Low-income households often feel that home ownership is an unattainable dream. With the economy as it is, even financially responsible buyers can find the idea of owning a home drifting further out of reach.
Australia’s housing affordability crisis is a blazing issue and has been consistently relevant over the past decade. There was once a time when young adults in their early 20s could save for a deposit within a few years, but today, many people struggle just to keep up with rising rents, let alone purchase a home. This is where government grants and incentives can make a significant difference.
There’s plenty of government support available for first-home buyers in Australia. There’s the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), shared equity programs, cash grants, and low or zero-deposit schemes; it’s a whole sequence. Together, these programs can reduce the upfront costs of buying a home by tens of thousands of dollars. According to the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), around one-third of first home buyers accessed a government guarantee scheme in the last financial year. The numbers speak for themselves.
Whether you’re actively looking to buy your first home or simply exploring your options, it’s important to understand the readily available aid. You’d be surprised to know just how much you can save.
What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?
The First Home Owner Grant provided in several states and territories across Australia is a one-off, tax-free cash grant for eligible first home buyers to purchase a new home. While it is a nationwide initiative, each state or territory administers its own version of the scheme.
The FHOG scheme was introduced on 1 July 2000 to counteract the effect of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on home ownership. GST is the 10% consumption tax applied on all goods and services sold or consumed within the country. Given that the tax increased the cost of building, the grant was introduced to make sure buyers weren’t disproportionately burdened.
The amount you can receive, the type of property that qualifies, and eligibility requirements differ based on where you live. The FHOG in Queensland offers eligible first-time home buyers up to $30,000 to assist with purchasing or building their new home. It’s designed to help Queenslanders cover the considerable costs involved in property purchase.
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Eligibility to Qualify
- Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Applicants should be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Should not have received a similar or the same grant or the equivalent in another state.
- The applicant should not have owned another residential property in Australia or outside.
- Applicants must move into the new property within a year of buying and live there for at least six months.
- The grant is not available to property investors or properties purchased through a trust or company.
Is the QLD FHOG Available If You Previously Owned an Investment Property?
Yes, you may still qualify for the FHOG if you have previously owned an investment property since 1 July 2000, the date the First Home Owner Grant was introduced. The key requirement is that the home you owned was strictly an investment, and you did not live in it at any point during your ownership. You will need to provide evidence and documentation clearly stating that the property was solely an investment and you did not occupy any part of the home as your principal residence.
Documents Required to Apply for the FHOG in QLD
When applying for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland, you must provide an array of documents confirming your identity, eligibility and ownership.
Proof Of Australian Identity or Residency
To meet Queensland’s identification requirements, applicants must provide documents that verify their identity, citizenship or residency status. These may include anything from a passport to a permanent residency card. If you’re an Australian citizen, your driver’s license or citizenship is a verification enough.
To show evidence of your current residential status, you can provide your medicare card, a bank card or a utility bill. If you have changed your name, provide any document that shows this change, your marriage certificate, or a change of name certificate.
Property and Building Documents
If you’re buying a new home, you need a contract of sale or something equivalent to it, but if you’re building, a site agreement, lease or other relevant agreement confirming your right to occupy and build on the land is essential.
Financial Aid Documentation, If Any
If you have received any financial support related to the purchase, you need to provide details or documentation asserting this assistance. This ensures transparency and confirms eligibility for the FHOG.
Additional Documents
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide evidence of the property being your principal place of residence once you’ve moved in. These could include utility bills and bank statements showing your address.
How Much is the First Home Owner Grant QLD?
As per the circumstances, the First Home Owner Grant in QLD can be $15,000 or $30,000. For eligible contracts signed between November 20, 2023 and June 30, 2026, the grant amount is $30,000. However, this only applies to the purchase or building of a new home with a total value under $750,000. The grant will revert to $15,000 after June 30, 2026, and the same amount applies if your contract was signed or the home was built before November 20, 2023.
Also Read: First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes in QLD 2025.
How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant?
The application process for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland is totally straightforward once you know what to expect. You can either apply through your lender, who will also manage the application for you, or directly with the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO).
