First Home Owner Grant Calculator 2025 – Australia FHOG Updated Feb 2026
Calculate Your First Home Owner Grant
Find out how much FHOG you're eligible for in your state or territory.
Calculate FHOGThe First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a national scheme funded by the Australian states and territories to help first home buyers purchase their first home. Available since 2000, the FHOG provides a one-time payment to eligible first home buyers to offset the costs of buying or building a new home. Our First Home Owner Grant calculator helps you determine your eligibility and calculate the grant amount available in your state or territory.
Key Takeaways
- Grant amounts vary by state: $10,000 to $30,000 depending on location
- Must be a new home: FHOG generally applies to new builds or substantially renovated homes
- Principal place of residence: You must live in the home for at least 6-12 months
- First home only: Neither you nor your partner can have owned property before
- Can be combined: With stamp duty concessions and other incentives
What Is the First Home Owner Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant scheme was introduced on 1 July 2000 to offset the impact of the GST on home ownership. While it's a national scheme, each state and territory administers and funds its own program, leading to variations in grant amounts and eligibility criteria.
Key Features
- One-time payment: Paid once per eligible first home buyer
- Not means-tested: No income limits in most states
- Not taxed: The grant is not considered taxable income
- Can be used for deposit: Often used toward your down payment
Critical: "New Homes Only" Rule
In most states (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA), the cash grant is strictly for newly built homes.
If you buy an existing/established home, you get $0 grant. The only exception is the Northern Territory.
The Price Cap Trap
Every state has a strict price limit (e.g., $750,000 in NSW). If your property value is even $1 over the limit, you lose the ENTIRE grant.
Be very careful with builder upgrades that might push your contract price over the cap.
Residency Jail Time? (Clawback)
You MUST live in the home for at least 6-12 continuous months within the first year.
If you rent it out immediately or move out early, the government will demand the money back (Clawback) plus potential fines and interest.
The Real Money: Stamp Duty
The Grant might only be $10,000, but the Stamp Duty Exemption can be worth $30,000+.
Unlike the Grant, Stamp Duty concessions often apply to BOTH new and existing homes (depending on the state). Don't ignore this huge saving.
First Home Owner Grant by State (2024-25)
| State/Territory | FHOG Amount | New Home Requirement | Price Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $10,000 | New home only | $750,000 |
| Victoria | $10,000 | New home only | $750,000 (regional: $950,000) |
| Queensland | $30,000 | New home only | $750,000 |
| Western Australia | $10,000 | New or substantially renovated | $750,000 (south) / $1,000,000 (north) |
| South Australia | $15,000 | New home only | $650,000 |
| Tasmania | $30,000 | New home only | $750,000 |
| ACT | $0 | No FHOG (see Home Buyer Concession) | N/A |
| Northern Territory | $10,000 | New or existing home | No cap |
Note: ACT Does Not Offer FHOG
The Australian Capital Territory phased out the FHOG and replaced it with the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which provides stamp duty concessions instead of a cash grant.
FHOG Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant, you must meet these general criteria (specifics vary by state):
- First home buyer: Neither you nor your spouse/partner can have owned residential property in Australia
- Australian citizen or permanent resident: At least one applicant must be citizen or PR
- Natural persons: Companies and trusts cannot apply
- Over 18: All applicants must be 18 or older
- Live in the home: Must be your principal place of residence for at least 6-12 continuous months
- Contract date: Contract must be dated on or after the scheme commencement date
Using Our FHOG Calculator
Our calculator helps you determine your eligibility and grant amount:
- Select your state or territory
- Enter property purchase price
- Confirm it's a new home or building contract
- Verify you meet first home buyer criteria
- Calculate your grant amount and other incentives
Other First Home Buyer Incentives
Combine FHOG with these other programs:
- Stamp Duty Concessions: Most states offer reduced or waived stamp duty for first home buyers
- Home Builder Grant: Additional grants for building new homes (varies by state)
- First Home Loan Deposit Scheme: Buy with just 5% deposit without LMI
- First Home Super Saver Scheme: Use superannuation savings for deposit
- Shared Equity Schemes: Government co-ownership programs
How to Apply for FHOG
Application processes vary by state but generally:
- Complete the approved FHOG application form for your state
- Provide supporting documents (ID, contract, citizenship proof)
- Submit through your lender (if applicable) or directly to revenue office
- Receive payment at settlement (for established homes) or at specified construction stages (for builds)
First Home Buyer Grants & Incentives Around the World
Australia's First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is one of the most straightforward first home buyer cash grants globally. Many countries offer similar support, though the form varies — from direct cash grants to government-backed loan guarantees, shared equity, and tax incentives.
