First Home Owner Grant Calculator

First Home Owner Grant Calculator — Australia FHOG Guide Updated Mar 2026

What Is the First Home Owner Grant?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-time cash payment from the Australian state or territory government to help you buy or build your first home. The grant was introduced on 1 July 2000 to help offset the effect of the GST on home ownership. Each state and territory runs its own version of the scheme, so the amount you get and the rules you must follow depend on where you buy.

According to the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), first home buyers made up around 29% of all owner-occupier mortgage commitments in recent years. The FHOG has helped hundreds of thousands of Australians get into the property market since its launch. Over 1.3 million grants have been paid since 2000.

The grant is not means-tested in most states — meaning there is no income limit to qualify. However, there are strict rules about the type of property, its price, and how you use it. You can use our FHOG calculator to check eligibility and see how much you may receive in your state.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Started: 1 July 2000 (nationally)
• Who pays it: Your state or territory government
• How much: $10,000 to $30,000 depending on state
• Is it taxable: No — not considered income
• Is it a loan: No — it is a grant you keep (if you meet conditions)
• How many times: Once per eligible applicant or couple
• For new homes: Generally yes — most states require a new home

How to Use This First Home Owner Grant Calculator

Our FHOG calculator gives you a quick eligibility check and an estimate of the grant amount available in your Australian state or territory. Here is how to use it step by step:

1. Step 1: Select your state or territory — Choose from NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, or NT. Each state has different rules and amounts.
2. Step 2: Enter the property price — For land-and-build contracts, use the total contract amount (land plus build cost combined).
3. Step 3: Choose the home type — Select whether it is a new home, a home you are building, or a substantially renovated home. Existing established homes do not qualify in most states.
4. Step 4: Confirm first home buyer status — Answer whether you or your partner have ever owned residential property anywhere in Australia.
5. Step 5: Check residency — Confirm you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
6. Step 6: View your results — The calculator shows your FHOG amount, whether your property is within the price cap, and the stamp duty concessions available in your state.
7. Step 7: Plan your budget — Use the result with our Australian mortgage calculator to work out total home buying costs.

FHOG Amounts by State and Territory (2025-26)

The First Home Owner Grant amount is different in every Australian state and territory. The table below shows the current grant amounts, property type rules, and price caps as of 2025-26. Always confirm the latest figures with your state revenue office before applying.

Why Queensland Offers $30,000 and NSW Only $10,000

Each state government sets its own FHOG amount independently. Queensland raised its grant to $30,000 to stimulate new home construction and attract first home buyers to the market. NSW maintains $10,000 but compensates with a generous stamp duty exemption on homes up to $800,000, worth up to $31,335. When comparing states, always look at the combined FHOG plus stamp duty saving together — not just the cash grant alone.

Victoria Regional Bonus

Victoria offers a higher price cap for regional purchases — $950,000 compared to $750,000 for metro Melbourne. This applies to properties outside Melbourne's established suburbs. If you are considering a move to regional Victoria, this higher cap gives you more purchasing options while still qualifying for the $10,000 grant.

Who Can Get the First Home Owner Grant?

To receive the FHOG, you must meet a set of core eligibility conditions. These apply in all states, though specific rules differ by location. Meeting all conditions is required — there are no partial grants for partial compliance.

Core Eligibility Conditions

• First home only: Neither you nor anyone you are buying with can have owned residential property anywhere in Australia before, as an owner or part-owner. Investment properties count. Overseas property does not disqualify you.
• Australian citizen or permanent resident: At least one applicant must hold citizenship or permanent residency. Temporary visa holders generally cannot apply.
• Natural persons only: You must apply as an individual or couple. Trusts and companies cannot receive the FHOG.
• 18 years or older: All applicants must be adults.
• New home: In most states, the property must be a newly built home, an off-the-plan apartment, or a home you are contracting to build. The Northern Territory allows existing homes.
• Within the price cap: The total contract price must be at or below your state's limit.
• Principal place of residence: You must move into the home within 12 months of settlement or construction completion and live there for the required period.

What Disqualifies You?

• You or your partner previously owned any residential property in Australia
• You previously received the FHOG anywhere in Australia
• The property is an existing established home (in most states)
• The property price is over the state cap
• You plan to use it purely as an investment property
• You are applying through a trust or company

FHOG vs Other First Home Buyer Schemes

The FHOG is just one of several programs available to first home buyers in Australia. Understanding how they work together — and how they differ — helps you maximise your total savings.

The best approach is to stack as many schemes as possible. A first home buyer in Queensland building a new home priced at $700,000 could receive: $30,000 FHOG cash + full stamp duty exemption (~$21,850) + First Home Guarantee (no LMI, saving ~$22,000) = total savings of around $73,850. Use our down payment calculator to plan your deposit strategy with all schemes included.

