First Home Buyers Grant (FHOG)

The First Home Buyers Grant was introduced in 2000 by the Australian Government to offset the impact of the GST when you build or buy a home.

It’s a one-off payment which isn’t means tested, so it’s available to anyone. The amount you can receive and the eligibility criteria vary depending on which state you’re buying in.

Criteria common across the states and territories that you’ll need to meet to receive the grant are:

• Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• Haven’t previously received the grant
• You meet the minimum age set by your state
• You’re purchasing the property as an individual (not a company or trust)
• You will live in the residence for at a minimum time period (at least 6 months) set by your state or territory
• You apply for the grant within 12 months of the settlement date
• The property value is below the maximum purchase price set by your state or territory.
• If the contract is signed after 3 October 2015, you are purchasing a ‘new’ home, not an established property

There’s been a strong move across the states to finance only new builds only, not for the purchase of established homes. If you build or buy in a regional area, there may be other benefits or concessions available.

For detailed information on what is available in each State, find your location below:

When is the First Home Owner’s Grant Paid?

This will vary a little depending on the exact situation.

For a new home or a purchase off-the-plan, funds are usually paid directly to your home loan lender and applied straight to your home loan at settlement.

If you have a contract to build, the grant is paid to the builder with the first progress payment.

If you’re an owner-builder, you’ll receive the grant once you submit a Certificate of Occupancy.

If you’ve already purchased your first home, as long as you’re still within the first 12 months of the settlement date, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can still apply for the grant.

When you apply for a home loan with a Home Lending Specialist at Positive Home Loans, we will help you to apply for any grants or other benefits that you might be eligible for. Simply make an appointment or call 1300 366 287.