Key Takeaway Table
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Definition
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The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) was introduced in 2000 as a way to encourage home ownership in Australia. It’s a one-time payment amounting to $10,000 to $30,000 paid out to eligible applicants to assist with the costs of buying a first home. The FHOG is a nationwide scheme, but each state funds and implements it independently. That's why requirements, grant amounts, and criteria may differ across territories.
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Eligibility Criteria
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Applicants must be natural persons 18 years old and above. At least one applicant in a submission must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia and has never owned a residential property before. Applicants should also have not successfully received FHOG before.
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Grant Amounts
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Grant amounts differ greatly per state. It's crucial to check how much you can get and what the price cap is for eligible properties.
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Stamp Duty Concessions / Exemptions
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Depending on the state, you may also get stamp duty discounts or exemptions along with your grant. Stamp duty can cost tens of thousands of dollars and more, so concessions can further help you with buying a first home.
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Application Process
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The application process for FHOG differs from state to state. Generally, you are allowed to submit your application directly to your state's revenue office, or you may lodge it through one of your state's approved agents. To apply, you must prepare proof of your identity, citizenship or residency papers, contract documents for your property, and a FHOG application form.
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Tips for Applying
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Carefully check the eligibility criteria to see if you are qualified for the grant and make sure that your application is correct and complete. Stay informed about your state's regulations as they are always subject to change. Finally, once you are approved, make immediate plans to move as you are required to reside in your home within a certain timeframe.
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The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) was first introduced in July 2000 to help first-time homebuyers successfully purchase a home. The nationwide scheme provides homebuyers with a one-time payment between $10,000 to $35,000 depending on the territory and other factors. It was meant to encourage home ownership and reduce the impact of GST on first-time home purchases.
Each state has different requirements, criteria, grant amounts, and value caps, and these rules are always subject to change. However, some criteria are the same across states. If you’re looking to buy or build your first home and are interested in applying for the FHOG, it’s crucial to know if you’re eligible and what you need to do to get approved.
Who is Eligible for the FHOG?
Across the different states, generally, these are the applicants eligible for the grant:
- Applicants 18 years and older
- Natural persons, not a company or trust
- Australian citizens or permanent residents (at least one applicant)
- First-time home buyers with no other residential properties to their name
- Applicants who have not received the FHOG before
Here are the requirements for the properties being purchased:
- Must be a new residence (house, townhouse, apartment, etc.) or a substantially renovated home
- Must be lived in by the occupant as their main home continuously for at least 6 months once it's bought or built
- Must remain within each state’s property value cap, if applicable
Grant Amounts
Here’s a table showing the FHOG amounts available per state in Australia, along with the capped value of eligible properties:
| State/Territory | FHOG Amount | Value Cap |
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New South Wales (NSW)
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Up to $10,000
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Up to $750,000
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Northern Territory (NT)
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$10,000
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N/A
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Queensland (QLD)
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$15,000 or $30,000
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Up to $750,000
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South Australia (SA)
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$15,000
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Up to $650,000
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Tasmania (TAS)
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$20,000 to $30,000
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N/A
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Victoria (VIC)
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$10,000
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Up to $750,000
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Western Australia (WA)
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$10,000
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$750,000 or $1,000,000 depending on location
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Stamp Duty Concessions or Exemptions
Those applying for the FHOG may also be eligible for stamp duty reductions and full exemptions depending on the state. Stamp duty can cost up to thousands of dollars, depending on the purchase price of the property. Concessions and exemptions can help first-time homebuyers by significantly reducing their expenses related to the purchase of their home.
Application Process and Requirements
When applying for the FHOG, you can submit your application yourself through your state government or lodge it through your home loan provider. The requirements and application process may differ across states, but generally, you will have to prepare the following:
Proof of Identity
You must provide at least one primary and one secondary document as proof of your identity
Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency
You must provide proof that you're an Australian citizen or a permanent resident through documents like your passport or visa.
Contract Documents
You must prepare the necessary documents for the purchase or building of your new home. You must also produce financial documents relating to your new home, such as evidence of your mortgage.
Application Forms
You must submit a completed and signed FHOG application form specific to your state.
Other states may require more documents, so make sure to check your state’s online resource to confirm. For instance, you may be asked to submit proof that you will move in and reside in your new home for 6 months.
Learn More
To learn more about the FHOG per state, here are the specific processes, requirements, and other important information for FHOG in each state:
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Northern Territory (NT)
- Queensland (QLD)
- South Australia (SA)
- Tasmania (TAS)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Western Australia (WA)
Important Note: FHOG in the Australian Capital Territory has been replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS).
Tips for Applying for a First Home Owner Grant
Carefully Review the Eligibility Criteria
Visit the official website or contact the revenue office of your state to get the latest criteria and list of required documents for the FHOG application. Ensure that you are eligible and that you have all the needed documents before submitting your application.
Apply Through Approved Channels
Ensure Accuracy in Your Application
Be honest and accurate in your application. If you’re unsure about something, do not answer the questions in your application yet, get confirmation first, otherwise, your application might get rejected.
Make Plans to Move
You will be required to move into your property for 6 continuous months once it has been purchased or built. If you do not comply, you may be asked to return the full amount of the grant and pay other charges on top of it. Once you apply for the FHOG, make the necessary preparations to move into your new home.
Stay Informed
The rules and requirements of the FHOG are always changing, so always keep yourself abreast by checking your state’s website regularly.
Get Funding for Your Dream First Home
Purchasing or building your first home is a significant milestone, and it’s also a substantial expense. It’s one of the largest personal expenses someone can take on, so it’s crucial to find the right funding to make your homeowner goals come to life.
Dark Horse Financial can help you explore your options. We can help connect you with lenders approved by your state to lodge your FHOG application on your behalf so you can submit your home loan and grant applications in one go.
Send us a message today to start your home ownership journey.
