Financial advice disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker or your state’s revenue office before making any property purchase decision. All dollar amounts are in Australian dollars and reflect publicly available policy as at January 2026.
TL;DR: What You Get in 2026
If you buy your first home in Australia in 2026, you can access a combination of grants, stamp duty savings and deposit schemes that can cut your upfront costs by $10,000 to over $60,000. The three pillars are:
- First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): $10,000 to $30,000 cash lump sum for purchasing or building a new home.
- Stamp duty concessions/exemptions: Full or partial waivers that can save between $10,000 and $40,000 (the exact saving depends on your state and property price).
- Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS): Lets you buy with a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). In 2026, 35,000 places are available under the First Home Guarantee alone.
This guide covers every state and territory’s 2026 rules, updated to reflect the latest thresholds announced by each revenue office and the 2026 property price environment reported by CoreLogic (national dwelling values up 5.2% year-on-year to January 2026).
How Much Is the First Home Owner Grant in 2026? State-by-State Table
The table below shows the maximum FHOG payment, eligible property types and the price cap in each state and territory as at 1 January 2026. Amounts assume you meet the standard eligibility criteria (Australian citizen or permanent resident, 18+, owner-occupier for at least 12 months within the first 12 months of settlement).
| State/Territory | FHOG Amount (2026) | Eligible Property Type | Price Cap (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $10,000 | Newly built home, house and land package, off-the-plan | $750,000 (house & land) / $600,000 (new dwelling) |
| Victoria | $10,000 (metro) / $20,000 (regional) | New build or off-the-plan | $750,000 (metro) / $800,000 (regional) |
| Queensland | $30,000 (or $15,000 after 30 June 2026 for contracts signed after that date) | Newly constructed home, off-the-plan | $750,000 |
| Western Australia | $10,000 | Newly built or substantially renovated home | $750,000 south of 26th parallel, $1,000,000 north |
| South Australia | $15,000 | Newly built or off-the-plan | $650,000 |
| Tasmania | $10,000 | Newly built dwelling or off-the-plan unit | $750,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $10,000 | New or substantially renovated home | No fixed cap (means test applies) |
| Northern Territory | $10,000 | New or established home, or new build | No cap |
Note: Queensland’s FHOG will reduce to $15,000 for eligible transactions signed from 1 July 2026, as confirmed by the Queensland Revenue Office. Regional Victoria’s $20,000 FHOG applies for settlements in regional council areas listed on the State Revenue Office website.
Stamp Duty Concessions: The Biggest First Home Buyer Saving in 2026
Stamp duty (transfer duty) is often the largest upfront cost for buyers. In 2026, most states provide a full exemption below a certain threshold and a sliding concession above it. The median stamp duty saving for a $700,000 first home in Sydney is approximately $30,700, based on the current NSW concession model.
Full stamp duty exemption thresholds (2026)
- NSW: Full exemption for new and existing homes up to $800,000. Concession applies up to $1,000,000.
- Victoria: Full exemption for new dwellings up to $750,000 (duty-free threshold), and concession up to $1,000,000.
- Queensland: Full exemption for homes valued up to $700,000 (this threshold was raised on 9 June 2025 and remains in 2026). Concession up to $900,000.
- WA: Full exemption for properties up to $450,000; concession up to $600,000.
- SA: Full exemption on new homes up to $650,000, sliding scale up to $700,000 (off-the-plan concessions also apply).
- Tasmania: 50% duty concession on established homes up to $600,000; full exemption on newly built homes up to $600,000.
- ACT: No stamp duty for first home buyers earning below $210,000 per year (household) as part of the ongoing transition to land tax.
Q: Can I get both the FHOG and a full stamp duty exemption?
Yes, in every state you can combine both. A typical first home buyer purchasing an off-the-plan apartment in Brisbane for $700,000 in 2026 would receive the $30,000 QLD FHOG and pay $0 stamp duty because the price is at the full exemption threshold.
The Home Guarantee Scheme 2026: Buy With a 5% Deposit
The federal Home Guarantee Scheme is not a grant, but it saves you Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which can cost $10,000–$15,000 on a typical first home loan. In 2026, the government offers 35,000 First Home Guarantee places and 10,000 Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee places each financial year.
2026 key rules
- First Home Guarantee: 5% deposit for eligible first home buyers, no LMI. Price caps are set per state and region. For Sydney and major NSW regional centres the cap is $900,000, Melbourne $800,000, Brisbane $700,000, Perth $600,000.
- Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee: An additional 10,000 places for buyers in regional areas. The price cap is generally the same as the First Home Guarantee cap for that state.
- Family Home Guarantee: 5,000 places for single parents with dependants, allowing a 2% deposit.
Participating lenders must be approved panel members; all major banks and many non-bank lenders participate. Your mortgage broker can assist with a reservation of place.
What’s New in 2026: Policy Changes You Need to Know
Several states have updated price caps and eligibility rules to reflect higher property values. CoreLogic data shows national home values increased by 5.2% in the 12 months to January 2026, prompting most revenue offices to adjust caps at their annual or biennial reviews.
- Queensland FHOG change: From 1 July 2026, the grant drops to $15,000 for contracts signed after that date. This was legislated in the 2024–2025 state budget to encourage buyers to act earlier.
