The First Home
Owner Grant.
A one-off government payment of $10,000–$50,000 for eligible first-home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Funded by individual state and territory governments — amounts and rules vary by location.
What Is the FHOG?
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment introduced by the Australian Government but funded and administered by individual state and territory governments. Rules, amounts, and property caps differ depending on where you buy.
Eligible Property Types
New Home
A recently built property that has not previously been occupied or sold as a place of residence — houses, duplexes, townhouses, units, apartments.
Off-the-Plan Apartment
A property not yet built, or currently under construction but not substantially completed. Purchased based on architectural plans before construction finishes.
Substantially Renovated Home
Major structural changes (not cosmetic) purchased from a GST-registered developer who has claimed GST credits on the renovation work.
House & Land Package
Building a home on vacant land you already own, or purchasing vacant land and a building contract together as a package.
Owner-Builder Project
Building your own home without a full building contract. Must be a permanent, fixed dwelling providing complete living facilities.
Knock-Down Rebuild
Demolish an existing home and build new — or subdivide land and build. Only eligible for contracts entered before 13 February 2025.
Contracts from 13 Feb 2025 onwards
You may still be eligible if you build a new home on vacant land. Knock-down rebuild projects are not eligible for contracts entered on or after this date.
Contracts before 13 Feb 2025
Knock-down rebuild projects may still qualify, provided all other FHOG eligibility conditions are met. Check with your state revenue office to confirm.
⚠ Properties Not Eligible for the FHOG
Eligibility Criteria
While rules vary slightly by state, these core requirements apply across Australia.
You Must
- ✓Be at least 18 years old and apply as an individual (not a company or trust)
- ✓Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least one applicant)
- ✓Not have previously received the FHOG
- ✓Not have previously owned and lived in residential property in Australia
- ✓Be buying or building a new home — not an established property
- ✓Purchase below your state's property price cap
- ✓Move in within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months
Residency Requirement
All applicants must move in within 12 months and live in the property for at least 6 continuous months.
For building contracts or owner-builder projects, the 12-month period starts when the home is ready for occupation.
You can rent out a portion (e.g., a room) during the 6-month period. After meeting the requirement, there are no FHOG restrictions on selling or renting.
Australian Defence Force Personnel
Permanent Forces members unable to meet the 6-month residency requirement due to service may apply for an exemption — if enrolled to vote in South Australian elections at the date of contract. Does not apply to reservists or APS staff.
Is the FHOG Taxable?
No. The FHOG is not taxable income. You do not need to include it in your tax return. It does not affect your income tax obligations. Normal investment property tax rules apply only if you later rent the property out.
Grant Amounts by State
Each state and territory sets its own grant amount, property value caps, and eligibility conditions. Always verify current rules with your state revenue office before applying.
Eligible new homes
Eligible new homes
Subject to current state incentives
Eligible new homes
Eligible new homes
Eligible new homes
Subject to current territory programs
Home Buyer Concession Scheme applies instead
Note: Grant amounts and eligibility rules change regularly. The ACT does not offer a FHOG but provides the Home Buyer Concession Scheme as an alternative. Always confirm current amounts and conditions directly with your state or territory revenue office.
FHOG vs First Home Buyer Scheme
These two programs are often confused — but they work very differently. You may be eligible for both.
| First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) | First Home Buyer Scheme | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of benefit | One-off cash payment | Government loan guarantee |
| Applies to | New homes only | New and existing homes |
| Reduces | Upfront purchase cost | Deposit required & LMI |
| Administered by | State/territory government | Housing Australia (federal) |
| Income caps | Varies by state | None (from Oct 2025) |
Can you use both?
Yes — and this is where first-home buyers benefit the most. If you qualify for both, you can use the First Home Buyer Scheme to purchase with a 5% deposit and use the FHOG to boost your deposit or reduce construction costs.
Document Checklist
Prepare these documents before applying. Having them ready prevents delays and ensures your application is assessed quickly.
Proof of Identity
- ✓Australian birth certificate
- ✓Australian passport
- ✓Australian citizenship certificate
- ✓Australian ImmiCard
- ✓Australian driver's licence
- ✓Medicare card
- ✓Current passport + permanent residency visa (if not a citizen)
How to Apply
Apply through your lender or mortgage broker (simplest), or directly via your state's revenue office. Follow these five steps.
Check Eligibility
Confirm you are a first-home buyer aged 18+, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, buying or building a new home you intend to live in.
Gather Documents
Prepare proof of identity, property contracts, settlement evidence, and bank account details. Having these ready prevents delays.
Understand Your Obligations
You must move in within 12 months and live in the property for at least 6 continuous months. Failure to comply may require repayment.
Read the Lodgement Guide
Review the official guidelines from RevenueSA (or your state's revenue office) for application requirements, deadlines, and assessment process.
Submit Your Application
Apply through your lender or mortgage broker (grant paid at settlement) or directly through your state's revenue office (paid within 5 business days of approval).
When Is the Grant Paid?
Through an Approved Agent (Lender / Broker)
Directly Through RevenueSA
Other Benefits for First-Home Buyers in South Australia
Stamp Duty Exemption
Full exemption on new homes and vacant land in South Australia — with no value cap. Normal stamp duty applies for established homes or if eligibility isn't met.
First Home Guarantee
Buy with just a 5% deposit through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance entirely.
HomeStart Shared Equity
Borrow up to 25% of the property value interest-free and repayment-free. HomeStart shares proportionally in any gain or loss when you sell or refinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the First Home Owner Grant answered.