First Home Owner Grant 2027: Maximizing Your State Benefits

For young Australians trying to crack the property market, the "Bank of Mum and Dad" isn't an option for everyone. That leaves state government grants as the primary lifeline. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a national scheme, but it is funded and administered entirely at the state level. This means someone buying in Queensland gets a radically different benefit than someone buying in New South Wales. Here is a breakdown of how to maximize your state benefits without accidentally disqualifying yourself. (All figures below are as of late 2026 — grants change frequently, so always confirm with the relevant state revenue office before signing a contract.) The Golden Rule of FHOG In almost every Australian state and territory, the First Home Owner Grant is strictly limited to brand new homes, off-the-plan apartments, or substantially renovated properties. If you are buying an established, pre-owned 1970s brick house, you will almost certainly not get the cash grant. However, even if you buy an established home, you may still be eligible for stamp duty concessions, which are often worth more than the cash grant itself. Who Can Apply? (General Eligibility) While the details differ by state, the core eligibility rules are broadly similar across Australia. You must generally be an individual (not a company or trust), an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and someone who has never owned residential property in Australia. You must also move into the home within 12 months of settlement and live there continuously for at least 12 months. Each state revenue office publishes its full checklist — run through it before you commit to a purchase. State-by-State Breakdown (Rules as at late 2026 — always verify before signing a contract) New South Wales (NSW) Grant Amount: $10,000 cash. Property Type: New builds only. Price Cap: Property value must not exceed $600,000 (or $750,000 for a house and land package). Stamp Duty: Full exemption for new and existing homes up to $800,000. Concessions up to $1,000,000. Victoria (VIC) Grant Amount: $10,000 cash (regional Victoria has at times offered higher temporary boosts). Property Type: New builds only. Price Cap: Property value must not exceed $750,000. Stamp Duty: Full exemption for properties up to $600,000. Sliding scale concession up to $750,000. Queensland (QLD) Grant Amount: $30,000 cash. (The 2026–27 Queensland Budget continued the temporary $30,000 boost for eligible contracts signed from 1 July 2026, with no end date announced at the time of writing — it did not revert to $15,000. Check the Queensland Revenue Office for the current status before relying on this figure.) Property Type: New builds only. Price Cap: Property value must be under $750,000. Stamp Duty: Concessions and thresholds have changed in recent years — check the Queensland Revenue Office for the current figures before you commit. Other States and Territories Grants also exist beyond the eastern states. As of late 2026, South Australia offers $15,000, Western Australia offers $10,000, Tasmania offers $20,000 for eligible contracts from 1 July 2026, and the Northern Territory's grant of up to $50,000 is scheduled to run to 30 September 2027. Caps, eligible property types, and closing dates vary — treat these figures as a starting point and confirm them with each state revenue office. How Does the Bank Treat the Grant? In many cases, banks will count the FHOG as part of your deposit. If you have $30,000 saved and are eligible for a $10,000 grant, the bank may treat your application as if you have a $40,000 deposit — though policies on genuine savings vary by lender. The FHOG is usually applied for through your lender or an approved agent alongside your mortgage application. The government releases the funds to the lender at settlement, meaning the money goes toward the property, not your personal bank account. Calculate Your Exact Mortgage Required After Grants →