Applying Through a Lender
When you’re applying through a lender, the process becomes much easier compared to when you’re working it out on your own. Most applicants opt for help because the process is simpler and more integrated with professionals involved.
First, complete the FHOG application form provided by your lender and submit it with the supporting documents for the property purchase, including identity and building verification records. Along with that, you will also be asked to provide 100 points of Australian or state-issued documents that the lender can use for your home loan application. The lender will lodge your FHOG application on your behalf with the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO).
Once approved for the FHOG, you’ll usually receive the payment at settlement if you’re buying a newly established home or at the first drawdown of funds for contracts to build a new home. If you’re building a home as an owner-builder, you’ll receive the grant when the final inspection certificate is issued. Applying through a lender is generally the fastest way to receive a grant.
Applying Through the Government
If you prefer not to apply through a lender, or if your lender is not approved to process FHOG applications, you can directly lodge your grant application online with your supporting documents through the Queensland Revenue Office.
Begin by visiting the First Home Owner Grant online application portal. Complete the form and upload all required supporting documents. With the same website, you can track the progress of your application online.
Once your application is approved and all supporting documents are verified, the grant is usually paid within 10 working days, provided your application is fully complete. If you don’t want to apply online, posting an email with your application form and supporting documents to the QRO is another plausible option.
How to Fill the QLD First Home Owners Grant Application?
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you fill out the FHOG form correctly and avoid delays:
Check Eligibility: The first part of the application process begins with an eligibility checklist. Before filling out, read all 13 questions properly and tick yes or no as you go. If you’re unsure about a question, leave it blank and consult your lender or the QRO before submission.
Enter Your Personal Details: Each applicant is required to provide their personal information, including full legal name, date of birth, address, and contact details. If you’re applying with a partner, their details should also be included. Remember to check the spelling of your name and ensure it matches the supplied documents.
Enter Your Property Details: This section requires information about the home you’re buying or building. Provide a property address or lot number if the property is not yet assigned a street number, whether the home is newly built, being built, an off-the-plan property or an owner-builder project. Also mention the contract date, purchase price or construction cost, expected completion details and information on the builder or developer.
Enter Your Bank Details: How you provide the bank account details depends on how you apply. If you’re applying directly through the QRO, you will need to nominate the bank account, the account number and the name you’d like the grant paid into. If you’re applying through your lender, they will provide the bank details where the grant needs to be paid at settlement or drawdown.
Attach Supporting Documents: Once you’re done filling in the required information, you need to provide documents that support your claim. From the proof of your identity, contract of sale, visa documents if you’re not a citizen, to evidence of financial assistance. All readable copies to ensure zero delays.
Sign the Declaration: Each applicant must read the declaration carefully and confirm the accuracy of all provided information, which is why signing the declaration is vital. Providing false or misleading information can result in penalties and repayment of the grant.
Submit Your Application: After all necessary information is provided, you will be able to submit the FHOG application form to your lender or the Queensland revenue office for review. In case any details are missing or clarification is required, you will be contacted. Generally, applying through a lender is faster, especially if timing matters.
Track Application Status: Through the application portal, you can log in at any time to track updates or provide additional information. Your lender will let you know once the QRO approves the grant or demands more data.
When Do You Receive the FHOG Grant Amount?
The timing of your QLD First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) payment depends on whether you’re buying or building the home. When buying, the grant is usually paid at settlement, the day the property is legally transferred to you. If you’re building, it is provided at the first drawdown of funds from your construction loan, which often occurs when the foundations are complete. The exact timing can vary by state or territory, and the money is often paid directly to your lender or builder, not into your personal account.
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How Long Do I Live in the Property Before I Can Rent It Out?
To remain eligible for the First Home Owner Grant, you need to live in the bought property for at least 12 months. While recent changes as of May 2025 allow homeowners to rent out a room in the property immediately after moving in, if you plan to rent out the whole home, you cannot do so until you have lived in it for at least 12 months. Renting the entire property before meeting the 12-month mark may result in repayment of the grant.
Stamp Duty Exemption For First Home Buyers
You may be eligible for a stamp duty concession when you buy a home or vacant land on which you intend to build your first home. Different from the FHOG, the concession reduces or removes the stamp duty you would otherwise pay to transfer property in your name.
