Buying your first home in Australia has never been simple. Between skyrocketing property prices, interest rate uncertainty, and the sheer complexity of government paperwork, it is easy to feel like the system was designed to keep you renting forever.
But here is the thing most people get wrong: there is more government support available to first home buyers right now than at any point in the past decade. The problem is not a lack of help. The problem is that nobody has explained it properly.
This guide cuts through the jargon and breaks down every grant, exemption, and scheme available in each state and territory — plus the federal programs you can stack on top. We will tell you exactly how much you could save, what catches to watch for, and how to combine multiple programs to squeeze every possible dollar out of the system.
Federal Schemes: Available Nationwide
Before diving into what your state offers, let us cover the national programs. These are funded by the federal government and can usually be combined with state-level grants and stamp duty concessions. That stacking ability is where the real savings happen.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee)
The biggest barrier for most first home buyers is not the mortgage repayments — it is saving a 20 per cent deposit. The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, administered by Housing Australia, tackles this problem head-on.
Under this scheme, you can purchase a home with just a 5 per cent deposit, and the government guarantees the rest up to 15 per cent. This means you avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which alone can save you anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the property price.
Key details for 2026:
- Available through participating lenders including major banks and smaller lenders
- No income caps apply — anyone buying their first home with a 5 per cent deposit can apply
- Property price caps apply and vary by location
- You must be an Australian citizen aged 18 or older who has never owned property
- Single parents and single legal guardians can access a similar scheme called the Family Home Guarantee with just a 2 per cent deposit, and do not need to be first home buyers
This is arguably the most impactful federal scheme purely because it removes the LMI cost, which is one of the most frustrating expenses in the entire home buying process. You are essentially paying an insurance premium that protects the bank, not you. Getting rid of it is a genuine win.
Help to Buy (Shared Equity Scheme)
The Help to Buy scheme launched in December 2025 and represents a fundamentally different approach to affordability. Instead of just guaranteeing your loan, the federal government actually contributes part of the purchase price and becomes a co-owner of your home.
Here is how it works. You save a minimum 2 per cent deposit and secure a home loan through a participating lender. The government then contributes up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for a new home, or up to 30 per cent for an existing home. In exchange, the government holds an equivalent equity share in the property.
The numbers can be significant. On an $800,000 existing home, the government could contribute $240,000. That means you only need a home loan of around $544,000 instead of $784,000, dramatically reducing your monthly repayments.
There are some important trade-offs to understand:
- Income limits apply — individual applicants must earn $100,000 or less per year, and joint applicants or single parents must earn $160,000 or less
- Property price caps vary by location — in Sydney, the cap is $950,000, while regional areas can be lower
- The government shares in both gains and losses — if your property doubles in value, you owe the government more when you eventually repay their share
- You cannot use this alongside state shared equity schemes, though you can combine it with stamp duty concessions and the First Home Owner Grant
- Only 10,000 places are available per year across the country
- Currently only Commonwealth Bank and Bank Australia are participating lenders, though more are expected throughout 2026
- Not yet available in Western Australia or Tasmania as those states have not passed the required enabling legislation
The Help to Buy scheme is best suited for buyers who are confident they want to stay in their home long-term and are comfortable with the government owning a share. If you plan to sell within a few years, the 5% Deposit Scheme might be a better fit since you own 100 per cent of the property from day one.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
This one flies under the radar but is genuinely clever. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets you salary sacrifice up to $15,000 per year into your superannuation fund, where it is taxed at just 15 per cent instead of your marginal tax rate. You can contribute a maximum of $50,000 in total across all years.
When you are ready to buy, you apply to the ATO to have those contributions (plus deemed earnings) released to put towards your deposit. For someone on a $90,000 salary, the tax savings alone can put an extra few thousand dollars in your pocket compared to saving through a regular bank account.
The catch is that the deemed rate of return is set by the ATO and may not reflect what your super fund actually earned. But for most people, the tax advantages more than make up for this.
New South Wales
NSW offers a strong combination of cash grants and stamp duty relief for first home buyers, though the state’s high property prices mean the value caps can feel tight in Sydney.
First Home Owner Grant: $10,000
Available when buying or building a brand new home that has never been occupied. The total value of the property must be less than $750,000 for a new home purchase, or the total value of house and land must be less than $750,000 for a building contract. You must move in within 12 months and live there for at least 12 continuous months.
The grant is typically applied at settlement through your lender. If you are building, it is paid with the first loan progress payment.
First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (Stamp Duty Relief)
This is where the real savings kick in. Eligible first home buyers purchasing any home — new or existing — valued at $800,000 or less pay zero stamp duty. That is a saving of up to $31,335 on an $800,000 property.
For properties valued between $800,000 and $1,000,000, a concessional rate applies. The discount decreases on a sliding scale as the price approaches the million-dollar mark. Above $1,000,000, you pay full stamp duty with no first home buyer concession.
If you are purchasing vacant land to build on, there is no stamp duty on land valued at $350,000 or less, and a concessional rate applies between $350,000 and $450,000.
Pro tip: When purchasing a house and land package with separate contracts — one for the land and one for the building — stamp duty is only payable on the land component. This can be a significant advantage because the land value alone might fall under the exemption threshold even if the total package exceeds $800,000. Make sure your solicitor structures the contracts correctly.
What an NSW buyer could save in practice
Take a first home buyer purchasing a $650,000 new home. They could access the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, a full stamp duty exemption saving roughly $24,000, and no LMI through the 5% Deposit Scheme. That is over $34,000 in combined government support before they even start looking at the Help to Buy scheme.
Victoria
Victoria’s grants are more modest in dollar terms, but the stamp duty concessions are still meaningful for buyers in the right price bracket.
First Home Owner Grant: $10,000
Available for buying or building a new home in Victoria valued at up to $750,000. The property must never have been sold, occupied, or leased before. You must be 18 or older, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and live in the home as your principal residence for at least 12 months starting within 12 months of settlement or construction completion.
From November 2026, New Zealand citizens holding a special category visa will also be eligible.
Stamp Duty Concessions
First home buyers in Victoria are exempt from paying stamp duty on properties valued up to $600,000. A concessional rate applies for properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000. Above $750,000, full stamp duty applies.
Victoria also offers a temporary off-the-plan stamp duty concession that has been extended until October 2026. If you buy an apartment or townhouse off the plan, the dutiable value may be reduced by deducting construction costs from the purchase price, potentially saving thousands.
Note that Victoria’s previous shared equity program, the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, has been retired and replaced at the federal level by the Help to Buy scheme.
Queensland
Queensland currently offers some of the most generous incentives in the country for first home buyers, making it an increasingly attractive option for interstate movers.
First Home Owner Grant: $30,000
This is the highest cash grant on the Australian mainland. Available for buying or building a new home valued at less than $750,000. The boosted $30,000 amount applies to contracts signed between November 2023 and 30 June 2026. After that date, the grant may revert to $15,000 unless the government extends it, so timing matters.
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, have never received a first home owner grant anywhere in Australia, and live in the home for at least six continuous months within one year of purchase.
Stamp Duty Concessions
Queensland significantly updated its stamp duty rules in mid-2025. First home buyers now pay zero stamp duty on existing homes valued up to $700,000. For homes valued between $700,000 and $800,000, a concessional rate applies. Vacant land grants are also available for those building their first home.
Queensland also runs the Boost to Buy shared equity scheme for eligible buyers, providing another pathway into the market.
A practical example: A first home buyer purchasing a $650,000 new home in Brisbane could receive the $30,000 grant, pay zero stamp duty, and use the 5% Deposit Scheme to avoid LMI. The combined savings could easily exceed $50,000.
If you are moving to Queensland from another state, the savings available here compared to most other jurisdictions are substantial. Just remember that relocation costs add up quickly, from getting your belongings transported to vehicle logistics and settling into a new area. It pays to plan your move carefully and get multiple quotes to avoid nasty surprises. Services like Find a Mover can help you compare removalist quotes so you know exactly what to budget before committing to the big move north.
South Australia
South Australia offers a solid grant and some unique concessions that are worth understanding if you are buying in Adelaide or regional SA.
First Home Owner Grant: $15,000
Available for buying or building a new home in South Australia. In a significant change from June 2024, the SA government removed all property price caps for the FHOG. That means there is no upper limit on the value of your new home — a rare and generous policy.
Eligible properties include new homes that have not been previously occupied, homes built under a comprehensive building contract, and house and land packages.
