First Home Owner Grant

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off, tax-free payment introduced by the Australian government in July 2000 to offset the impact of the GST on home ownership. The national scheme helps first-time home buyers purchase or build a new residential property, and is funded and administered by each state and territory under its own legislation. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria vary by state, so what applies in Victoria differs from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

Grant amounts under the First Home Owner Grant differ by state and apply to new home purchases, off-the-plan apartments, owner-builder projects, and building contracts on vacant land. Buyers in South Australia receive the most generous amount, while Victoria and New South Wales sit at the same base figure.

The current grant amounts across the four states Metricon Homes builds in, as of April 2026, are:

• Victoria: Eligible buyers receive $10,000 toward a new home with a purchase price or property value under $750,000.
• New South Wales: The grant is $10,000 for new homes with a purchase price under $600,000, or house and land packages valued up to $750,000.
• Queensland: Eligible first home buyers can receive $15,000 or $30,000 toward buying or building a new home, depending on the contract date.
• South Australia: Eligible first home buyers receive $15,000 with no property value cap, following the SA government's removal of the threshold in June 2024. Stamp duty has also been abolished for eligible first home buyers of new homes in South Australia.

The First Home Owner Grant is available to individual applicants only, not companies or trusts. Buyers must meet all of the following eligibility criteria before applying:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over, or applying with someone who is
• Have never previously owned residential property in Australia
• Move into the home within 12 months of settlement or construction completion and satisfy principal place of residence requirements

Property type matters as much as the buyer's eligibility requirements. The grant covers eligible transactions on new homes, including newly built houses, townhouse purchases, off-the-plan apartments, and building contracts on vacant land. Renovated homes may qualify in some states where the property meets the definition of a substantially renovated home. Established homes, existing home purchases, and investment properties do not qualify.

Single parents should check whether additional federal schemes apply alongside the FHOG. Eligibility details vary by state, so confirming the current rules with the relevant state revenue office before signing is the safest approach.

The First Home Owner Grant is paid at settlement for new home purchases, and at the first progress payment stage for construction builds under a building contract.

Most buyers apply through their lenders as part of the home loan process. The lender, acting as an approved agent, handles lodgement on the buyer's behalf and will advise on the supporting documents required. Buyers can also apply directly through their state revenue office if not applying through a lender.

For those building, having the grant applied at the first construction payment reduces the loan amount drawn at that stage, which can lower repayment obligations early in the build. Processing times vary by state, so buyers should confirm timing with their state revenue office before signing.

The FHOG is a strong starting point, but it is rarely the only support available. Depending on the state and circumstances, first home buyers can stack several government schemes to meaningfully reduce what they pay upfront:

• Stamp duty concessions and exemptions – Transfer duty costs can add tens of thousands to the upfront cost of buying. South Australia has abolished stamp duty entirely for eligible first home buyers of new homes, with no property value cap. In New South Wales, new homes under $800,000 are fully exempt. Victoria offers concessions for eligible purchases, with rates depending on the property value.
• First Home Guarantee – Eligible first home buyers, including single parents, can purchase with a 5% deposit through this federal home guarantee scheme without paying lenders mortgage insurance. From October 2025, places in the scheme are unlimited, though property price caps vary by location.
• First Home Super Saver Scheme – Buyers can save up to $50,000 inside superannuation at a concessional tax rate and withdraw those savings toward a home deposit when the time comes.

Metricon Homes has built more than 65,000 homes across Australia since 1976, giving generations of Australians a place to call home. Every new Metricon home build across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia is eligible for the first home owner grant as a newly constructed home.

Metricon's New Home Advisors guide first home buyers through the grant process as part of the home building journey, with support at every stage from first enquiry through to handover. The HomeSolution range offers an entry-level option purpose-built for first home buyers, with fixed price contracts and a Lifetime Structural Guarantee for added peace of mind.

Speak with a New Home Advisor today to find out how you can put the grant to work on your new home.