First Home Buyer Guide Australia (2026): State-by-State
Complete first home buyer guide for Australia in 2026: state-by-state concessions, grants, eligibility, and step-by-step buying process.
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Overview
Buying your first home in Australia is exciting but complex. Each state and territory has different stamp duty concessions, grants, and eligibility rules. This guide brings together everything you need to know as a first home buyer in 2026.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
The FHOG is a national scheme administered by state and territory governments. Each jurisdiction sets its own grant amount and eligibility criteria. The grant generally applies to new homes (newly built or substantially renovated properties).
State-by-State Stamp Duty Concessions
Every state offers some form of stamp duty relief for first home buyers, but thresholds and amounts vary significantly:
New South Wales
- FHB concessions with price thresholds for new and existing homes
- Full NSW FHB Guide
- NSW Stamp Duty Calculator
Victoria
- FHB duty concessions and exemptions
- Full VIC FHB Guide
- VIC Stamp Duty Calculator
Queensland
- FHB concessions for homes below specified thresholds
- Full QLD FHB Guide
- QLD Stamp Duty Calculator
Western Australia
- Competitive concession thresholds plus FHOG
- Full WA FHB Guide
- WA Stamp Duty Calculator
South Australia
- Duty exemptions and concessions for eligible FHBs
- Full SA FHB Guide
- SA Stamp Duty Calculator
Tasmania
- FHB concessions plus FHOG for new homes
- Full TAS FHB Guide
- TAS Stamp Duty Calculator
ACT
- Australia's most generous FHB scheme (income-based, not price-based)
- Full ACT FHB Guide
- ACT Stamp Duty Calculator
Northern Territory
- Generous FHOG + no land tax advantage
- Full NT FHB Guide
- NT Stamp Duty Calculator
Step-by-Step Buying Process
- Check your borrowing power — Borrowing Power Calculator
- Save your deposit — aim for 20% to avoid LMI, or check LMI costs
- Get pre-approval — know your budget before house hunting
- Research concessions — check your state's FHB eligibility above
- Budget for all costs — use our Property Purchase Cost Calculator
- Make an offer — with confidence in your numbers
- Settlement — your conveyancer handles the legal transfer
Key Calculators for First Home Buyers
- Borrowing Power Calculator — how much can I borrow?
- Mortgage Repayment Calculator — what will my repayments be?
- Stamp Duty Calculator — how much duty will I pay?
- LMI Calculator — do I need LMI and how much?
- Property Purchase Cost Calculator — total upfront costs
Start with the Borrowing Power Calculator to see how much you can borrow.
Frequently asked questions
What grants are available for first home buyers?
The FHOG is available nationally for new homes. Each state sets its own amount and eligibility.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?
Most states offer concessions or exemptions for FHBs below specified thresholds.
How much deposit do I need?
A 20% deposit avoids LMI. Some lenders accept 5% deposits but LMI will apply.
Which state has the best FHB concessions?
The ACT and NT offer some of the most generous concessions. Use our calculators to compare.
What is the first step to buying?
Check your borrowing power, then get pre-approval from a lender before house hunting.
Related Calculators
Stamp Duty Calculator
Calculate stamp duty and government charges for property purchases across all Australian states and territories.
Property
Borrowing Power Calculator
Estimate your borrowing capacity based on income, expenses, existing debts, interest rate, and loan term, with stress testing and DTI transparency.
FinanceProperty Purchase Cost Calculator
Estimate the total upfront costs of buying property in Australia, including stamp duty, government fees, legal costs, inspections, insurance, and moving expenses.
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