- Victoria’s temporary regional boost: The $20,000 regional FHOG will be reinstated for settlements from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2027, making it the highest grant in Victoria for eligible regional LGAs.
- NSW stamp duty on a sliding scale: The expanded First Home Buyers Assistance scheme (full exemption up to $800,000) continues unchanged, benefiting around 85% of first home buyers in the state, according to NSW Treasury.
- ACT stamp duty phase-down: The ACT continues to replace stamp duty with land tax; first home buyers with an annual household income under $210,000 pay no conveyance duty in 2026.
How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant in 2026
The application process is straightforward but must be lodged correctly to avoid delays. You typically apply through your lender or directly with your state revenue office.
Step-by-step application process
- Check your eligibility: Confirm you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18+, and that you (and your spouse/partner) haven’t previously owned residential property in Australia. You must move in within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least 12 continuous months.
- Confirm the property qualifies: Verify the property is a new build (or qualifies under your state’s specific rule) and is below the price cap for both the FHOG and any stamp duty concession.
- Gather documents: You’ll need your contract of sale, building contract (if house and land), proof of identity (driver’s licence, Medicare card), and evidence of citizenship or permanent residency.
- Lodge the application: Most first home buyers apply through their approved home loan provider at settlement. The bank or broker fills out the FHOG application form and submits it to the revenue office. Alternatively, you can lodge directly via your state’s online portal (e.g., Revenue NSW’s electronic duties platform).
- Receive payment: The grant is usually paid to your nominated bank account at settlement (new dwelling) or at the first progress payment (building a home). Processing times are typically 14–21 days if lodged with a complete application.
Q: How long does FHOG approval take?
Applications lodged through an approved agent (broker or lender) that are complete and error-free are usually processed within 10–15 business days by most state revenue offices. Direct applications may take up to 28 days.
Q: Can I get the FHOG if my partner has owned property before?
You may still be eligible if your spouse has previously owned a home but you have not. However, if they owned property before 1 July 2000 in some states they may be considered a previous owner, which can disqualify you. Check with your state’s revenue office; some provide exceptions for financial hardship or relationship breakdown.
Common Mistakes That Cost First Home Buyers in 2026
- Assuming all lenders process the FHOG the same way. While most major lenders are approved agents, processing speed and documentation requirements differ. Always ask your broker to confirm the lender’s FHOG lodgement process before you commit to a loan.
- Forgetting to account for post-settlement costs. Even with a grant and stamp duty exemption, you still need funds for conveyancing ($1,500–$2,500), building and pest inspections ($400–$800), and loan application fees. Budget at least $5,000 extra.
- Buying an established home in a state that only grants FHOG on new builds. In NSW, Victoria, Queensland and SA the FHOG is strictly for new dwellings. If you buy an existing home you miss out on the cash grant, though you might still qualify for stamp duty waivers.
- Exceeding the price cap by a small margin. A $755,000 property in a state with a $750,000 cap loses the entire FHOG—not a partial amount. Always confirm the cap on the day you sign the contract, and consider negotiating the price or looking at slightly cheaper suburbs.
- Not factoring in the 6-month residency requirement. You must occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement (or completion of construction) and live there for at least 6 continuous months. If you rent it out or sell before then, the grant may need to be repaid with penalties.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to repay the First Home Owner Grant if I sell within the first year?
Yes. If you sell the property or cease to use it as your principal place of residence within the first 12 months, you must repay the full grant amount to the state revenue office, and you may face additional penalties. Some states allow pro-rata repayment if you stay for at least 6 months, but rules vary.
Q: Can temporary residents apply for the FHOG in 2026?
No. The FHOG is available only to Australian citizens and permanent residents. Temporary visa holders (including 482, 491, 485 and bridging visas) do not qualify, though some may be eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme under specific government programs for skilled workers.
Q: Is there a grant for buying an established home in 2026?
Only in the Northern Territory is the $10,000 FHOG available for established homes. However, all states offer stamp duty concessions for first home buyers purchasing an existing property, provided the value is below the state’s concession threshold.
Q: How does the $30,000 QLD FHOG work with the stamp duty exemption?
For contracts signed before 1 July 2026, Queensland first home buyers buying a newly built home at or under $700,000 get the $30,000 FHOG plus a full stamp duty exemption. This combined saving can reach $40,000–$45,000, based on Revenue Queensland’s transfer duty calculator.
References and Data Sources
-
State Revenue Office Victoria – First Home Owner Grant
https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/first-home-owner
Official Victorian government site with current grant amounts, regional FHOG details and price caps as at 2026. -
Revenue NSW – First Home Buyers Assistance scheme
https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyers
Authoritative source for NSW stamp duty concessions, FHOG thresholds and eligibility criteria. -
Queensland Revenue Office – First Home Owner Grant
https://qro.qld.gov.au/first-home-owner-grant/
QLD government page detailing the $30,000 grant, future reduction to $15,000 and combined stamp duty exemption rules. -
Housing Australia – Home Guarantee Scheme 2025–26
https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/
Federal government site that administers the First Home Guarantee, Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee and Family Home Guarantee, including property price caps for 2026. -
CoreLogic Australia – January 2026 Home Value Index
https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/home-value-index
Independent property data provider showing national and state-level home value changes that underpin 2026 price cap adjustments.