Stamp Duty Relief
Stamp duty relief is available for first home buyers on eligible new homes or vacant land for contracts entered into on or after 15 June 2023. The specifics depend on the property type and value, so it is worth checking the RevenueSA website for the latest thresholds.
Shared Equity Option
SA also offers a state-level shared equity scheme through HomeStart Finance. Eligible buyers can purchase with a 5 per cent deposit, with the SA government contributing up to 25 per cent of the purchase price (capped at $200,000) for a new home. You can buy back the government’s share over time through voluntary payments, refinancing, or upon sale.
Important: You cannot use this state shared equity scheme alongside the federal Help to Buy scheme. You will need to compare both and decide which offers the better outcome for your situation.
Western Australia
WA has seen significant updates to its first home buyer support in recent years, with major stamp duty threshold changes taking effect in March 2025.
First Home Owner Grant: $10,000
Available for buying or building a new home that has never been lived in. Price caps apply based on location. In Perth and areas south of the 26th parallel, the property value must not exceed $750,000. North of the 26th parallel (roughly the Shark Bay area and above), the cap increases to $1,000,000.
The grant is only for new homes. If you are buying an established property, you will not receive the cash grant but may still access stamp duty concessions.
Stamp Duty Concessions (Updated March 2025)
WA updated its stamp duty thresholds for the first time in over a decade in 2024, with further improvements from March 2025.
For established homes in Perth and Peel regions, no stamp duty is payable on properties valued up to $500,000. A concessional rate applies for properties valued between $500,000 and $700,000. In regional WA (outside Perth and Peel), the concession extends to $750,000.
For vacant land, no duty is payable up to $350,000, with a concessional rate applying between $350,000 and $450,000.
WA also offers an off-the-plan duty concession extended until June 2026. A full exemption applies for off-the-plan properties valued up to $750,000, with a 50 per cent concession for properties between $750,000 and $850,000.
Important: Help to Buy is not yet available in Western Australia as the state has not passed the required enabling legislation. This may change during 2026.
Tasmania
Tasmania has made significant changes to its first home buyer support since mid-2024, particularly around stamp duty.
First Home Owner Grant: $10,000 (or $30,000 for Building)
First home buyers purchasing a brand new home receive a $10,000 grant. From January 2026, those building a new home can access a $30,000 grant — a substantial boost designed to support Tasmania’s construction industry.
Unlike most other states, Tasmania has no price cap for the FHOG. This is unusually generous and means even higher-value new builds are eligible.
The grant is only available for new homes that have never been occupied. Established homes do not qualify.
Stamp Duty Exemption
Since mid-2024, Tasmania has offered a full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers purchasing established homes valued at $750,000 or less. This can save up to $28,900 and applies to houses, units, and apartments.
This exemption runs until 30 June 2026 and was backdated to 18 February 2024, meaning some buyers who already purchased may be eligible for a refund.
The key distinction in Tasmania is that the FHOG and stamp duty exemption target different property types. The grant is for new homes, while the stamp duty exemption is for established homes. You cannot receive both on the same purchase, but either one represents a significant saving.
MyHome Shared Equity Scheme
Tasmania also offers the MyHome program through Bank of Us, where the state government can contribute up to 40 per cent (or $200,000) for new homes, and up to 30 per cent (or $150,000) for existing homes. The new build cap was recently lifted to $800,000.
Note: Help to Buy is not yet available in Tasmania pending state legislation.
Northern Territory
The NT currently offers the most generous first home buyer incentive in the entire country.
HomeGrown Territory Grant: $50,000 (New Homes)
If you are buying or building a new home in the Northern Territory, you can receive a massive $50,000 grant. There is no property price cap, and the boosted scheme runs until 30 September 2026.
On top of this, if you buy a house and land package from a building contractor, you may pay zero stamp duty.
The $10,000 grant for established homes expired in September 2025 and is no longer available.
The NT’s grants are designed to stimulate construction in a region with a relatively small housing market. If you are open to living in Darwin, Alice Springs, or regional NT, the financial incentives are extraordinary.
