First Home Buyer Grants and Concessions by State Australia (2026)
First home buyers in Australia have access to a layered system of grants, stamp duty concessions and loan guarantee schemes. The total value of available assistance varies significantly by state — from around $10,000 in Victoria to potentially $50,000+ in Queensland when all programs are combined.
This guide summarises what is available in each state and territory as at 2026.
Federal Schemes — Available Across All States
These schemes apply regardless of your state:
| Scheme | Benefit | Income Cap | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Guarantee (FHBG) | No LMI on 5% deposit | $125k (single) / $200k (joint) | 5% |
| Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG) | No LMI in regional areas | $125k (single) / $200k (joint) | 5% |
| Family Home Guarantee (FHG) | No LMI on 2% deposit — single parents | $125k | 2% |
| Help to Buy | Shared equity up to 40% | $90k (single) / $120k (joint) | 2% |
| FHSS Scheme | Tax-efficient deposit saving via super | No cap (contributions limited to $15k/yr, $50k total) | N/A (supplements deposit) |
New South Wales
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $10,000 | New builds only | Contract price ≤$600k for new homes |
| Stamp duty exemption | Full exemption | Purchases ≤$800,000 | All property types |
| Stamp duty concession | Partial | Purchases $800,001–$1,000,000 | Sliding scale |
| First Home Buyer Choice | Annual land tax option | Purchases ≤$1,500,000 | Alternative to upfront stamp duty — check current status |
Maximum combined value (new build, $600k, FHBG): FHOG $10,000 + stamp duty saving ~$22,490 (approx.) = ~$32,490 in direct savings, plus LMI saving.
Victoria
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $10,000 | New builds only (metro) | Contract price threshold applies |
| First Home Owner Grant (regional) | $20,000 | Regional VIC new builds | — |
| Stamp duty exemption | Full exemption | Purchases ≤$600,000 | All property types |
| Stamp duty concession | Partial | Purchases $600,001–$750,000 | Sliding scale |
Maximum combined value (regional new build, $550k): FHOG $20,000 + stamp duty saving ~$22,000 = ~$42,000, plus LMI saving via FHBG.
Queensland
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $30,000 | New builds only | Contract price ≤$750,000 |
| Stamp duty concession | Partial concession (not full exemption) | New builds and established homes — varying thresholds | Home concession rate significantly lower than standard rate |
Maximum combined value (new build, $700k, FHBG): FHOG $30,000 + stamp duty concession value (~$15,000+) = ~$45,000+, plus LMI saving.
Queensland’s $30,000 FHOG is the highest in Australia and makes new builds in QLD particularly attractive for first home buyers.
Western Australia
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $10,000 | New builds only | — |
| Stamp duty exemption | Full exemption | Purchases ≤$430,000 | All property types |
| Stamp duty concession | Partial | Purchases $430,001–$530,000 | Sliding scale |
| Keystart low deposit loans | — | WA residents | State government low-deposit loans; income caps apply |
South Australia
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $15,000 | New builds only | — |
| Stamp duty concession | Limited — off-the-plan only | Select new builds | No general FHB stamp duty exemption |
SA’s $15,000 FHOG for new builds is the second-highest nationally. However, the absence of a general stamp duty exemption means total savings are lower compared to NSW, VIC and WA.
Tasmania
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $10,000 | New and established homes | One of few states offering FHOG on established properties |
| Stamp duty concession | 50% off standard rate | First home buyers | No full exemption — 50% reduction applies |
Tasmania’s FHOG on established properties is notable — most other states restrict the FHOG to new builds.
Australian Capital Territory
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant | None | N/A | ACT does not offer FHOG |
| Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS) | Full stamp duty exemption (income-tested) | Income under threshold | ACT’s land tax transition means stamp duty is being phased out |
The ACT does not offer a FHOG but the income-tested Home Buyer Concession Scheme can provide substantial stamp duty relief.
Northern Territory
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | $10,000 | New builds only | — |
| Territory Home Owner Discount | Full exemption | Purchases ≤$500,000 | Property within NT; must intend to occupy |
Comparing Total Available Assistance by State
| State | FHOG | Max Stamp Duty Saving | Total Maximum Available (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | $30,000 | ~$15,000+ (concession) | ~$45,000+ |
| VIC (regional) | $20,000 | ~$31,000 | ~$51,000 |
| NSW | $10,000 | ~$31,500 | ~$41,500 |
| SA | $15,000 | Limited | ~$15,000–$20,000 |
| WA | $10,000 | ~$14,440 | ~$24,440 |
| TAS | $10,000 | ~50% of duty | ~$17,000 |
| NT | $10,000 | ~$20,000+ | ~$30,000+ |
| ACT | Nil | Income-tested | Variable |
Figures are illustrative — actual savings depend on purchase price and individual eligibility. Always verify with the relevant state revenue office.
How to Claim Grants and Concessions
Most FHOG applications are lodged through your lender at settlement. Your solicitor/conveyancer handles stamp duty concession applications as part of the conveyancing process. Federal scheme applications (FHBG, RFHBG, FHG) are made through participating lenders.
Related Guides
- First Home Owner Grant by State — Full Guide
- First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemptions
- First Home Guarantee Explained
- Government Home Buying Schemes — Complete Guide
- First Home Buyer Hub
This article provides general information only. Grant amounts, eligibility criteria and concession thresholds are set by state/territory governments and the Commonwealth and are subject to change. Always verify current amounts with the relevant authority. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed mortgage broker or financial adviser. Find one through MoneySmart.
Disclosure: This article contains general comparisons of government schemes. Peakifi does not receive commissions from any government body or scheme administrator.