How to apply for a First Home Owners Grant

What does a First Home Owners Grant mean?

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment from the government, available to first home buyers. The payment amount, eligibility criteria and application processes vary across states and territories.

How much is the first home buyers grant? 

Across Australia, as a first home buyer, you can expect payments anywhere from $7,000 – $26,000. This will depend on location, the value of the home and whether it’s a new or existing home. In most states and territories the grant is only available for new homes and does not apply to the purchase of existing properties. 

For example, in New South Wales, the First Home Owner Grant of $10,000 is available to new home constructions up to $750,000 and for purchases of new homes up to $600,000. For detailed information on the First Home Owner Grant in your state visit www.firsthome.gov.au.

If you qualify for the First Home Owner Grant, you can use the payment as cash toward your new property. Mortgage House (and most lenders) accept the First Home Owner Grant as savings.

The eligibility criteria, restrictions and grant amounts are always subject to change, so it’s important to check the current details of the scheme that applies in the state or territory where you are buying.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?

Depending on the value and location of your home, you can receive a stamp duty reduction or avoid paying stamp duty altogether. 

Unlike the First Home Owners Grant which usually only applies to the purchase of new homes, stamp duty exemptions extend to the purchase of both new and existing properties. 

In New South Wales, as a first home buyer, you will not pay stamp duty on all home purchases up to $650,000. Stamp duty reductions are available on home purchases up to $800,000.

Stamp duty exemptions could save you thousands, so be sure to check the exemptions that apply in your state or territory!

In addition to stamp duty exemptions, FHOG schemes can provide exemptions when it comes to lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). In New South Wales, first home buyers can avoid paying insurance duty (usually 10%) on their lender’s mortgage insurance.

When should I apply for a First Home Owners Grant?

To maximise the benefits of the FHOG it is best to apply before the settlement of your home loan. You can begin an application for your home loan by clicking below, and once that ball is rolling, we can guide you through the process of applying for your grant. You can also apply for the grant directly through your state or territory’s relevant government website. 

An application is usually processed within 5 days and then paid to your lender at the time of settlement or to your builder on your first drawdown.

For more information about buying your first home, download the free guide at the top of this page!