living, the regional FHOG + regional stamp duty concession + lower property prices = exceptional first buyer value in Victoria.
QLD First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $30,000 — the most generous in Australia
Eligible properties: New homes (newly built, off-the-plan, or purchased from a developer) under $750,000
Stamp duty: Full exemption on homes up to $500,000; partial concession $500,001–$550,000.
Tip for QLD buyers: Queensland's combination of a $30,000 FHOG (only on new homes) plus stamp duty exemption is among the best first buyer support packages in Australia. House and land packages in growth corridors are the typical application.
WA First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $10,000
Eligible properties: New homes only under $750,000
Stamp duty: Duty exemption for first home buyers for homes under $430,000. Concessions for homes up to $530,000.
Additional WA support: The Keystart program (WA Government's low-deposit home loan) provides first home buyers with loans at competitive rates with deposits as low as 2%.
Tip for WA buyers: Perth's property market has been one of Australia's strongest performers. Combine the FHOG with Keystart (if eligible) for maximum support.
SA First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $15,000
Eligible properties: New homes under $650,000
Stamp duty: SA abolished stamp duty on new homes for all buyers in 2018 — not just first home buyers. This is a significant benefit unique to South Australia.
Tip for SA buyers: Zero stamp duty on new homes (regardless of first buyer status) plus $15,000 FHOG makes Adelaide an exceptional market for value-focused property buyers.
TAS First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $10,000
Eligible properties: New homes (no price cap)
Stamp duty: Concessions available for first home buyers.
Market note: Hobart's property market has moderated from its 2021 peak. Regional Tasmania offers strong affordability with access to the FHOG.
ACT First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $7,000 (check availability — the ACT government periodically reviews this)
Stamp duty: The ACT replaced stamp duty with a broad-based land tax over recent years. Duty concessions for first buyers may apply depending on circumstances.
Tip for ACT buyers: The ACT market is influenced heavily by government employment. Confirm current grant status directly with the ACT Revenue Office.
NT First Home Owner Grant 2026
Amount: $10,000
Eligible properties: New homes (no price cap)
Market note: Darwin's property market has been volatile. Strong rental yields are a feature of the NT market.
What Counts as a "New Home" for FHOG Purposes?
The FHOG is almost universally restricted to new homes — a point that confuses many first buyers. A "new home" typically means:
- A newly built home (never lived in)
- An off-the-plan purchase (purchased from a developer before construction is complete)
- A substantially renovated home (where the previous structure has been substantially replaced)
It does NOT include established homes (second-hand properties), even if renovated by a previous owner.
How to Claim the FHOG
The FHOG is typically claimed through your lender as part of the settlement process. When applying for a home loan through NIK Finance, we include the FHOG application as part of your loan documentation. The grant is then applied:
- For completed new homes or established homes: At settlement, the grant reduces the amount you need to bring
- For construction: At the first progress drawdown
You don't receive a cheque from the government — the funds flow through the conveyancing process.
What If You've Previously Owned Property?
If you or your co-buyer have previously owned residential property in Australia, you do not qualify for the FHOG. However, you may still access:
- First Home Guarantee scheme (different eligibility — previous owners may qualify after 10+ year gap)
- Stamp duty concessions (state-specific — some states still offer concessions for non-first buyers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim the FHOG if I've previously received it in another state? No. The FHOG can only be claimed once per person in a lifetime across all states.
Can both partners claim the FHOG separately? No. A maximum of one grant per property is available, regardless of the number of eligible applicants.
How long do I have to live in the property after receiving the FHOG? You must occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or construction completion.
Is the FHOG taxable income? No. The First Home Owner Grant is not taxable income and does not need to be declared.
Can I get the FHOG if I'm buying with a partner who has owned before? No. Both applicants must be eligible first home buyers for the grant to apply.
Maximise Every Dollar Available to You
Claiming every grant and scheme you're entitled to can save you $20,000–$50,000+ on your first home purchase. Fill out our 2-minute form at nik.finance and we'll check your eligibility for every available benefit before helping you find the right home loan.
NIK Finance holds an Australian Credit Licence. Grant information accurate as at June 2026. Confirm current eligibility and amounts with the relevant state revenue office.