First Home Owner Grant Calculator Australia (2026–27)
Calculate your First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) cash entitlements across all Australian states and territories. Model new build price caps ($30,000 in QLD, $15,000 in SA, $10,000 in NSW/VIC), stamp duty exemptions, and residency rules.
1. Property Price & Location
$10,000
Eligible for NSW FHOG grant on new property build!
State Price Cap Threshold
$750,000
Maximum allowable property price for FHOG grant in NSW.
1. The Australian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) System (2026–27)
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a national scheme funded by Australian state and territory governments to assist eligible first-time buyers purchasing or constructing a new residential home.
While the federal government established the framework under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000, each state Revenue Office independently sets cash grant amounts, property price ceilings, and minimum residency requirements.
2. Australian State-by-State FHOG Grant Rates & Price Caps
| State / Territory | FHOG Cash Grant | Property Price Cap | Eligible Property | Min Residency Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland (QLD) | $30,000 Cash Grant | $750,000 Total Value | New Builds & Off-the-Plan | 12 Months Continuous |
| South Australia (SA) | $15,000 Cash Grant | No Price Cap Limit | New Builds & Land Construction | 6 Months Continuous |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $10,000 Cash Grant | $750,000 ($600k Land+Build) | New Homes & Substantial Renovations | 12 Months Continuous |
| Victoria (VIC) | $10,000 Cash Grant | $750,000 Total Value | New Residential Properties | 12 Months Continuous |
| Western Australia (WA) | $10,000 Cash Grant | $750,000 (South) / $1M (North) | New Home Construction | 6 Months Continuous |
| Tasmania (TAS) | $10,000 Cash Grant | No Cap (New Builds) | New Build Construction | 6 Months Continuous |
3. The Math of Stacking FHOG, Stamp Duty Concessions & 5% Guarantee
Total upfront savings (S_total) for purchase price (P), state cash grant (FHOG), standard stamp duty (Duty_std), and concessional duty (Duty_conc) is:
Example First Home Buyer Stacking:
Purchasing a $650,000 new build in Queensland:
- QLD FHOG Cash Grant: $30,000
- Full QLD Transfer Duty Exemption: $0 Stamp Duty (Saves ~$17,350)
- Federal First Home Guarantee: 5% Deposit ($32,500) with $0 LMI (Saves ~$24,000 LMI).
- Effective Net Cash Outlay required from personal savings = $32,500 - $30,000 = $2,500 cash gap.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the FHOG
Select State & Verify Eligible Property Type
Confirm your property is a newly constructed house, townhouse, or off-the-plan apartment in your state.
Verify Property Total Value Against State Price Caps
Ensure the combined land contract and building contract value is below your state’s FHOG ceiling cap (e.g. $750,000 in QLD/NSW).
Confirm Applicant Eligibility Criteria
Verify all buyers are Australian citizens/PRs aged 18+ who have never previously owned residential property in Australia.
Submit FHOG Application via Approved Mortgage Lender
Lodge your State Revenue Office FHOG application through your participating bank during formal loan approval.
Receive Grant Funds & Move In Within 12 Months
Grant funds are paid at settlement (for completed homes) or first building drawdown (for construction) to fulfill the 6-12 month occupancy rule.
5. FHOG Pitfalls & Checklist
Buying Established Property Expecting Cash Grant
Assuming the FHOG cash grant applies to existing pre-owned houses, forfeiting up to $30,000 in expected funding.
Exceeding Contract Value Caps by Factoring Optional Extras
Adding builder upgrades that push the total land + building contract price above state caps (e.g. $750,001), disqualifying the grant.
Renting Out Property Before Fulfilling Occupancy Period
Renting out rooms or leasing the property on Airbnb within 6–12 months of settlement, triggering grant clawbacks and fines.
Failing to Disclose a Partner’s Prior Property Ownership
Omitting a spouse or de facto partner’s prior homeownership history on Revenue Office declarations, risking fraud prosecution.
FHOG Applicant Checklist
Proof of Australian Citizenship or PR
At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at settlement.
New Build / Off-the-Plan Building Contract
Provide signed comprehensive building contracts or off-the-plan purchase agreements.
State Revenue Office Application Form
Complete official Revenue Office First Home Owner Grant declaration forms.
Principal Place of Residence Occupancy Plan
Plan moving logistics to ensure you occupy the home as primary residence within 12 months.
6. FHOG Application & Occupancy Timeline
FHOG Eligibility Verification with Lender
Assess state grant rules during home loan pre-approval application.
Building / Purchase Contract Execution
Execute fixed-price building contract or off-the-plan contract below state price caps.
State Revenue Office Grant Disbursement
Grant funds disbursed to loan account or settlement funds by lender on behalf of Revenue Office.
Mandatory Occupancy Residency Period
Occupy home as principal residence continuously for mandatory 6 to 12 months.
Disclaimer: This First Home Owner Grant calculator and guide are provided for general educational and informational planning purposes only. Grant cash rates, state price caps, and stamp duty threshold rules reflect 2026–27 State Revenue Office guidelines. This page does not constitute formal financial, lending, or legal advice.
Charlotte Smith
Senior Personal Finance & Taxation Specialist at AussieSpot
Charlotte Smith is the lead personal finance advisor and workplace specialist at AussieSpot. Charlotte has over 12 years of experience helping Australian households build budgets, plan savings goals, and manage living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in each Australian state for 2026–27?
FHOG grant amounts vary significantly by state: Queensland offers $30,000 for eligible new builds; South Australia offers $15,000; New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory offer $10,000. The ACT does not offer a direct cash grant but provides full stamp duty concessions.
Does the First Home Owner Grant apply to established existing homes?
In nearly all Australian states, the FHOG applies strictly to newly constructed homes, off-the-plan builds, or substantially renovated properties. Established existing homes generally do not qualify for the cash grant, though stamp duty concessions may still apply.
What are the minimum residency and occupancy requirements for the FHOG?
Recipients must move into the property within 12 months of settlement or construction completion and reside in the home continuously as their principal place of residence for at least 6 to 12 months (depending on state Revenue office regulations).
Can I combine the FHOG with state Stamp Duty Exemptions and the First Home Guarantee?
Yes. Eligible first home buyers can stack the FHOG cash grant alongside state stamp duty exemptions/concessions AND the federal First Home Guarantee (5% deposit without LMI).
If my partner previously owned property in Australia, am I eligible for the FHOG?
If your spouse or de facto partner has ever owned a residential property in Australia that they lived in after 1 July 2000, neither of you is eligible for the FHOG, even if your name was never on the title deed.