First Home Buyer Grant

If you are looking to buy your first home, you may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant ("FHOG").       

The FHOG was introduced by the Federal Government to assist home buyers offset the effects of GST when buying their first home. It is a national scheme funded by the States and Territories and administered under their own legislation.        

The Grant

• Comprises a one-off payment of $7,000 (In addition, some States and Territories also offer other grants and benefits for first home buyers)
• Is not means tested, and there's no upper limit on the value of the property purchase
• Is available to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria

Boost for First Home Buyers

The Australian Government announced in the 2009/2010 Federal Budget that the First Home Owner Boost will be extended until the 30 September 2009 (it was originally due to end on 30 June 2009) and be phased out by the 31 December 2009. The amount receivable under the Boost scheme depends on when the contracts to purchase were entered into:

For eligible contracts entered into between the 14 October 2008 and 30 September 2009:

• First home buyers who purchase established homes an additional $7,000 on top of the first home buyer grant will be receivable, taking the total grant to $14,000
• First home buyers who build a new home or purchase a newly constructed home will receive an additional $14,000 on top of the first home buyer grant, taking the total grant to $21,000.

For eligible contracts enetered into between the 1 October 2009 and 31 December 2009:

• First home buyers who purchase established homes an additional $3,500 on top of the first home buyer grant will be receivable, taking the total grant to $10,500
• First home buyers who build a new home or purchase a newly constructed home will receive an additional $7,000 on top of the first home buyer grant, taking the total grant to $14,000

Who can apply for the grant?

You may be eligible if:

• Neither you nor your spouse/de facto has previously received the grant.
• Neither you nor your spouse/de facto have ever owned a residential property, either jointly or with any other person, before 1 July 2000.
• Neither you nor your spouse/de facto has ever owned and occupied a residential property, either jointly or with any other person, after 1 July 2000.
• Each applicant is a natural person (i.e. not a company or trust).
• At least one of the applicants is a permanent resident or citizen of Australia.
• At least one applicant must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least six months.
• You meet the minimum age requirements introduced by the States and Territories.

What type of property is eligible?

Properties that are being built, or properties that are new or established, may be eligible. The property can be a house, unit, flat or any other type of self-contained, fixed dwelling that meets local planning standards.       

When is the grant paid?

If the grant application is lodged with an approved agent (e.g. your bank), payment will be made:

• At settlement (for the purchase of an existing dwelling)
• First progress payment (for a contract to build)
• On acceptance of a Certificate of Occupancy (if you're an owner/builder)

If the grant application is lodged by you directly with the State or Territory revenue office:

• After settlement 14 days after lodging your application with your state or territory revenues office (for the purchase of an existing dwelling)
• Once a Certificate of Occupancy is issued 14 days after lodging your application with your state or territory revenues office (for a contract to build or an owner-builder)
• Following production of evidence that final inspection occurred (Terms contract)

Where can I find out more information?

Visit our first home buyer grants and concessions page for a comprehensive overview of the first home buyer grants and concessions available in all states and territories, or click on the links below to view what's available in your state or territory: