Page last reviewed: August 26, 2025
Navigating the world of property as a first home buyer can feel overwhelming. Between saving a deposit, understanding the market, and securing a loan, the journey is complex. Fortunately, the Australian federal and state governments offer a wide range of grants, schemes, and concessions designed to make entering the property market more achievable.
This guide provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of every major scheme available to you. We’ll break down the federal programs that apply nationwide and then dive into the specific grants and stamp duty concessions offered in your state or territory.
🆕 Update: Big Changes to the First Home Guarantee
From 1 October 2025, the First Home Guarantee (FHBG) has been expanded:
✅ No income caps — all first-home buyers (and eligible returning buyers) can apply
✅ Unlimited places — no more waiting lists
✅ Higher price caps — e.g. up to $1.5m in Sydney, $1.0m in Brisbane, $950k in Melbourne
✅ Permanent residents eligible, alongside citizens
✅ Still only 5% deposit required, with no LMI
👉 Remember: this is a government guarantee to your lender, not a cash grant. You remain fully responsible for your loan and repayments.
Table of Contents
What Grants Are Available In 2024?
As a first-time homebuyer, you can take advantage of the following government grants and schemes:
- The Help to Buy Scheme
- The First Home Guarantee (formerly the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme)
- The Family Home Guarantee
- The Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme
- The First Home Super Saver Scheme
- Stamp Duty concessions and discounts.
Read on to learn more about these grants and how they can help you buy your first home.
If you’d rather have a chat to someone about your options, our Brisbane mortgage brokers would be happy to talk through your options – just give us a call or fill out our free assessment form.
1. Help To Buy Scheme
The Australian Government is preparing to launch a new shared equity scheme called Help to Buy, designed to help eligible Australians purchase a home with a smaller deposit and lower ongoing mortgage repayments.
Please Note: This scheme is not yet active. The government has indicated a potential launch in late 2025, but an official start date has not been confirmed.
How will it work?
Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme, meaning the government will contribute a portion of the purchase price in exchange for a share of ownership (equity) in your property.
The government may contribute up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home.
The government may contribute up to 30% of the purchase price for an existing home.
This contribution reduces the size of the home loan you need to borrow from a bank, leading to a smaller deposit requirement (as low as 2%) and lower monthly repayments. You will not be required to pay rent on the portion of the home owned by the government. The government’s equity share is repaid, along with a share of any capital growth, when the property is sold.
Who Will Be Eligible?
While the final eligibility criteria are yet to be confirmed by Housing Australia, the initial requirements are expected to include:
Being an Australian citizen aged 18 or over.
Meeting specific income thresholds.
Not owning any other property or land in Australia or overseas.
Living in the property as your principal place of residence.
Having at least a 2% deposit saved.
Expert Tip: While we await the official launch, now is the perfect time to get your finances in order. A Hunter Galloway expert can help you assess your borrowing capacity and prepare your documentation so you’re ready to act as soon as applications open.
2. The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS): Buy with a Small Deposit and No LMI
The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) is a suite of federal programs designed to help eligible home buyers purchase a property sooner. Administered by Housing Australia, the scheme allows you to buy a home with a deposit as low as 2% or 5% without paying thousands of dollars in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Normally, lenders require a 20% deposit. If your deposit is smaller, you must pay for LMI to protect the lender.
Under the HGS, the government “guarantees” a portion of your loan, removing the need for LMI and saving you a significant upfront cost.
There are several guarantees available, each tailored to different circumstances.
First Home Guarantee (FHG)
This is the most common guarantee, designed for first-time buyers.
Deposit: Purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit.
Eligibility:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over.4
- You must be a genuine first home buyer OR have not owned a property in Australia in the last 10 years.
- You can apply as an individual or jointly with a partner, friend, or family member.
- (Until Sep 30, 2025) Your taxable income must be no more than $125,000 for singles or $200,000 for couples.
Family Home Guarantee
This guarantee provides crucial support for single parents and legal guardians.
Deposit: Purchase a home with a deposit of just 2%.
Eligibility:
- You must be a single parent or single legal guardian with at least one dependent child.
- You do not need to be a first home buyer, but you cannot own any other property at the time of settlement.
Major Changes to the Home Guarantee Scheme from 1 October 2025
The Australian Government has announced a major expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme, effective from 1 October 2025, making it accessible to all eligible first home buyers.
