First Home Owner Grant QLD 2026: How to Get $30,000 for Your New Home

Updated April 2026 · General information only

TL;DR

Queensland's First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides a one-off payment of $30,000 for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a brand-new home valued under $750,000. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 or over, and have never owned residential property in Australia. The grant can be combined with other concessions — including transfer duty discounts and the federal First Home Guarantee — to significantly reduce the upfront costs of buying your first home.

What Is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

The First Home Owner Grant is a Queensland Government initiative designed to help first-time buyers enter the property market. Administered by the
, the grant provides a lump-sum payment to eligible applicants who are purchasing or building a brand-new home in Queensland.

The scheme was originally introduced nationally in 2000 to offset the impact of the GST on home ownership. Since then, each state and territory has maintained its own version with varying grant amounts and eligibility rules. Queensland currently offers one of the most generous FHOG amounts in the country at $30,000, making it a significant boost for first home buyers in the state.

It is important to note that the FHOG only applies to new homes — that is, homes that have not previously been sold or occupied as a place of residence. Established (existing) homes are not eligible, though other concessions such as transfer duty discounts may still apply to first home buyers purchasing established properties.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the FHOG in Queensland, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Who Cannot Apply?

You are not eligible for the FHOG if:

• You or your spouse/partner have previously owned residential property anywhere in Australia (even if you did not live in it).

• You are purchasing an established (existing) home.

• You are buying the home through a company or trust.

• The total value of the property (house and land) is $750,000 or more.

• You have previously received a first home owner grant in any Australian state or territory.

How Much Is the FHOG in QLD?

The Queensland FHOG is currently $30,000.

This amount was increased from the previous $15,000 in November 2023, as part of the Queensland Government's efforts to improve housing affordability for first-time buyers. The increase was initially announced as a temporary measure but has been extended — check with the
for the latest status.

How Does QLD Compare to Other States?

Queensland's FHOG is among the highest in Australia. Here is a snapshot of grant amounts by state and territory (as of April 2026, subject to change):

Source: Individual state and territory revenue offices. Amounts and caps are subject to change — always confirm with the relevant authority before making decisions.

Other QLD First Home Buyer Concessions

Beyond the FHOG, Queensland first home buyers may be eligible for additional concessions that can further reduce the cost of entering the property market.

Note: Transfer duty concessions apply to both new and established homes, unlike the FHOG which is limited to new homes only.

These concessions can be combined. For example, a first home buyer purchasing a new home valued at $500,000 could potentially receive:

• $30,000 FHOG

• Full transfer duty exemption (saving up to approximately $8,750 in duty)

• No LMI through the First Home Guarantee (if eligible)

That could represent a combined benefit of $38,750+ — a significant reduction in the upfront costs of purchasing your first home. The exact figures will depend on your individual circumstances.

Eligible buyers may also be able to access Help to Buy, the federal shared equity scheme, where the government contributes up to 40% of a new home's purchase price — further reducing the size of the mortgage. Note that Help to Buy and the First Home Guarantee cannot typically be combined, so buyers should assess which scheme provides the greatest benefit for their circumstances.

How to Apply for the QLD FHOG

There are two ways to apply for the FHOG in Queensland:

Option 1: Apply Through Your Lender (Most Common)

1. Choose your home and arrange finance. Ensure the property meets FHOG eligibility requirements (new home, valued under $750,000).

2. Complete the FHOG application form. Your lender or mortgage broker will typically provide this as part of the loan process.

3. Provide supporting documents. These usually include proof of identity, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and the contract of sale.

4. Your lender submits the application. The Queensland Revenue Office processes it through your lender.

5. Grant is applied at settlement. If approved, the $30,000 is paid directly to your lender and applied at settlement — reducing the amount you need to pay upfront.

Option 2: Apply Directly to the Queensland Revenue Office

If you are not using a lender (for example, if you are building and paying cash), you can apply directly:

1. Complete the application form available on the
.

2. Submit the form with supporting documents after settlement or completion of construction.

3. The grant is paid to you once the application is approved.

Processing Times

Applications submitted through a lender are typically processed at settlement. Direct applications may take several weeks. The Queensland Revenue Office provides estimated processing times on their website.

Tips for First Home Buyers in QLD

1. Apply Through Your Lender for Faster Processing

Applying through your lender means the grant can be applied directly at settlement, reducing the cash you need on the day. This is the most common and generally the fastest method.

2. Keep Evidence of Residency

You are required to live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least 6 continuous months within 12 months of settlement. Keep evidence such as utility bills, mail, and electoral roll registration at the property address. The Queensland Revenue Office may audit compliance.

3. Combine with Federal Schemes for Maximum Benefit

The FHOG can be used alongside federal schemes like the
, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying LMI. Stacking these benefits can substantially reduce your upfront costs. Use a tool like Internest's
to see what you may be eligible for based on your circumstances.

4. Check the Property Qualifies as "New"

The definition of a "new home" is specific — it must not have been previously sold as a place of residence or lived in. A substantially renovated home may qualify in some cases, but a standard existing property will not. If in doubt, confirm with the Queensland Revenue Office before signing a contract.

Related Benefits and Grants

Queensland first home buyers may also want to explore:

•
— if you are considering purchasing interstate, grant amounts and rules vary significantly.

•
— a federal scheme that allows you to buy with as little as 5% deposit and avoid LMI. From 1 October 2025, income caps and place limits have been removed — unlimited places are now available.

•
— a federal shared equity scheme launched 5 December 2025, where the government contributes up to 40% of a new home's value (or 30% for existing homes). Income cap of $100,000 for singles or $160,000 for couples, with 10,000 places per year. Currently available through CBA and Bank Australia.

•
— once you are in your new home, you may be eligible for energy bill relief and other household concessions.

• Superannuation First Home Internest Super Scheme (FHSSS) — allows you to save for a deposit inside your super fund, potentially with tax advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the FHOG to buy an established (existing) home?

No. The Queensland FHOG is only available for brand-new homes — properties that have not previously been sold as a place of residence or lived in. However, first home buyers purchasing an established home may still be eligible for transfer duty concessions.

Can I get the FHOG if I've owned an investment property?

No. If you or your partner have ever owned a residential property anywhere in Australia — even an investment property you never lived in — you are not eligible for the FHOG.

Can I combine the FHOG with the First Home Guarantee?

Yes. The FHOG and the federal First Home Guarantee are separate schemes and can generally be used together, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for both. This means you could receive $30,000 towards your new home while also purchasing with a 5% deposit and no LMI.

What happens if I don't live in the home for 6 months?

If you do not occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months within 12 months of settlement, you may be required to repay the grant in full. The Queensland Revenue Office conducts compliance checks.

Is the $30,000 FHOG permanent or temporary?

The increase from $15,000 to $30,000 was originally announced as a temporary measure in November 2023. It has been extended, but the Queensland Government may revise the amount in the future. Check the
for the most current information.

Explore government benefits you may be eligible for at
.

General information only, not personal financial advice. Grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and property value thresholds are subject to change by the Queensland and Australian Governments. Information is current as of April 2026 — always confirm details with the
before making financial decisions. Sources: Queensland Revenue Office, Housing Australia, individual state and territory revenue offices.