FAQs about the First Home Owner Grant

Here you'll find answers to questions about your eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant, and how we can help you apply. If you want to talk to a home loan expert, call us on 13 13 76.

1.  What is the First Home Owner Grant?

   The First Home Owner Grant Scheme is funded by the Government and administered by the Office of State Revenue (OSR). The scheme assists eligible first homeowners to purchase or build their first home by offering a grant. The grant applies to residential dwellings only.

2.  Who is eligible?

   You must be buying or building your first home and meet the following criteria:
   o Each applicant must be a person and not a company or trust
   o At least one applicant must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen
   o Each applicant must be at least 18 years of age
   o All applicants and/or their spouse/de facto must not have previously owned a residential property jointly, separately or with some other person in any State or Territory of Australia, and occupied that property for a continuous period of at least six months
   o Each applicant has entered into a contract for the purchase of a home or signed a contract to build a home on or after 1 July 2000. In the case of an owner-builder, laying of the foundations commenced on or after 1 July 2000.
   o In most States, the total value of the property must not exceed a specified cap, depending on the rules of the particular State. Contact us to find out the cap that applies to you.
   o This is the first time an applicant and/or their spouse/de facto will receive a grant under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 in any State or Territory (unless subsequently repaid)
   o At least one applicant will occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of six months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or construction of the home. Exemptions apply for permanent members of the Australian Defence Force.
   

3.  Is there an income or asset test?

   No, there are no income or asset tests to qualify for the benefit.

4.  Am I eligible if I am building a home?

   Yes, if you meet all other eligibility criteria.

5.  Are companies and trusts eligible?

   No, only individuals may apply.

6.  Does the Grant apply to vacant land purchase, business premises, a holiday house or renovations to an existing home?

   No. However, the Grant will apply if you are buying vacant land to build your home immediately.

7.  How do I apply?

   We can help you apply for your First Home Owner Grant along with your home loan application. The Grant will be available at settlement of your home loan or, if you're building, at the time of the first drawdown on contracts to build.
   
   You can also request an application from the Office of State Revenue in your state, and apply after completion of the eligible transaction (e.g. after settlement and you are registered on title as the owner or, if you're building your home, after construction has been completed and you have an occupation certificate).
   
   All applications must be lodged within 12 months of completion or settlement of your home.

8.  What is First Home Plus?

   The First Home Plus Scheme provides eligible purchasers with exemptions or concessions on stamp duty / transfer duty on homes and vacant land used for building. The value limits of the property, the exemption amounts and concession amounts vary according to your State.
   
   You must meet eligibility criteria to apply. Learn more about Stamp Duty and concessions.

9.  Is there a cap on eligible purchase amounts?

   State or territory	Phone	Website
   ACT	(02) 6207 0028	www.revenue.act.gov.au
   NSW	1300 130 624	www.osr.nsw.gov.au
   NT	(08) 8999 7406	www.nt.gov.au/ntt/revenue
   QLD	1300 300 734	www.osr.qld.gov.au
   SA	(08) 8226 9500	www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au
   TAS	(03) 6233 2927	www.treasury.tas.gov.au
   VIC	13 21 61	www.sro.vic.gov.au
   WA	(08) 9262 1400	www.dtf.wa.gov.au
   In some States, a cap does apply. In NSW, for example, applicants who build or purchase a home costing more than $835,000 will not be eligible for the Grant. For information about your State, please visit the Federal Government's First Home Owners Grant website or contact the Office of State Revenue in your State.

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