Stamp Duty Benefits
For new home purchases through a house and land package, first home buyers may pay zero stamp duty. This combined with the $50,000 grant makes the NT arguably the most affordable entry point into home ownership in Australia — provided you are happy with the lifestyle and employment opportunities available.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT takes a different approach from the other jurisdictions. There is no traditional First Home Owner Grant. Instead, the territory offers the Home Buyer Concession Scheme.
Home Buyer Concession Scheme
This provides a full stamp duty concession for eligible first home buyers on both new and established homes, as well as vacant residential land, anywhere in the ACT. There is no property value cap.
The amount of concession depends on your household income, the value of the property, and the purchase date. For the 2024–25 financial year, the maximum concession available was $34,270. An online questionnaire on the ACT Revenue Office website can help you estimate your entitlement.
The ACT also offers the Affordable Home Purchase Scheme for eligible applicants with a combined household income of up to $148,000.
How to Stack Schemes for Maximum Savings
The real power of these programs comes from combining them. Here is a practical example of how stacking works.
Scenario: Sarah and James are buying a $700,000 new home in Brisbane.
- Queensland First Home Owner Grant: $30,000 cash towards the purchase
- Queensland stamp duty exemption: $0 stamp duty payable (saving approximately $16,000)
- Federal 5% Deposit Scheme: They buy with a 5 per cent deposit and avoid LMI, saving approximately $20,000
- First Home Super Saver Scheme: Both have been salary sacrificing for two years, adding roughly $8,000 in tax savings to their deposit
Total combined government support and savings: approximately $74,000.
That is a life-changing amount of money for a young couple trying to get into the market.
Important rules for stacking:
- You cannot use the federal Help to Buy scheme and the 5% Deposit Scheme at the same time — choose one
- You cannot use Help to Buy alongside state-level shared equity programs
- You can use Help to Buy or the 5% Deposit Scheme alongside state FHOG and stamp duty concessions
- The First Home Super Saver Scheme can be used alongside virtually everything else
- Always check individual scheme eligibility, as income caps and property value limits differ
Common Mistakes First Home Buyers Make
After covering every grant and scheme in the country, it is worth flagging the traps that catch people out.
The spouse rule. In most states, if your partner has ever owned property anywhere in Australia, you may be ineligible for the FHOG and stamp duty exemptions — even if they are not on the title of the home you are buying. This applies to both married and de facto partners.
Missing the residency requirement. Almost every grant and concession requires you to move into the property within 12 months and live there as your principal residence for 6 to 12 continuous months (depending on the state). If you fail to meet this, you will be required to repay the grant and any stamp duty savings, plus potential interest and penalties.
Not budgeting beyond the purchase price. Even with zero stamp duty, you still need to cover legal and conveyancing fees ($1,500 to $3,000), building and pest inspections ($500 to $800), loan establishment fees, building insurance from settlement day, and moving costs. On the moving side, these can vary enormously depending on whether you are moving locally or interstate. Getting organised early and comparing prices will save you hundreds if not thousands. If you are moving interstate, vehicle transport is another cost people overlook — services like Vehicle Move can handle getting your car to your new state while you fly or drive up separately.
Exceeding a price cap by a small amount. Going even one dollar over a stamp duty exemption threshold can cost you thousands. If you are negotiating on a property priced near a cap, this should be front of mind.
Assuming everything stacks. Not all schemes are compatible. Double-check before building your strategy around a combination that is not permitted.
What to Do Next
If you have made it this far, you already know more about first home buyer support than most people who are actively house hunting. Here is a suggested action plan:
- Check your eligibility for every scheme available in your state using the online tools provided by your state revenue office and Housing Australia.
- Speak to a mortgage broker who specialises in first home buyers. A good broker will know exactly which schemes to combine and which lenders offer the best rates for your situation.
- Start the First Home Super Saver Scheme now if you have not already. Even 12 months of salary sacrificing can make a meaningful difference to your deposit.
- Get your finances in order. Lenders want to see consistent savings behaviour and clean credit history.
- Do not rush. A bad purchase made to hit a grant deadline is worse than no purchase at all.
The Australian property market is complicated, but the support available to first home buyers in 2026 is genuinely substantial. The key is understanding what you are entitled to and planning strategically to make the most of it.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is current as of February 2026. Government schemes and eligibility criteria can change at any time. Always verify details directly with the relevant state or territory revenue office, Housing Australia, or a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions. This is not financial advice.