Key changes include:
- Unlimited Places: The cap on the number of guarantees available each year will be removed. All eligible Australian first home buyers with a 5% deposit will be able to apply.
- No Income Caps: The income eligibility thresholds will be abolished.
- Higher Property Price Caps: The maximum property value allowed under the scheme will be significantly increased.
- Simpler Regional Access: The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee will be replaced by the expanded First Home Guarantee, simplifying access for all buyers nationwide.
New Property Price Caps (Effective 1 October 2025)
State/Territory | Location | New Property Price Cap |
NSW | Capital city & regional centres* | $1,500,000 |
Rest of state | $800,000 | |
VIC | Capital city & regional centres* | $950,000 |
Rest of state | $650,000 | |
QLD | Capital city & regional centres* | $1,000,000 |
Rest of state | $700,000 | |
WA | Capital city | $850,000 |
Rest of state | $600,000 | |
SA | Capital city | $900,000 |
Rest of state | $500,000 | |
TAS | Capital city | $700,000 |
Rest of state | $550,000 | |
ACT | $1,000,000 | |
NT | $600,000 |
*Regional centres include Illawarra, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie (NSW); Geelong (VIC); and Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast (QLD).
3. The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme: Save Your Deposit Faster
The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme allows you to save for your first home deposit inside your superannuation fund, helping you save faster thanks to tax concessions.
How it works:
You can make voluntary contributions to your super fund, either before-tax (salary sacrifice) or after-tax (personal contributions). You can then apply to have these contributions, plus associated earnings, released to use as a deposit.
- You can contribute up to $15,000 per financial year that can be counted towards the scheme.
- The maximum amount you can have released across all years is $50,000, plus earnings.
The Application Process: Timing is Critical
The FHSS scheme has a strict process that must be followed precisely.
- Step 1: Make Voluntary Contributions. Arrange salary sacrifice with your employer or make personal after-tax contributions. Your employer’s standard Super Guarantee payments do not count.
- Step 2: Apply for an FHSS Determination. This is the most critical step. Before you sign any contract to purchase a home, you must apply to the ATO for an FHSS determination. This confirms the maximum amount you can withdraw.
- Step 3: Request Your Release. Once you have your determination, you can submit a release request to the ATO. It typically takes 15-20 business days for the funds to be released.
- Step 4: Sign a Contract and Buy Your Home. After your release request is made, you have 12 months (with a possible 12-month extension) to sign a contract to buy or build a home.
Expert Tip: Navigating the FHSS rules alongside a property search and home loan application is complex. Signing a contract before receiving your FHSS determination is a common mistake that can disqualify you from using your funds. A Hunter Galloway expert can act as your project manager, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
For more info, check out our Step-By-Step Guide to the First Home Super Saver Sechme
How Can I Find Out Which Schemes Are Available To Me?
At Hunter Galloway, we specialize in helping first-time home buyers like you take advantage of government schemes to purchase your dream home.
Our experienced mortgage brokers can assess your eligibility for various programs and guide you through the application process.
Don’t wait any longer to make your dream a reality. Give us a call today at 1300 088 086, or fill out our short assessment form to find out what options are available to you. Our team at Hunter Galloway is ready to help you achieve homeownership.
Can I Submit Multiple Applications For Government Grants and Schemes?
Yes, you can submit many applications to grants to buy first home, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for all the schemes you are applying for. For instance, a first-time home buyer who qualifies can potentially apply for and receive both the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) and the First Home Guarantee while also being exempt from paying stamp duty.
However, it is important to note that each government grant to buy first home has its own set of qualifications and deadlines, so it can be difficult to qualify for all of them. To best determine your options, it’s recommended to consult with one of our expert mortgage brokers.
Government Grants And Schemes For Each State
In Australia, each state has its own set of policies and programs for first-time home buyers, including:
- First Home Owners Grant (FHOG)
- Stamp duty exemptions or reductions
- Additional state-specific grants and programs.
It’s worth mentioning that the FHOG is only accessible to first-time home buyers who are either buying or constructing a new home. If you’re buying an established home, you will most likely not be eligible.
Grants to Buy First Home in Queensland (QLD)
Queensland provides several grants to buy first home, including the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) for buying or building new houses, units, or townhouses with a value of less than $750,000. The grant amount is as follows:
- $30,000 for contracts signed between 30 November 2023 and 30 June 2025
- $15,000 for contracts signed before 30 November 2023
The Queensland government also provides a $5,000 Regional Home Building Boost Grant for brand-new houses, units, or townhouses with a value of less than $750,000 in certain regions of the state.
Additionally, there is the First Home Concession, which allows first-home buyers to pay no stamp duty on both new and existing property purchases under $550,000, with a possible discount still available for properties valued over $550,000.
There is also a First Home Vacant Land Concession available for transfer duty when acquiring vacant land to build a first home if certain requirements are met. It is applicable only for vacant land valued under $400,000.
For more information on these grants and schemes and their specific terms, please visit the QLD.gov.au website.
Grants to Buy First Home in New South Wales (NSW)
First home buyers in New South Wales may be eligible for a number of incentives, including a $10,000 First Home Owners Grant for new homes that have never been lived in before.
Additionally, they may also be eligible for a full transfer (stamp) duty concession for both new and established properties valued up to $800,000, as well as a partial concession for homes valued between $800,000 and $1 million.
There is no stamp duty for vacant land valued at no more than $350,000 and a concessional rate for land valued over $350,000 and less than $450,000.
In addition, if you are in any of the following professions, you can take advantage of the shared equity home buyer helper, where the NSW government will pay up to 40% of an eligible property and retain its equity:
- Nurse
- Midwives
- Paramedics
- Teachers
- Early childhood educators
- Police officers
For more detailed information, please visit the NSW Revenue Office’s website.
Grants to Buy First Home in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The Australian Capital Territory has replaced the First Home Owners Grant with the Home Buyers Concession Scheme.
Under this scheme, eligible home buyers in the ACT will not have to pay stamp duty on their home purchase.
To qualify for the scheme, buyers must meet certain criteria such as:
- Being 18 years or older,
- Having a total gross income (including partners, if any) that does not exceed the income threshold,
- Not having owned any other property in the last two years.
- At least one buyer must reside in the home continuously for at least one year, starting within 12 months of the settlement or completion of construction.
It is worth noting that under this scheme, buyers can now purchase both new and established properties as well as vacant residential land anywhere in the ACT at any price.
However, there are income threshold restrictions that vary based on the number of dependents.
For more information on grants to buy first home available in ACT, visit the ACT Revenue Office’s website.
Grants to Buy First Home in Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory (NT) offers some of the most generous and attractive government grants to buy first home. These housing programs include:
- The $10,000 First Home Owners Grant for purchasing or building a new home in the Northern Territory,
- A First Home Owner Discount of up to $23,928.60 on stamp duty for established homes with a value of up to $650,000.
- HomeBuild Access to help low and middle-income earners build or buy a newly-built house.
- Additionally, there is a $2,000 Household Goods Grant Scheme.
The Northern Territory used to offer the renovation grant, but that is no longer available. In addition, the NT government is no longer offering stamp duty concessions for first home buyers as of 30 June 2021.
For more information and details, please visit the NT.gov.au website.
Grants to Buy First Home in South Australia (SA)
In South Australia, first-time home buyers may be eligible for a one-time grant of $15,000 for purchasing or constructing a new home, referred to as the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG).
If you entered into a contract on or after 15 June 2023, you may be eligible for a full stamp duty waiver if the value of your house is $650,000 or less.
For further details on grants to buy first home available in South Australia, we recommend visiting Revenue SA’s website.
Grants to Buy First Home in Tasmania (TAS)
First-time home buyers in Tasmania may qualify for a number of incentives, such as a $30,000 grant for building or purchasing a new or newly built residence.
Additionally, they may also be eligible for a 50% discount on stamp duty when purchasing an established home valued at $600,000 or less.
For more details and information on how to apply, it’s recommended to check the State Revenue Office of Tasmania’s website.
Grants to Buy First Home in Victoria (VIC)
First-time home buyers in Victoria may be eligible for several incentives, such as a $10,000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) for purchasing a new or established property with a value of $750,000 or less. You are eligible for this grant if the sale is the first time the property is used as a residential premise and the home is less than five years old.
First-home buyers may also be eligible for a stamp (transfer) duty exemption when purchasing a new or established property in Victoria up to $600,000 and a concession (discount) on duty for properties valued between $600,000 and $750,000.
For more detailed information, we recommend visiting the State Revenue Office of Victoria’s website.
Grants to Buy First Home in Western Australia (WA)
First-time home buyers in Western Australia (WA) may qualify for a $10,000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) to purchase or construct a newly built residential property that they intend to use as their primary residence.
Additionally, they may also be eligible for a waiver on stamp duty when buying any home valued up to $430,000. For homes valued between $430,001 and $530,000, first-time home buyers may be eligible for discounted or concessional stamp duty rates as long as the home is to be used as a primary residence.
For more detailed information and terms, it is recommended to visit the WA.gov.au website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme?
Eligibility criteria for this scheme include but are not limited to the buyers being at least 18 years of age, the property being purchased is located in a regional area, and buyers not having previously owned property in Australia. How can I apply for the Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme?
To apply for this scheme, you must do it through a participating lender or a mortgage broker. The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHIFC) does not accept applications directly.
What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme?
The First Home Super Saver Scheme allows first-time homebuyers to make voluntary contributions to their superannuation fund, which can then be withdrawn for a home deposit.
How can I find out which grants to buy first home are available to me?
In order to find out which grants to buy first home, It is recommended to check with the NHFIC (Now called Housing Australia) or with the relevant state government revenue office for information on government grants and schemes available in your area.
Can I submit multiple applications for government grants and schemes?
It is best to check with the relevant state government revenue office for specific information about submitting multiple applications for grants and schemes. As we mentioned before, the deadlines for schemes can be different, making it difficult to align them.
What are the government grants and schemes available for first-time home buyers in each state?
The grants to buy first home and schemes vary from state to state, so it’s best to check the websites of relevant state government revenue offices for information on the grants and schemes available in your area.
What grants are available for first-time home buyers in 2024?
The Help to Buy Scheme, The First Home Guarantee (formerly the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme), The Family Home Guarantee, The Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme and The First Home Super Saver Scheme are the some of the grants to buy first home available in 2024 .
How does the Help to Buy Scheme work?
The Help to Buy Scheme provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers in the form of equity, with the government contributing up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home and up to 30% for an existing one. The official start date for this scheme has not yet been announced.
What is the First Home Guarantee?
The First Home Guarantee is a program that allows first-time homebuyers to purchase a new or pre-existing home with only a 5% down payment, eliminating the need to pay for Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Each fiscal year, 35,000 spots will be available starting July 1st, 2022.
What is the Family Home Guarantee?
The Family Home Guarantee is a program designed to assist eligible single parents with dependents in purchasing a home for their family sooner. Single parents can buy a home with only a 2% deposit without incurring the cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance. This scheme will be available during the fiscal years between 2022 and 2025.
What is the Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme?
The regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme is a government scheme to help regional home buyers build or buy a home with as little as a 5% deposit.
What are some potential drawbacks to using government grants for home buying?
Government grants to buy first home can impact the housing market. While their main purpose is to assist in purchasing a home, when grants and schemes are introduced, there can be an increase in demand for certain types of properties, which can lead to an increase in prices. However, obtaining a grant or qualifying for a scheme can significantly benefit the home buyer, especially if they are able to take advantage of it before the market shifts. Additionally, rising prices can also increase the equity of your home.
How can I apply for first-home buyer government grants to buy first home?
Before applying, it is important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for the specific grant or scheme you are interested in. The application process may vary depending on the program, but in general, we recommend you apply for grants and schemes at the same time you apply for a home loan. It may be beneficial to have a conversation with your bank or mortgage broker beforehand. Some lenders may handle the application process for the grant on your behalf once you have received formal home loan approval and have signed any necessary forms. Additionally, for stamp duty waivers, the paperwork will be handled by your solicitor on settlement day. It is always best to check with your mortgage broker or lender for specific details and eligibility requirements.
How can a mortgage broker assist me in the home-buying process?
A mortgage broker can provide a range of services to help make the home buying process smoother and more manageable. These services may include:
- Assisting with the application process for government grants and schemes for which you may be eligible
- Simplifying the end-to-end home buying process
- Helping you secure a competitive interest rate on your home loan
- Providing access to suburb and property reports
- Offering a free upfront valuation of a property
- Guiding you through the settlement process and beyond
- To benefit from these services and more, it is suggested to contact a specialist mortgage broker by phone or by filling out a short assessment form.
Get Expert Assistance With Applying For First Home Buyer Grants.
If you’re ready to buy your first home, our team at Hunter Galloway can help.
Unlike other mortgage brokers who are just one-person operations, we have an entire team of experts dedicated to helping make your home loan journey as simple as possible.
To chat about your deposit, lending and first home ownership options, please give us a call on 1300 088 065 or book a free assessment online to see how we can help.
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