The First Home Owner Grant is one of the first things Queensland first home buyers hear about, and one of the most misunderstood. This guide covers how it actually works, who qualifies, what it does and doesn’t cover, and how it fits alongside the other support available to first home buyers in Queensland.

What Is the First Home Owner Grant?

The First Home Owner Grant, commonly shortened to FHOG, is a one-off payment from the Queensland Government to eligible first home buyers, intended to help offset the cost of building or buying a new home.

  • It’s a state-based scheme, administered by the Queensland Revenue Office
  • It’s paid once per eligible transaction, not an ongoing benefit
  • It’s specifically for new homes, a distinction that catches out a lot of buyers, covered in detail further down
  • It’s separate from other first home buyer support like the transfer duty exemption and the First Home Guarantee Scheme, though the three are often used together

Who Is Eligible for the Grant in Queensland

Eligibility rules are specific, and missing one condition can mean missing out on the grant entirely.

  • You and your spouse or partner (if applicable) must never have owned residential property anywhere in Australia before
  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or applying with someone who is
  • You must move into the home as your principal place of residence within 1 year of settlement or completion
  • You must live in the home for a continuous period, generally at least 6 months
  • The application generally needs to be lodged within 1 year of the transaction

New Builds vs Established Homes: What the Grant Covers

This is the point of genuine confusion for a lot of buyers, and it’s worth being direct about it.

  • The First Home Owner Grant applies only to new homes, this includes a brand new dwelling, a substantially renovated home, or a new home you build yourself
  • It does not apply to established or existing homes, no matter how long you’ve been searching or how good the deal looks
  • This is different to the separate transfer duty exemption, which does cover established homes up to a certain value, alongside new homes with no cap
  • If you’re buying established, you may still be eligible for transfer duty relief, just not this grant specifically, worth confirming both separately rather than assuming one covers the other

How to Apply for the Grant

Applying for the FHOG generally happens as part of your home loan process, not as a separate standalone task.

  • Most buyers apply through their lender or an approved agent at the time of finance approval
  • You can also apply directly through the Queensland Revenue Office in some circumstances
  • Required documentation typically includes proof of identity, evidence of the contract or building approval, and a signed statutory declaration confirming your eligibility
  • Timing matters, applying too early or too late in the process can cause delays, so it’s worth coordinating this with your broker as part of your finance application

How Much You Could Receive, and Where to Confirm the Current Amount

The grant amount has changed in recent years, and it’s worth checking the current figure rather than relying on older information.

  • The current grant amount is $15,000 for eligible contracts, following the reversion from a temporary $30,000 boosted rate that applied to contracts signed before 1 July 2026
  • Grant amounts are reviewed periodically, so this figure can change again
  • The Queensland Revenue Office publishes the current confirmed amount, and this is the source to check before relying on any specific figure, including this one

How the Grant Works Alongside Other First Home Buyer Support

The FHOG is rarely the only support a first home buyer accesses, most eligible buyers combine it with other schemes.

  • