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 jurisdiction sets its own grant amount, property definition, value cap, contract and construction dates, prior-ownership test and occupancy period. These settings can change at a Budget or when temporary support ends. For example, Tasmania's established-home duty exemption ended on 30 June 2026 and its grant settings changed from 1 July; the NT's established-home grant contract window ended on 30 September 2025. Check the relevant revenue office rather than relying on a national amount table.

Concrete example. A buyer of a new home may need to check two separate calculations: whether a cash grant is available and whether transfer duty relief applies. Receiving one does not establish entitlement to the other.

Common confusion. FHOG, transfer duty relief, the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy are separate programs. A calculator selection does not determine eligibility.