First Home Owner Grant

Plain-English definition. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off, tax-free cash payment from state and territory governments to eligible first home buyers, typically restricted to newly built or substantially renovated properties.

How it works in Australia. Each state administers its own scheme with different amounts and rules. As of 2026: NSW offers $10,000 for new homes up to $600,000 (or $750,000 for new house-and-land); Victoria offers $10,000 for new homes up to $750,000; Queensland offers $30,000 for new homes up to $750,000; WA offers $10,000; SA offers $15,000 (no cap from 2024); Tasmania offers $30,000; NT offers $50,000 (HomeGrown Territory Grant); ACT replaced the grant with stamp duty concessions. Eligibility typically requires: applicant 18+, Australian citizen or permanent resident, never owned residential property in Australia before, intend to occupy as principal residence for 6–12 months. See Revenue NSW and SRO Victoria.

Concrete example. A first home buyer purchases a $680,000 newly built townhouse in Brisbane in 2026. They qualify for the $30,000 Queensland FHOG, plus a stamp duty exemption (full exemption up to $700,000). Total benefit: $30,000 grant + ~$15,000 stamp duty saved = $45,000 effective subsidy.

Common confusion. Buyers confuse FHOG with stamp duty concessions — they are separate programs and you may qualify for one, both, or neither. Buying an established property usually disqualifies you from FHOG everywhere except a few historical schemes, but you can still get stamp duty concessions in most states.