First home buyer

There are several government initiatives designed to support first home buyers in Australia. If you're buying or building in New South Wales, here's what could be available to you:

1. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

A $10,000 grant for eligible first home buyers purchasing a brand-new home, building on vacant land, or buying off the plan. The value of the property must be under $600,000 or under $750,000 for a home and land package.

2. First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS)

This NSW government scheme gives eligible home buyers either a full exemption or a concessional rate on transfer duty (stamp duty). Homes under $800,000 get the full exemption, and homes up to $1 million get a discount.

3. Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)

Backed by the federal government, this scheme lets first home buyers purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit (2% for single parents) without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The best part? As of 1 October 2025, the eligibility was expanded, and the property price caps have gone up. The income cap was also removed, making it more accessible for more first home buyers. Check out our blog to learn more about the newest changes to the Home Guarantee Scheme.

4. Help to Buy (Shared Equity Scheme)

Under this scheme, the Australian government chips in up to 30% the purchase price of an existing home or 40% for a new home. You only need a 2% deposit, and the government co-owns that share of the home with you. It’s only for Australian citizens who meet the income limits.

5. First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)

This lets you use voluntary super contributions (up to $50,000 per person) to help with your deposit. You save on tax while you save for your home.

Each first home buyer grant has its own rules. Here are the basics to help you work out your eligibility:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• You must be aged 18 or over
• You or your partner must not have owned residential property in Australia before
• The home must be your principal place of residence
• You are the owner-occupier, which means you must move in within 12 months and live there for at least 12 months
• Property value must fall under relevant price caps (depending on the grant or scheme)
• Some schemes have income limits or are limited to joint applicants

If you’re unsure, a quick chat with a mortgage broker or one of our new home advisors can help clear things up.

A lot of first-time buyers assume building a new home is out of reach. But thanks to schemes like FHOG, FHBAS, and the First Home Guarantee Scheme, eligible first home buyers in northern NSW can reduce upfront costs in a big way.

For example, if you're buying a house and land package for $700,000, you could be eligible for:

• $10,000 from the NSW First Home Owner Grant
• Stamp duty concessions and exemptions (saving up to $30,000)
• No LMI through the Home Guarantee Scheme (saving another $10,000–$30,000)

That means you could secure your new property for much, much less. With Metricon Homes, you also get peace of mind with fixed price building contracts, clear inclusions, and no hidden costs. You can use our online calculators to check how much you may need to prepare.

Building new can also work out cheaper than buying established homes. For one, you're more likely to save on stamp duty. Plus, you don't have to deal with costly repairs and renovations. Your house is tailored to your needs from day one.

Just keep in mind there are other upfront costs like conveyancing fees, legal checks, lender fees, and possibly transfer duty if your property is over the exemption threshold.

Most government schemes focus on brand-new builds or homes that haven’t been lived in. That means buying off the plan, building on vacant land, or choosing a turnkey package gives you more access to support.
 

At Metricon, we have a range of homes that qualify for first home buyer grants. Whether you're after a compact design for a narrow block, a spacious double-storey for a growing family, or a low-maintenance townhouse, we’ve got flexible options to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Here’s a simple look at how your first home journey might unfold:

1. Check your numbers

Talk to a mortgage broker or lender to check your borrowing options, repayments, interest rates, and get pre-approval.

2. Work out your eligibility

See which grants and schemes apply to you and get your application forms ready. Our team can also help you through the application process.

3. Find your land

Choose a location that works for your lifestyle and is within the property price caps.

4. Choose your home design

Pick a home design that suits your land, your needs, and the grant rules.

5. Lock it in

Sign your building contract and finalise your home loan with a participating lender.

6. Build and move in

Your home is built, you settle, and you move into your new place.

When you choose to build with Metricon, you get more than a home. You get the support of a team that knows what matters to first-time buyers:

• Affordable house and land packages across northern NSW
• Low deposit options and fixed pricing
• Designs that meet first home buyer grant criteria
• Full support with application processes and approvals
• Access to trusted mortgage brokers
• Quality finishes, smart floorplans, and customisation through Studio M
• Lifetime structural guarantee for eligible homes

Buying your first home is a big step, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. With Metricon, you get expert guidance, honest answers, and smart home solutions that work for your life and your budget.

Chat to a new home advisor today and find out how we can help make home ownership in northern NSW a reality.

1. Can you get a home loan while studying?

Yes, but it depends on your income, employment type, and credit history. Some lenders accept part-time work or government income as part of the application.

2. Can I use more than one grant or scheme?

In most cases, yes. Many eligible home buyers combine the FHOG, FHBAS, and Home Guarantee Scheme. Just check each program’s criteria first.

3. What are the best suburbs for first home buyers in Northern NSW?

Areas like Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Grafton, and parts of the Northern Rivers and Illawarra region are popular thanks to affordability, lifestyle, and access to the First Home Guarantee.

4. How do I apply for first home owner grants in NSW?

Usually through your lender or mortgage broker. They’ll submit the application form to Revenue NSW or Housing Australia as part of the loan process.

5. Can I buy a house with no deposit in NSW?

You need at least 2% to access the Help to Buy scheme. For other grants, a 5% deposit is generally required. There are no-deposit options in rare cases, but most buyers will need some savings upfront.