When to Use Each Scheme

• FHOG: Any eligible first home buyer buying or building a new home — claim this as a priority
• Stamp Duty Exemption: Usually automatic when you buy — check your state's rules for new vs existing homes
• First Home Guarantee: If you have only a 5% deposit and want to avoid LMI — use a participating lender
• FHSS Scheme: If you are still saving — start contributing to super now to access it tax-effectively later
• Help to Buy: If you have a lower income and cannot afford repayments alone — check current availability

Total First Home Buyer Savings by State

The table below shows the total possible savings when you combine the FHOG cash grant with the maximum stamp duty concession in each state. Figures assume a purchase at close to the maximum price cap for each state. Your actual savings will depend on the purchase price and full eligibility check.

First Home Buyer Grants Around the World

Australia's FHOG is one of the most accessible first home buyer cash grants in the world. Many countries offer similar help — from direct payments to tax credits, shared equity, and loan guarantees. Here is how the key programs compare.

United Kingdom

The UK replaced the Help to Buy Equity Loan (closed 2023) with the First Homes scheme, which offers a 30% to 50% discount on the market price of a new-build home for eligible buyers. The discount is locked in and passed on when the property is resold. The Lifetime ISA (LISA) adds a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 per year of savings — worth up to £33,000 over a lifetime of saving toward a first home. According to HM Revenue and Customs, the LISA property price limit is £450,000 as of 2024. The UK has no direct cash grant equivalent to Australia's FHOG.

Canada

Canada offers several federal tools for first home buyers. The First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit gives a 15% non-refundable credit on up to CAD $10,000 of buying costs — worth roughly CAD $1,500 on your tax return. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA), introduced in 2023, allows contributions of up to CAD $8,000 per year (CAD $40,000 lifetime) with full tax deductibility. The Home Buyers' Plan allows you to withdraw up to CAD $35,000 tax-free from your RRSP for a first home. According to the Canada Revenue Agency, first home buyers can use the FHSA and Home Buyers' Plan together in the same year, potentially giving over $75,000 for a deposit.

New Zealand

New Zealand's First Home Grant through Kainga Ora provides up to NZD $10,000 for new builds per eligible first buyer. You must have contributed to KiwiSaver for at least three years and meet income caps (NZD $95,000 single, NZD $150,000 joint). The First Home Loan scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit. Note: The First Home Grant was under review as of 2025 — check the Kainga Ora website for the latest status.

United States

The US has no federal first home buyer cash grant. Support comes through state Housing Finance Agency (HFA) programs offering down payment assistance ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the location. According to HUD, Community Development Block Grants fund local programs in many cities. The FHA loan allows purchases with a 3.5% deposit. Income eligibility (typically 80-120% of Area Median Income) applies to most state programs.

India

India's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme provides interest subsidies on home loans for low and middle-income buyers, with benefits worth up to INR 2.67 lakh (approximately AUD $4,800) for eligible first home buyers. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the PMAY has benefited over 11.8 million households since 2015.

Common FHOG Mistakes to Avoid

Many first home buyers miss out on part or all of their FHOG because of avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes and what each one can cost you.

Mistake 1: Buying an Existing Home and Expecting the Cash Grant

In NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, and SA, the FHOG cash payment is only for new homes. Buying an established property means you receive $0 grant in most states. The Northern Territory is the only exception. Cost: Up to $30,000 in lost grant money.

Mistake 2: Going Over the Price Cap

If your final contract price — including builder upgrades, site costs, or additions — exceeds your state's price cap even by a small amount, you lose the entire grant. A Queensland buyer who adds a $5,000 fence upgrade to a $748,000 house-and-land package, pushing it to $753,000, would lose the entire $30,000 FHOG. Cost: Up to $30,000.

Mistake 3: Not Applying Before Settlement

In most states, the FHOG must be applied for before or during the settlement process. Missing the application window can delay your payment and create cash flow problems, especially during construction. Ask your lender or broker whether they will lodge the application on your behalf. Cost: Delays of weeks; potential cash flow problems at settlement.

Mistake 4: Moving Out Too Early

If you receive the FHOG and then leave the property before completing the minimum residency period (6 to 12 months depending on state), the government can demand the grant back — with interest and penalties in some states. Renting out rooms is generally allowed, but renting the entire property out is not. Cost: Full grant repayment plus potential fines.

Mistake 5: Ignoring the Stamp Duty Concession

Many first home buyers claim the FHOG but do not check stamp duty concessions. These are separate from the grant and can be worth more money. In NSW, first home buyers buying under $800,000 may pay zero stamp duty — saving up to $31,335. Cost of missing this: Up to $40,000+ in avoidable stamp duty.

Mistake 6: Not Checking Both Partners' Property History

If one partner has previously owned property in Australia — even an investment property from years ago — neither partner qualifies for the FHOG. Both buyers must meet the first home requirement. Cost: Losing the entire grant amount.

Tax and Legal Considerations

Understanding how the First Home Owner Grant interacts with taxes, legal requirements, and your broader financial situation can help you make better decisions as a first home buyer.

