What First Home Buyer Concessions Are Available in Australia?
If you’re buying your first home, there are a few key concessions and schemes that can reduce your upfront costs (or help you buy sooner).
The important bit: what you qualify for depends on your state/territory, the property type (new vs established), the price, and whether you’ll live in it as your home.
1) Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty) Exemptions & Concessions
Stamp duty is often one of the biggest upfront costs. Many states offer:
- Full exemption (pay $0 duty) if the purchase price is under a threshold
- Concession (reduced duty) if the price is above the exemption threshold but under a higher cap
- Vacant land concessions (in some states) if you’re buying land to build your first home
Tip: Always check your state’s revenue office for the latest thresholds (they change).
2) First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment available in most states/territories (rules vary).
It’s commonly linked to new homes (including building) and usually has:
- Property price caps
- Residency requirements (you must live in the home for a minimum period)
- Eligibility rules (first home buyer status, citizenship/residency, etc.)
Because FHOG is state-based, your eligibility and grant amount depends on where you’re buying.
3) The Home Guarantee Scheme (Buy with a Smaller Deposit)
This is a federal government program designed to help eligible buyers purchase with a smaller deposit
(often as low as 5%) and, in many cases, avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
It includes options like:
- First Home Guarantee (for first home buyers)
- Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (for eligible regional purchases)
- Family Home Guarantee (for eligible single parents/guardians)
This scheme has had major updates (including higher price caps and expanded availability), so it’s worth checking current rules before you plan around it.
Read the latest update from Housing Australia
4) First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
The FHSSS lets you use voluntary super contributions (made over time) to help build a deposit.
Because contributions inside super can be taxed concessionally, some buyers can save faster than they would outside super.
If you’re considering this, it’s important to follow the ATO steps correctly (determination + release process).
ATO: First Home Super Saver scheme details
5) Shared Equity (State Programs)
Some states offer shared equity programs where the government (or an approved provider) takes a percentage share in the property.
That can reduce how much you need to borrow upfront.
These programs are very state-specific and usually have strict eligibility rules (income caps, property caps, etc.).
Want to Know Exactly What You’re Eligible For?
Concessions can be worth thousands — but eligibility depends on your state, your income, the property price, and whether it’s new or established.
A quick chat can help you map out what applies to you and what to do next.
