Eligible first-home buyers can take advantage of various government grants, discounts and schemes.
These incentives are designed to help make it easier to buy a first home.
Most incentives require buyers to live in the property for at least 12 months, and buyers whose partner has previously purchased a home are normally excluded.
There are also maximum price thresholds, and schemes can change from time to time.
Daniel Butkovich Domain Advice Editor
What's available in your state?
NSW first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- No stamp duty on property under $650,000, or vacant land under $350,000.
- Discounted stamp duty on properties between $650,000-$800,000, or vacant land between $350,000-$450,000.
- $10,000 grant for new properties under $600,000 and owner-builder/building contracts worth under $700,000.
Victoria first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- No stamp duty on property under $600,000.
- Discounted stamp duty on property between $600,000-$750,000.
- $10,000 grant for new properties under $750,000.
- $20,000 grant for new regional properties under $750,000.
Queensland first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- No stamp duty on property under $500,000, or vacant land under $250,000.
- Discounted stamp duty on properties under $549,999, or vacant land under $399,999.
- $15,000 grant for new properties under $750,000.
ACT first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- No stamp duty on new-built properties under $470,000, or vacant land under $281,200.
- Discounted rate on new-built properties between $470,001-$607,000, or vacant land between $281,201-$329,500.
- $7500 grant for new properties of any value.
South Australia first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- All first-home buyers pay some stamp duty.
- Off-the-plan stamp duty concession available of up to $21,330 on properties under $500,000.
- Varying amount available to FHBs on new-built or established properties (post-June 2014).
- $15,000 grant for properties under $575,000.
Western Australia first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- No stamp duty on properties under $430,000 or vacant land under $300,000.
- Discounted stamp duty on property between $430,000-$530,000, or vacant land between $300,000-$400,000.
- $10,000 for new and existing properties of any value.
Tasmania first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- Full stamp duty applies.
- $20,000 grant for new properties of any value.
Northern Territory first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts
- No stamp duty on property under $500,000.
- Discounted stamp duty on properties between $500,000-$650,000.
- Household Goods Grant of up to $2000 available.
- $26,000 grant for new properties of any value, subject to eligibility.
First home owner grant comparison
First home owner grant comparison |
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State | First home property type | First home grant amount | Grant conditions |
NSW | New property | $10,000 | Under $600,000 |
Owner-builder/building contract | $10,000 | Under $700,000 | |
VIC | New property | $10,000 | Under $750,000 |
Regional new property | $20,000 | Under $750,000 | |
QLD | New property | $15,000 | Under $750,000 |
ACT | New property | $7500 | Any value |
WA | New property | $10,000 | Under $750,000 for properties south of the 26th parallel |
New property | $10,000 | Under $1,000,000 for properties north of the 26th parallel | |
SA | New property | $15,000 | Under $575,000 |
TAS | New property | $20,000 | Any value |
NT | New property | $26,000 | Subject to eligibility |
What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme?
Starting July 1, 2018, the First Home Super Saver Scheme allows first-home buyers to make up to $30,000 in voluntary contributions to their superannuation to save for a home, with a limit of $15,000 per financial year.
Voluntary contributions are taxed at a lower rate compared to income, allowing first-home buyers to save money faster. Applicants are also entitled to access any earnings on their extra contributions.
The scheme applies to all Australian first-home buyers, but there are additional grants and schemes available in each state.
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This article is part of Domain’s Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Home, compiled by Domain Advice Editor Daniel Butkovich.