Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee — Eligibility and How It Works (2026)
The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG) is a variant of the First Home Guarantee that applies specifically to buyers purchasing in regional Australia. Like the FHBG, it allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a minimum 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
The key additional requirement is that applicants must have lived in the regional area they’re buying in for at least 12 months prior to their application.
Key Facts (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | 5% of purchase price |
| LMI payable | No |
| Income cap — single | $125,000 gross taxable income |
| Income cap — joint | $200,000 combined |
| Annual places | 10,000 |
| Regional residency requirement | 12 months preceding application |
| Eligible buyers | First home buyers only |
| Administered by | Housing Australia |
What Counts as “Regional”?
Regional areas are defined as locations outside of state or territory capital cities and some major urban centres. The full postcode list is available on the Housing Australia website and is updated periodically.
As a general guide:
- Regional NSW: Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast and areas outside Sydney metropolitan area
- Regional VIC: Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, regional towns outside Melbourne
- Regional QLD: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville and all areas outside Brisbane metro
- Regional WA: Perth’s outer fringe and all areas outside Perth metro
- Regional SA: Adelaide Hills, regional towns outside Adelaide metro
- TAS, NT: Broadly regional given small capital city footprints
Note: Newcastle, Wollongong, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are classified as regional for this scheme despite being large cities.
Property Price Caps (2026)
| State / Territory | RFHBG Property Cap |
|---|---|
| NSW (regional) | $750,000 |
| VIC (regional) | $650,000 |
| QLD (regional) | $550,000 |
| WA (regional) | $450,000 |
| SA (regional) | $450,000 |
| TAS | $450,000 |
| NT | $600,000 |
| ACT | Not applicable |
Regional caps are generally lower than capital city caps under the FHBG. If you’re buying in a regional capital city centre, double-check whether the capital city FHBG cap or regional RFHBG cap applies.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the RFHBG, you must meet all of the following:
- First home buyer — you must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
- Income test — $125,000 (single) or $200,000 combined (joint)
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- 18 years or older
- 12-month regional residency — you must have lived in the regional area where the property is located (or an adjacent area) for at least the 12 months immediately before submitting your application
- Principal place of residence — you must intend to live in the property
The 12-month residency requirement is the key distinction from the FHBG. Evidence of residency (lease agreements, electoral roll enrolment, utility bills) will be required.
RFHBG vs FHBG — Which Should You Use?
| Situation | Recommended Scheme |
|---|---|
| Buying in a capital city | First Home Guarantee (FHBG) |
| Buying in a regional area, lived there 12+ months | Regional FHBG (RFHBG) |
| Buying in a regional area, lived there less than 12 months | First Home Guarantee (FHBG) |
| FHBG places exhausted, regional buyer | Check RFHBG place availability |
RFHBG places (10,000 per year) are separate from FHBG places (35,000 per year). In years when FHBG places fill quickly, regional buyers who qualify for the RFHBG may have better luck accessing a scheme place.
How to Apply
- Confirm your postcode qualifies as regional via the Housing Australia website
- Gather evidence of 12-month regional residency
- Apply through a participating lender (same panel as FHBG)
- The lender reserves a guarantee place with Housing Australia
- Purchase your property within the reservation window (typically 90 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to still live in the regional area when I buy? You must have lived in the regional area for the 12 months preceding your application. You don’t necessarily need to still be living there at the time of purchase, but you must intend to occupy the purchased property as your principal place of residence.
Can I use the RFHBG to buy an investment property in a regional area? No. Like all Home Guarantee Scheme products, the RFHBG requires you to occupy the property as your principal place of residence.
Is the Sunshine Coast considered regional for the RFHBG? Yes. The Sunshine Coast (QLD) is classified as regional under the RFHBG, making it eligible under the scheme with the Queensland regional price cap of $550,000.
Can I use the RFHBG if I’ve recently moved to a regional area? Not immediately. You must have 12 months of regional residency before applying. If you’ve recently moved, you can apply under the standard First Home Guarantee (FHBG) in the meantime.
Related Guides
- First Home Guarantee (FHBG) Explained
- Home Guarantee Scheme — All Three Guarantees
- First Home Buyer 5% Deposit Options
- First Home Buyer Hub
This article provides general information only. Eligibility criteria and price caps are set by the Australian Government and may change. Verify current postcode lists and scheme details at housingaustralia.gov.au. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed mortgage broker or financial adviser. Find one through MoneySmart.