First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment by state and territory governments to help first home buyers purchase or build their first home. The amount and eligibility criteria vary by jurisdiction. Most states offer $10,000–$15,000 for new homes, with some regional areas offering more (e.g., Queensland offers $30,000 for new homes). The grant generally does not apply to established (existing) homes — it is designed to stimulate new housing construction.

Common eligibility requirements across states include: you (or your partner) must not have previously owned a residential property in Australia, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you must be 18 or over, the property must be below a value cap (typically $600,000–$750,000 depending on the state), and you must live in the property as your principal place of residence for a continuous period (usually 6–12 months) within 12 months of settlement or completion.

The FHOG is separate from other first home buyer benefits such as stamp duty concessions, the First Home Super Saver scheme (FHSS), and the Home Guarantee Scheme (which allows first home buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance). These benefits can often be combined, significantly reducing the upfront costs of buying a first home.