Government Grants & Schemes
Financial help available for home buyers across Australia
Buying your first home in Australia? There are federal and state government grants and schemes designed to make it easier. We help you understand what you qualify for and how to maximise your benefits. Here is a breakdown of the key programs available across all states and territories.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Each state and territory offers its own FHOG for eligible first home buyers. The FHOG applies to new homes only (newly built, off-the-plan, or owner-built) — not established/existing homes — in most states. You must be 18+, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, never previously owned property in Australia, and live in the home for at least 12 months.
New homes under $750,000
New homes under $600,000
New homes under $750,000
New homes under $750,000
New homes under $575,000
New homes (from Jan 2026)
New builds until Sep 2026. No price cap.
Replaced by Home Buyer Concession Scheme (stamp duty concessions).
Grant amounts and eligibility may change. Always check with your state revenue office or contact us for the latest information. We handle the FHOG application as part of your loan process.
Stamp Duty Exemptions & Concessions
Most states offer stamp duty relief for first home buyers. Unlike the FHOG, stamp duty concessions often apply to both new and established homes. Your conveyancer applies during settlement — we coordinate to ensure it is claimed.
Concession $600k-$750k. New and established homes.
Concession $800k-$1M. New and established homes.
No stamp duty on new FHB homes (from May 2025, no cap).
Reductions available for existing homes up to $700k-$750k.
Stamp duty concession for first home buyers.
Established homes up to $750k (until 30 June 2026).
Home Buyer Concession Scheme — duty concessions for eligible buyers.
Thresholds and concession amounts change regularly. Contact us for current figures specific to your purchase.
First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
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 the remaining deposit up to 15%.
Buy with just a 5% deposit. No LMI required (saving you $10,000 - $30,000+). No annual cap on places (from October 2025).
Australian citizen, 18+, first home buyer (or have not owned property in the last 10 years). Income limits removed (from October 2025). Regional guarantees merged into this scheme. Property price caps vary by location — see table below.
Apply through a participating lender. As an accredited broker, we can check your eligibility and reserve a place for you as part of the loan application.
Property Price Caps by State
Sydney & regional centres. Other areas: $800k.
Melbourne & Geelong. Other areas: $650k.
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast. Other areas: $700k.
Perth & regional centres. Other areas: $600k.
Adelaide & regional centres. Other areas: $500k.
Hobart & regional centres. Other areas: $550k.
All areas.
All areas. Darwin rises to $750k from Jul 2026.
Use the postcode search tool at firsthomebuyers.gov.au to check your specific area.
Family Home Guarantee
Designed for eligible single parents and single legal guardians with at least one dependent child, this scheme allows you to buy a home with as little as a 2% deposit — no LMI required.
Buy with just a 2% deposit, with the government guaranteeing up to 18% of the property value. No LMI. 5,000 places per financial year.
Single parent or legal guardian with at least one dependent child. Australian citizen, 18+. Income cap of $125,000. You do not need to be a first home buyer — previous owners can apply.
Apply through a participating lender. We will assess your eligibility and help you secure one of the limited places available each year.
Help to Buy Scheme
Launched in December 2025, this shared equity scheme lets the federal government contribute up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home (or 30% for an existing home). You own the rest and can buy out the government share over time. Currently available in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and NT. WA joining early-to-mid 2026. Tasmania not participating yet.
Government contributes up to 40% equity for new homes, or 30% for existing homes. You need a minimum 2% deposit. Smaller mortgage means lower repayments. 40,000 places over 4 years. Participating lenders include Bank Australia and Commonwealth Bank.
Australian citizen, 18+. Income cap of $90,000 for singles or $120,000 for couples. Must be owner-occupied. Property price caps apply by region. Not yet available in WA or Tasmania.
Apply through a participating lender. We help determine your eligibility and structure the shared-equity arrangement as part of your loan application.
General Eligibility Checklist
Most government schemes share common eligibility requirements. Here is a quick self-check.
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of purchase.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
You must not have previously owned residential property in Australia (some exceptions apply).
You must intend to live in the property as your primary residence (usually for at least 12 months).
Some schemes have income and property price limits that vary by state and program. The First Home Guarantee removed income caps in October 2025.
Each scheme has maximum property price thresholds that vary by location and property type.
Check What You're Eligible For
Book a free consultation and we will work out which grants and schemes you qualify for — and how to maximise your benefits.