| Country | Program | Max Grant / Benefit Value | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (FHOG) | First Home Owner Grant — state-administered; First Home Guarantee (FHBG); regional and state stamp duty exemptions | Up to AUD $30,000 (QLD, TAS for new builds); $10,000–15,000 in most other states; FHBG: LMI savings ~AUD $20,000–30,000 | Must be Australian citizen or PR; new or substantially renovated homes only (mostly); price caps vary by state; must occupy as principal place of residence for minimum 12 months; income test in some states; stamp duty exemption/concession separate (can save up to AUD $40,000+) |
| New Zealand (First Home Grant / KiwiSaver) | First Home Grant — Kainga Ora (Housing NZ); First Home Loan (Kaenga Ora backed 5% deposit); KiwiSaver first home withdrawal | Up to NZD $10,000 (new build), NZD $5,000 (existing home) for couple; First Home Loan LMI savings ~NZD $5,000–10,000 | KiwiSaver member for 3+ years; income caps NZD $95,000 single / $150,000 joint; price caps by region (Auckland NZD $875,000 for existing); must be first-time buyer; property must be used as main home; First Home Grant being phased out — check Kainga Ora website for current status |
| United Kingdom (First Homes) | First Homes scheme — Ministry of Housing; Lifetime ISA (25% government bonus); Shared Ownership | First Homes: 30–50% discount on new build (value varies); LISA: up to £3,000/year bonus (max £33,000 lifetime) | First Homes: local connection/key worker priority; discount preserved on resale; property price cap £420,000 after discount (London higher); LISA: 25% bonus on max £4,000/year savings; 1% charge to Lifetime ISA penalty if withdrawn for non-home non-retirement purpose; Help to Buy Equity Loan (closed 2023) |
| Canada (Federal & Provincial) | First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit (—15% on $10,000 = $1,500 refund); GST/HST New Housing Rebate; Provincial programs (e.g., Ontario LAND TRANSFER tax rebate up to CAD $4,000) | Federal: CAD $1,500 tax credit; GST/HST rebate up to CAD $6,300; Ontario LTT rebate up to CAD $4,000; FHSA for savings (separate) | First-time buyer (not owned home in current or preceding 4 years); FHBTC available from federal return; GST/HST rebate on new construction homes under $450,000; provincial rebates vary; RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: withdraw up to CAD $35,000 tax-free from RRSP for first home (must repay over 15 years) |
| United States (State Programs) | No federal first-home grant; HUD-funded Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); state Housing Finance Agency (HFA) programs; DOWN PAYMENT assistance grants | Varies widely by state: $5,000–25,000 down payment assistance (forgivable grants or loans); some states offer 0% second mortgages up to 5% of purchase price | Income eligibility (typically 80–120% of Area Median Income); primary residence only; may require homebuyer education course; some programs for specific professions (teachers, police, firefighters); FHA 3.5% down loan remains primary tool; Section 8 Homeownership Voucher Program in some areas |
| Singapore (CPF Housing Grant) | Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG); Family Grant; Singles Grant — all for HDB (Housing Development Board) flat purchases only | EHG: up to SGD $80,000 (families); SGD $40,000 (singles); Family Grant: up to SGD $50,000 for new HDB; Singles Grant: up to SGD $25,000 | Singapore Citizens; income ceiling SGD $9,000/month (family) for EHG; must buy HDB BTO or resale flat as first-time buyer; must occupy flat for 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP); private property not eligible for CPF housing grants; CPF OA savings also usable for downpayment and monthly instalments |
Grant amounts, eligibility rules, and program availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government housing agencies in your country (e.g., state revenue offices in Australia, Kainga Ora in NZ, HMRC in UK, CRA in Canada).
Frequently Asked Questions
FHOG amounts vary by state: Queensland and Tasmania offer $30,000; South Australia $15,000; NSW, Victoria, WA, and NT offer $10,000; ACT does not offer FHOG.
Generally no. FHOG is only available for new homes or substantially renovated homes. The Northern Territory is the exception, allowing FHOG for existing homes.
No, the First Home Owner Grant is not taxable income and you don't need to declare it on your tax return.
Yes, the FHOG can be used toward your deposit. It's typically paid at settlement or during construction and can form part of your down payment.
Most states have price caps ranging from $650,000 to $1,000,000. If your property exceeds the cap, you won't be eligible for FHOG. Check your state's specific cap.
No, only one FHOG is available per eligible transaction. A couple purchasing together can only receive one grant between them.
Most states require you to live in the home as your principal residence for at least 6-12 continuous months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion.
If you sell before meeting the residency requirement (typically 6-12 months), you may have to repay the grant. Contact your state revenue office for specific requirements.
For new builds, payments are typically made in stages during construction. For buying established properties, it's usually paid at settlement. Processing time varies by state.
No, the requirement is that neither you nor your partner have owned residential property anywhere in Australia. Overseas property ownership does not disqualify you.
A substantially renovated home is one where most or all of the original structure has been removed or replaced. Specific definitions vary by state, but generally involves major structural changes.
Yes, at least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Some states require all applicants to meet this criterion.
No, FHOG requires a dwelling to be built on the land. However, some states offer separate grants for vacant land purchases combined with building contracts.
No, FHOG requires the property to be your principal place of residence for at least 6-12 months. Investment properties do not qualify.
You can combine FHOG with stamp duty concessions, First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, and First Home Super Saver Scheme in most states. These programs stack to provide maximum assistance.
About This Calculator
Created by: CalculatorZone Financial Team
Last Updated: February 20, 2026
This calculator uses FHOG rates and requirements from Australian state and territory revenue offices for 2024-25. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria change periodically. Always verify current information with your state revenue office before making decisions.
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