How To Use the First Home Owner Grant
It’s important to make use of all available resources when purchasing your first home. The First Home Owner Grant is one form of assistance available to first-time buyers.
What is the First Home Owners Grant?
The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) was introduced in 2000. It’s a government grant designed to help first home buyers fulfil their dream of owning or building a home.
The First Home Owners Grant is a national scheme, but each state has its own criteria, rules, guidelines, and amounts, with some states focusing their funding on certain types of property. Some states also have a stamp duty concession on top of the FHOG, which can save first home buyers more money.
To find out about the FHOG in your state read our FHOG articles on your state or territory.
The First Home Owners Grant is free funding – so understanding if you are eligible, and how to use it, can really pay off.
Why should you use the First Home Owner Grant?
Purchasing your first home requires significant savings, which is more difficult than ever with rising living costs and soaring house prices around the country.
The First Home Owners Grant can help you get a foot on the property ladder sooner. The grant is free funding, not a short-term loan that you have to pay back to the government.
This makes the grant an incredibly useful resource when trying to save to buy your first home.
How much is the FHOG?
Every state and territory in Australia offers some form of grant for first home buyers, and as of 1 October 2025, all eligible buyers can access the scheme without needing to wait for a spot. The grant amount varies between states and territories.
Some states offer grants of up to $15,000, which will be of considerable help when saving for your home deposit.
Some states, such as NSW, may also waive stamp duty up to some property price limits. To find out exactly how much you can get in your state, check your state’s revenue office website.
When do you receive the grant?
Funding is usually paid to you once your property has reached settlement, so it’s a good idea to consider how you will use it before you lodge your application.
Recently, a number of state governments have shifted their focus from the grant to the purchase or construction of brand new homes. This may influence your purchasing decision, so do your research early.
Who is eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?
The grant differs from state to state, but basic eligibility criteria remain the same across the country and apply to both you and your spouse or partner entering the property agreement.
To satisfy eligibility for the FOHG:
- You must be a first time buyer in Australia. This applies to both you and your partner or spouse entering the agreement.
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must not have claimed this grant previously.
- You must be over age 18 at the time of the property’s settlement.
- The home that you use the funds to purchase must be a fixed dwelling that is lawfully considered to be used as a place of residence. This includes:
- A new or established house
- Unit or apartment
- Terraced home
- Flat
- Any other type of self-contained dwelling
You will not be eligible to apply for the grant if:
- You have previously applied for and received a FHOG in other states
- You owned a home or other residential property before 1 July 2000
- You have lived in a residential property you owned from 1 July 2000
How to apply for the First Home Owners Grant
Applications can be made through most financial lenders, however, they must be a First Home Owners Grant Approved Agent. Alternatively, applications can be made through your state’s Office of State Revenue.
At least one applicant must use the purchase as a place of residence continuously for at least six months. This must begin within 12 months of the property’s settlement or construction.
There is usually a capped amount of properties you can apply for. Naturally, this can fluctuate substantially across the country, depending on each state’s housing market.
You must support your application with proof of identity and the contract of sale for the property. For more information on the FHOG in the state you’re looking to buy in, head to the federal government portal.
Here’s a general step-by-step of the FHOG application process:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Choose whether you want to apply through an approved lender or state revenue office
- Check property price caps and deadlines
- Put together all required documentation
- Submit your FHOG application
- Settle on property
- Receive payment.
Keep in mind that once you have received the FHOG payment, you must meet the occupancy requirements. Usually, this means living in the property for at least 6 months.
What is the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) and how is it different from the FHOG?
The government also offers the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
The scheme allows you to use some of your eligible voluntary super contributions to help buy your first home. You may also apply under the FHSS Financial Hardship Provision.
One of the biggest FHSS benefits is that you may be able to save for a deposit for your first home faster. First home buyers utilising the scheme can withdraw $15,000 deposited in any one financial year, up to a total of $50,000 per person.
You can also save on tax since you're paying the lower super tax of 15% instead of your usual income tax (which can be as high as 45%). You can use the scheme to buy any residential property in Australia. You’re also allowed to build a new home from your FHSS.
If you want to apply for the FHSS, you can request a FHSS Determination from the ATO by accessing your myGov and linked ATO account> Super> Manage Super> First Home Saver.
FAQs about the First Home Owner Grant
Can I use the FHOG as a deposit?
If you are applying for a FHOG through an accredited lender and are in the process of purchasing a home, you may use the grant as a deposit. If you apply on your own, however, you may not be able to use the grant as a deposit since you have already applied for a loan and settled on the property.
Will my income affect my FHOG eligibility?
The FHOG is not means-tested, so your income will not affect your application or approval – as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Read more first home buyer FAQs here.
Can you use the First Home Owners Grant for land?
You can generally use the FHOG to buy land, as long as you enter a contract to build a house on that land. This is often the case when purchasing a house and land package as a first-time buyer. Specific details, such as price caps, will depend on the state or territory.
Can you get the First Home Owners Grant twice?
No, the FHOG is a one-off grant per eligible person or couple. You cannot receive the FHOG more than once. If your spouse has already received the grant in the past, you will not be eligible.
Are permanent residents eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?
Yes, permanent residents are generally eligible for the FHOG. When applying as a couple, at least one of the parties must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.
Are New Zealand citizens eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?
New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) are eligible for the FHOG. In this case, they are treated the same as permanent residents, as long as they meet all the other eligibility requirements.
Does the First Home Owners Grant apply to apartments?
The FHOG can apply to apartments in certain situations, and primarily new apartments or those purchased off-plan. The specific requirements for apartments will depend on the state or territory you are applying in.
DISCLAIMER - The information provided is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not replace independent business, legal and financial advice which we strongly recommend. Whilst the information is considered true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided. LJ Hooker will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.
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