What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Australia?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a government payment available to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. The amount varies by state: $10,000 in NSW and VIC, and $15,000 in QLD. Eligibility depends on the purchase price, the type of property, and whether you have previously owned a home.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in Australia?

Many states offer stamp duty concessions or full exemptions for eligible first home buyers. For example, in NSW first home buyers are exempt from stamp duty on homes up to $800,000 and receive a concession up to $1,000,000. Thresholds and rules vary by state.

What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme?

The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) lets first home buyers voluntarily contribute up to $15,000 per year into their superannuation (up to $50,000 total) and then withdraw those contributions, plus associated earnings, to use as a home deposit. The tax advantages of super can make your savings grow faster.

What is the First Home Guarantee scheme?

The First Home Guarantee (FHBG) is a federal government scheme that allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan. Places are limited each financial year.

First Home Buyer Grants & Schemes Australia 2025

Navigating the path to homeownership in Australia can be complex, but numerous government initiatives are available to help. This guide covers all major support programs available to first home buyers in 2025, including federal schemes like the First Home Guarantee and First Home Super Saver Scheme, as well as state-specific grants and concessions in NSW, VIC, and QLD.

Quick Summary

First Home Guarantee: Buy with as little as 5% deposit — no LMI required.
First Home Owner Grant: State-based grants of $10,000–$15,000 for new homes.
Stamp Duty Concessions: Full or partial exemptions available in most states.
First Home Super Saver: Save up to $50,000 through your super for a deposit.
Family Home Guarantee: Single parents can buy with just 2% deposit.

Federal Government Schemes

The Australian Government offers several programs to help first home buyers enter the property market:

First Home Guarantee (FHBG)

Purchase with as little as 5% deposit
Government guarantees up to 15% of the purchase price
No Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) required
Property price caps vary by location
First Home Guarantee — Housing Australia

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)

Save up to $50,000 through your super fund ($15,000 per year)
Voluntary contributions taxed at just 15%
Withdraw savings plus associated earnings for your deposit
Available to individuals and couples (each person can use the scheme)
First Home Super Saver Scheme — ATO

Family Home Guarantee

For single parents with dependents
Purchase with as little as 2% deposit
Government guarantees up to 18% of the purchase price
Available for first home buyers and previous property owners
Family Home Guarantee — Housing Australia

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW offers several incentives for first home buyers:

First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme

Full stamp duty exemption for homes up to $800,000
Concessions for homes between $800,000 and $1,000,000
No stamp duty on vacant land up to $350,000
Concessions for land between $350,000 and $450,000
NSW First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme

First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) — NSW

$10,000 for new homes up to $750,000
Applies to new construction or substantially renovated homes
Must live in the home for at least 6 months
Apply for First Home Owner Grant — NSW

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria provides substantial support for first home buyers:

First Home Owner Grant — VIC

$10,000 for new homes in metropolitan Melbourne
$20,000 for new homes in regional Victoria
Property value cap of $750,000
Victorian First Home Owner Grant

Stamp Duty Concessions — VIC

Full exemption for properties up to $600,000
Sliding scale concession up to $750,000
Additional concessions for off-the-plan purchases
Apply for Victorian FHOG

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland offers various benefits for first home buyers:

First Home Owner Grant — QLD

$15,000 for new homes up to $750,000
Applies to new construction or substantially renovated homes
Must live in the home for at least 6 months
Queensland First Home Owners' Grant

First Home Concession — QLD

No transfer duty on homes up to $500,000
Concessions for homes between $500,000 and $550,000
First Home Vacant Land Concession also available
QLD Housing Financial Help & Concessions

Tips for First Home Buyers

Before You Start

Check your eligibility for federal and state schemes
Calculate your borrowing capacity using our Mortgage Calculator
Save for additional costs: legal fees, building inspections, loan application fees
Get pre-approval for your loan before house hunting

During the Process

Research the local market thoroughly — compare recent sale prices
Get professional building and pest inspections
Seek legal advice before signing any contract
Consider the property's future value growth potential

After Purchase

Set up a budget for mortgage repayments, including a buffer for rate rises
Plan for ongoing costs: council rates, insurance, maintenance
Keep all documentation for future tax purposes

Key Takeaways

The First Home Guarantee lets eligible buyers purchase with 5% deposit and no LMI.
State-based First Home Owner Grants provide $10,000–$20,000 for new homes.
Stamp duty exemptions can save tens of thousands in upfront costs.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets you save your deposit inside super with tax advantages.
Always check current eligibility criteria — thresholds and schemes change.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about first home buyer schemes and is not intended as financial or legal advice. Schemes, grants, and eligibility criteria can change. Always consult the relevant state revenue office and a qualified mortgage broker or financial adviser for current, personalised guidance.