FHSS vs FHOG — First Home Super Saver vs First Home Owner Grant
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Contents
The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme and the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) are both designed to help Australians buy their first home — but they work very differently. Here’s how to understand each and how they can work together.
At a Glance
| Feature | FHSS | FHOG |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A savings strategy using your super | A one-off government cash grant |
| Who administers it | Australian Taxation Office (federal) | State/territory revenue offices |
| How much | Up to $50,000 per person | $10,000–$30,000 depending on state |
| When you receive it | At purchase settlement | At settlement (established) or first drawdown (new builds) |
| Property type | Any residential property | New builds or substantially renovated homes (most states) |
| Linked to savings/contributions | Yes — must contribute voluntarily | No — one-off grant, no savings required |
| Income test | None | None |
| Price cap | None | Varies by state (typically $600,000–$750,000) |
| Can be combined | Yes — both can apply to the same purchase | Yes — can be combined with FHSS |
How the FHSS Works (Brief)
The FHSS allows you to make voluntary super contributions (up to $15,000/year, $50,000 total) and later withdraw them with associated earnings for a first home deposit. The tax advantage of the super system means you save more than you would in a bank account.
See FHSS Eligibility and FHSS Contribution Strategy for details.
How the FHOG Works (Brief)
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off cash payment made by state and territory governments to eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home or substantially renovated home. Grant amounts vary by state:
| State/Territory | FHOG amount (approximate, check current rates) |
|---|---|
| NSW | $10,000 (new homes only) |
| VIC | $10,000 (regional VIC: $20,000) |
| QLD | $30,000 (FY2024–25, for new builds) |
| WA | $10,000 |
| SA | $15,000 |
| TAS | $30,000 |
| ACT | Grant replaced by other first home buyer assistance |
| NT | $10,000 |
Note: FHOG amounts and conditions change — verify with your state revenue office before applying.
Key Differences
Purpose:
- FHSS: Helps you save more efficiently — the benefit comes from tax savings over time
- FHOG: Provides a lump sum grant at purchase — no prior saving required
Eligibility:
- Both require you to be a first home buyer who has never owned Australian property
- FHSS is available for established and new properties; the FHOG is generally limited to new builds (in most states)
Timing:
- FHSS: You must plan ahead and contribute for at least 1 financial year before accessing
- FHOG: Applied for at settlement — no prior planning required (other than not having owned property)
Can You Use Both?
Yes — you can combine FHSS and FHOG for the same purchase, provided you meet both schemes’ eligibility requirements. Using both together potentially provides:
- FHSS: Up to $50,000 (per person, from voluntary contributions + earnings)
- FHOG: $10,000–$30,000 (one-off grant)
- Combined for a couple: Up to $130,000 in first home assistance (before any stamp duty concessions)
Stamp Duty Concessions (Separate Again)
In addition to FHSS and FHOG, most states offer stamp duty concessions or exemptions for first home buyers. These are entirely separate schemes and can be stacked with both FHSS and FHOG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using FHSS affect my eligibility for the FHOG? No — the two schemes are completely separate. Using the FHSS does not disqualify you from the FHOG, and applying for the FHOG does not affect your FHSS eligibility. Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria administered by different government bodies (ATO for FHSS; state/territory revenue offices for FHOG).
Can the FHOG be used as the 2% deposit for Help to Buy? The FHOG is a grant that arrives at settlement — it cannot typically be used as the deposit you need to show before settlement. Most lenders require evidence of genuine savings for at least part of the deposit. Check with your specific lender regarding how they treat the FHOG in the deposit calculation.
Is the FHOG taxable income? No — the First Home Owner Grant is not taxable income and does not need to be included in your tax return. The FHSS release, by contrast, is partly assessable income (the concessional component).
The FHOG in my state only applies to new builds. Can I still use FHSS for an existing property? Yes — the FHSS has no restriction on new vs established properties. If you buy an established home, you can still use FHSS (and will receive the tax benefit), but you would not be eligible for the FHOG in states where it only covers new builds. The two schemes are independent.
Do I apply for FHOG and FHSS at the same time? No — the processes are separate. The FHSS determination and release application go through the ATO via myGov. The FHOG application goes through your state/territory revenue office, usually lodged through your solicitor or conveyancer at settlement. The timelines are different — start the FHSS process earlier (months before settlement); the FHOG is typically lodged much closer to settlement.
I’m buying with someone who previously owned a property. Can I still get the FHOG? FHOG eligibility rules on joint applicants vary by state — in most states, all buyers on the title must be first home owners for the full grant to apply. If your co-buyer has previously owned, you may be ineligible for the FHOG entirely, or eligible for only a partial grant depending on the state. Check your state revenue office’s rules directly.
For more: FHSS Eligibility, FHSS How to Apply, FHSS vs Help to Buy, FHSS FAQ. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.