First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Guide 2026: Every State & Territory Explained
Complete guide to the First Home Owner Grant in every Australian state and territory for 2026 — eligibility criteria, grant amounts, stamp duty concessions, and how to apply.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment from Australian state and territory governments to help eligible first home buyers purchase or build a new home. In 2026, grants range from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on where you buy and what type of property you purchase. Combined with stamp duty concessions, first home buyers can save between $15,000 and $70,000 on their first property.
FHOG by State and Territory (2026)
| State/Territory | Grant Amount | Property Cap (New) | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $10,000 | $600,000 (house) / $750,000 (house & land) | New homes only |
| VIC | $10,000 (metro) / $10,000 (regional) | $750,000 | New homes only |
| QLD | $30,000 | $750,000 | New homes only |
| WA | $10,000 | $750,000 (south) / $1,000,000 (north) | New homes only |
| SA | $15,000 | $650,000 | New homes only |
| TAS | $30,000 | $750,000 | New homes only (building/buying) |
| ACT | Abolished | — | Replaced by stamp duty concessions |
| NT | $10,000 | No cap | New homes only |
Amounts current as of April 2026. Always verify with your state revenue office as thresholds change periodically.
Eligibility Criteria (General)
While each state has specific rules, the common eligibility requirements are:
- You must be a natural person (not a company or trust)
- At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You (or your partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
- You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement and live there for a continuous period (usually 6–12 months)
- The property must be a new home — either newly constructed, substantially renovated, or off-the-plan
- The total value must be below the cap for your state
What Counts as "Previously Owned"?
This is where many first home buyers get caught out:
- Inherited property: If you inherited a property and it was transferred into your name, you may be disqualified — even if you never lived in it
- Property owned through a company: Generally does not disqualify you
- Property owned overseas: Some states count overseas property ownership
- Property owned by your partner: Your partner's ownership history is also assessed
State-by-State Deep Dive
New South Wales
FHOG: $10,000 for new homes valued up to $600,000 (or $750,000 for house and land packages).
First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (stamp duty):
- Full stamp duty exemption for existing homes up to $800,000
- Concessional rates for homes between $800,000 and $1,000,000
- This is separate from FHOG and applies to both new and existing homes
First Home Buyer Choice (abolished): The option to choose annual property tax instead of stamp duty was repealed in 2023. Standard stamp duty applies.
Victoria
FHOG: $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000 in both metro and regional areas.
Stamp Duty Concessions:
- Full stamp duty exemption for first homes up to $600,000
- Concession (sliding scale) for homes between $600,001 and $750,000
- Applies to both new and existing homes
Victorian Homebuyer Fund: The state government co-purchases up to 25% of the property (40% for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander buyers), reducing your deposit requirement to as low as 5% with no LMI.
Queensland
FHOG: $30,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000 — the most generous grant in Australia.
Stamp Duty Concessions:
- Full concession on homes up to $700,000
- Partial concession for homes between $700,001 and $800,000
- Applies to both new and existing homes
Additional: Queensland also offers the Regional Home Building Boost of $5,000 for new builds in regional areas.
Western Australia
FHOG: $10,000 for new homes.
Property Value Caps:
- $750,000 for properties south of the 26th parallel (Perth, most of WA)
- $1,000,000 for properties north (Kimberley, Pilbara)
Stamp Duty Concessions:
- Full exemption for first homes up to $430,000
- Concessional rates for homes between $430,001 and $530,000
South Australia
FHOG: $15,000 for new homes valued up to $650,000.
Stamp Duty Relief:
- No stamp duty on new homes up to $650,000 for eligible first home buyers
- Significant savings of up to ~$30,000
Tasmania
FHOG: $30,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000 — matching Queensland as the highest in Australia.
Additional: Tasmania's generous grant makes it one of the most accessible markets for first home buyers, particularly given lower median house prices compared to mainland capitals.
Australian Capital Territory
FHOG: Abolished. The ACT replaced the FHOG with stamp duty concessions.
Home Buyer Concession Scheme:
- Full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $1,000,000
- Must be a new or established property
- Income threshold: combined household income under $160,000
- Must live in the property for at least 1 year
Northern Territory
FHOG: $10,000 for new homes with no property value cap.
Additional: The NT also offers the HomeBuild Access grant and stamp duty concessions for first home buyers.
How to Apply
- Check your eligibility using your state revenue office website or a free tool like CREDIGO's FHOG calculator
- Gather documents: ID, proof of citizenship/residency, statutory declaration of first home buyer status, contract of sale
- Apply through your lender or broker — most applications are lodged at settlement through your bank or mortgage broker
- The grant is paid at settlement — it reduces the amount you need to fund from your own savings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking your partner's ownership history: If your partner previously owned property anywhere in Australia, you may both be disqualified
- Buying an existing home expecting FHOG: The grant only applies to new homes in most states
- Exceeding the property value cap: Even $1 over the threshold disqualifies you entirely
- Not living in the property: You must move in within 12 months and stay for the required period — renting it out immediately will trigger clawback
- Assuming state grants stack with Commonwealth: There is no Commonwealth-level FHOG — it's entirely a state/territory scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the FHOG and stamp duty concession together?
Yes, in most states you can receive both the FHOG (for new homes) and stamp duty concessions simultaneously. They are separate schemes.
Does buying land and building count as a new home?
Yes. If you purchase vacant land and enter a building contract, the combined value (land + build) is assessed against the property cap. The FHOG is typically paid on completion.
What if I've owned an investment property but never lived in it?
In most states, owning any residential property in Australia disqualifies you — regardless of whether you lived in it.
Can I apply if I'm buying with someone who already owns property?
Typically, both applicants must be eligible. If one person already owns property, the application will usually be rejected.
This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. CREDIGO is a digital marketplace operated by EMERGUS CAPITAL PTY LTD (ABN 65 669 945 000). We do not hold an ACL or AFSL. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria change — always verify with your state revenue office.