Is the FHOG Taxable?

No. The First Home Owner Grant is not considered assessable income under Australian tax law. You do not need to include it in your tax return. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the FHOG is a government payment for a specific purpose and is exempt from income tax. The full amount is yours to use as part of your home-buying budget without any reduction.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and the Main Residence Exemption

If you live in the property as your main home for the required period and then sell it, you may qualify for the CGT main residence exemption — meaning you pay no capital gains tax on any profit from the sale. However, if you move out and rent the property, CGT may apply to a portion of the gain from the date you stop using it as your main home. The ATO provides detailed guidance on the main residence CGT exemption. Always speak with an accountant before converting a former home to a rental.

First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme and Tax Savings

The FHSS Scheme allows you to make voluntary superannuation contributions — up to $15,000 per year and $50,000 total — and then withdraw those savings (plus associated earnings) to use toward a first home deposit. Contributions to super are usually taxed at only 15% instead of your marginal tax rate. For someone earning $80,000 per year, this can represent an effective tax saving of around $8,000 to $12,000 on a $30,000 to $40,000 deposit pool. The FHSS Scheme can be used alongside the FHOG — they are completely separate programs.

Legal Requirements: Conveyancing

In all Australian states, a licensed conveyancer or solicitor must handle the legal transfer of property. They check the title, review the contract, manage settlement, and typically lodge the FHOG application on your behalf if you ask. Conveyancing costs typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on state and property type. Always use a licensed professional — a good conveyancer often more than pays for themselves by catching problems in the contract before you are legally bound.

Using FHOG and First Home Guarantee Together

Yes, you can use both. The First Home Guarantee (provided through the NHFIC) and the FHOG are separate programs. The FHOG gives you a cash grant at settlement; the First Home Guarantee lets you buy with just a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Using both together is the most cost-effective approach for most eligible buyers of new homes.

FHOG Strategies by Life Stage

Your approach to buying your first home — and making the most of the FHOG — will depend on where you are in life, how much you have saved, and your financial goals. Here is how to think about it at different life stages. Always speak to a licensed financial advisor or mortgage broker before making property decisions.

In Your 20s — Save Smart While You Can

If you are in your 20s, you likely have a few years before you are ready to buy. This is the best time to start contributing to the FHSS Scheme through your superannuation, building a deposit in a tax-effective way. Even $5,000 per year of voluntary super contributions can result in $3,000 to $4,000 more in usable deposit money over five years compared to saving in a regular account. Keep an eye on property prices and state-specific FHOG requirements, as grant amounts and price caps can change. Consider a dedicated high-interest savings account alongside your super contributions.

In Your 30s — Apply Every Scheme at Once

Buyers in their 30s are often in the strongest position to stack multiple schemes. If you have a stable income and at least a 5% deposit saved, you may be eligible for the FHOG, stamp duty concession, First Home Guarantee, and the FHSS Scheme simultaneously. In Queensland or Tasmania, this combination could reduce your effective purchase costs by $60,000 to $80,000. It is worth considering a new home build to maximise the cash grant, even if the build timeline adds 12 to 18 months. Use our mortgage calculator to compare repayments for different loan sizes after applying all grants.

In Your 40s — Focus on Loan Term and Total Cost

Buyers in their 40s who still qualify as first home buyers should focus on choosing a loan term that balances affordable repayments with total interest cost. A 20-year term rather than 30 years may be more appropriate to ensure the mortgage is paid off before retirement. The FHOG and stamp duty concessions apply regardless of age — if you qualify as a first home buyer, you receive the same benefits as a 25-year-old. However, lenders may offer fewer years for the loan as you approach retirement age, which can increase monthly repayments. A licensed mortgage broker can help you navigate age-specific loan structuring.

In Your 50s and Beyond — You May Still Qualify

Buyers in their 50s who have never owned property are often surprised to find they still qualify for the FHOG. The grant has no upper age limit in any Australian state. Getting a mortgage in your 50s may require demonstrating a clear exit strategy — such as selling an asset or receiving superannuation — to repay the loan at retirement. Some lenders are more flexible than others for older buyers. The FHOG cash grant reduces your loan size and therefore your repayments, making it just as valuable for older buyers as younger ones. Always seek professional financial advice before committing.

Real FHOG Scenarios with Numbers

Here are five real-world examples showing how the FHOG works in practice. All figures are indicative and based on 2025-26 rules. Individual results will vary.

Scenario 1: Single Buyer, New House and Land in Brisbane, QLD

Scenario 2: Couple, New Apartment in Sydney, NSW

Scenario 3: Couple Building in Regional Victoria

Scenario 4: Single Buyer, Existing Home in Northern Territory

Scenario 5: Cautionary Tale — Over the SA Price Cap

Frequently Asked Questions

About This Calculator

Trusted Resources

Disclaimer