The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Average customer rating: 4.3/5
Written by James Hurwood
Reviewed by Stephen Zeller
Updated March 26, 2024

Expert tips regarding the FHOG

The FHOG is an invaluable resource for eligible first home buyers, but it’s important that prospective first home buyers understand the relevant eligibility criteria and how the FHOG works. Our General Manager of Money, Stephen Zeller, has some tips for future first home buyers regarding the FHOG:

Stephen Zeller
General Manager – Money

The FHOG is for new homes only

One of the most common misunderstandings about the FHOG is that it’s applicable for all homes, including existing ones, which isn’t the case. Generally speaking, the grant is available to new homes only.

Submit your FHOG application ASAP

It can take a few weeks for your state/territory government to process a FHOG application form. This is why it’s a good idea to complete a form quickly once you’ve agreed a purchase price for the property you’re looking to buy, especially if you’re relying on the grant as a contribution towards settlement.

Got questions? We’re here to help!

If you’re borrowing more than 90% of the property price (and sometimes only 85%), lenders will ask if you can provide ‘genuine savings’ to approve the loan, which is usually 5% of the purchase price held for at least three months. Most lenders cannot accept the FHOG as a form of genuine savings, so you may need evidence of the 5% elsewhere through other means. It can feel like a maze finding out each individual lender’s policy regarding the First Home Owners Grant, so feel free to contact our friendly team of Home Loan Specialists who can assist you with any queries.

The First Home Owner Grant explained

What is the First Home Owner Grant?

How much is the First Home Owner Grant?

Is the First Home Owners Grant for one person per household only?

Applying for and using the FHOG

How can I get the First Home Owners Grant?

When is the First Home Owners Grant paid?

What can the First Home Owners Grant be used for?

What other assistance is available to first homebuyers?

How does the FHOG work in each state and territory?

ACT

NSW

NT

QLD

SA

TAS

VIC

WA

Meet our home loans expert, Stephen Zeller

Stephen Zeller
General Manager – Money

Stephen has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking. He’s also a member of both the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) and the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).

Stephen leads our team of Home Loan Specialists, and reviews and contributes to Compare the Market’s banking-related content to ensure it’s as helpful and empowering as possible for our readers.

1 Firsthome.gov.au. First Home Owner Grant. 2023.

2 ACT Revenue Office. First Home Owner Grant. 2023.

3 Revenue NSW. First Home Buyer. 2023.

4 NT.GOV.AU. First home owner grant. 2023.

5 Queensland Applying for the first home owners’ grant. 2023.

6 RevenueSA. First Home Owners Grant. 2023.

7 State Revenue Office of Tasmania. First Home Owner Grant. 2023.

8 State Revenue Office Victoria. Applying for the First Home Owner Grant. 2023.

9 WA.gov.au. First home owner grant (FHOG). 2023.

10 National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation. First Home Guarantee. 2023.

11 Australian Taxation Office. First home super saver scheme. 2023.

12 ACT Revenue Office. Home buyer concession scheme (from 1 July 2019). 2023.

13 Revenue NSW. First Home Owner (New Homes) Grant. 2023

14 Queensland Government. Eligibility for the first home owners’ grant. 2023.