If you’re a first home buyer, buying an established home as your principal place of residence valued under $800,000, you may be eligible for a concession. You pay no transfer duty if the home is valued up to $700,000, but if it’s worth between $700,000 and $800,000, you still need to provide a partial concession.
Tips for Applicants Applying for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland
- Confirm Your Eligibility Early: Check the eligibility criteria before you get started to avoid future disappointments.
- Meet Your Payment Deadlines: Being on time is key. Submit your application early to avoid delays and ensure you receive the grant when you need it.
- Don’t Try to Use the Grant as a Deposit: The FHOG is not guaranteed to be paid before settlement. Lenders usually expect you to have the deposit independently.
- Include all Relevant Parties on the Application Form: All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be included on the application form. If you’re applying with a partner, indicate whether they’re a co-owner or non-applicant on the form.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Having a professional viewpoint on your application will help strengthen it. A finance professional, broker or lender can provide clarity and help avoid mistakes.
- Monitor Your Application Status: If you decide to apply online, regularly check the status of your application in case further documents or clarification are required.
- Stay Updated on Policy Changes: FHOG rules change. Monitor updates from the Queensland government or stay in touch with your lender to stay informed.
- Do Not Rush: Start early, but do not rush; accuracy matters. Errors, missing information or signatures can delay approval. Review your application carefully before submitting.
Should You Speak to a Mortgage Broker When Applying for the FHOG?
When applying for the first home owner grant, a mortgage broker can help you understand what you can comfortably borrow, and whether you can use the FHOG, including other government grants and schemes, without hassle and to your advantage.
A broker can review your income, expenses, credit history and deposit to determine how much you have and can afford to take. They understand how different incentives interact with each other and can help you assess every benefit available. Brokers check that your documents, contracts and identification align correctly, eliminating the risk of errors and delays.
Check out Nice Loans, a trusted mortgage broker based in Brisbane. Their team of professionals can guide you through the QLD First Home Owners Grant application process and help you navigate all available home buyer incentives with confidence.
Are there Additional Grants and Schemes for First Home Buyers in Queensland?
Yes, apart from the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), there’s a lengthy list of grants and schemes provided by the Queensland Government. There are significant transfer duty concessions for new homes. A full exemption is provided for properties valued under $700,000, while concessional rates apply for properties valued up to $800,000. There’s the boost to buy scheme announced as part of the 2025-26 Queensland Budget. With a small deposit of 2%, the government is offering an equity contribution of 30% for new homes, and up to 25% for existing homes. These additional schemes significantly reduce upfront costs for many first-home buyers.
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FAQs
Is the QLD First Home Owner Grant Available If You Have an Existing Property?
No, you are not eligible for the First Home Owner Grant if you already have an existing property. The grant is specifically for first-home owners only, applicable to newly constructed or substantially renovated homes.
Can the FHOG be used as a deposit?
You can use the FHOG as a deposit; however, the Government does not recommend relying on it. This is because the grant can be paid at different times depending on whether you’re building or buying, as well as how and when you apply.
Can I use the First Home Owner Grant to Buy Land?
Yes, in most Australian states and territories, you can use the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) when buying vacant land, provided you enter into a comprehensive contract to build a new home on that land.
Can I use the FHOG to purchase an investment property?
No, you must live in the home as your principal place of residence. The FHOG is not available for investment properties or properties used solely for rental purposes.
Can I still qualify if I apply with a partner who’s owned before?
No, you or your partner should not have previously owned a home anywhere in Australia. While marriage or a de facto partnership in itself is not a problem, both applicants must meet all eligibility rules.
Can I apply after I’ve bought the property?
No, the application for the First Home Owner Grant needs to be done after buying the property because it is typically paid out at settlement or when the first drawdown of funds occurs, and requires an application to be filled out and approved beforehand.
Is a savings verification required when applying for the First Home Owner Grant?
A savings verification is not a direct eligibility requirement for the government’s First Home Buyer Grant. However, it is essential when applying for a home loan through a bank or financial institution.
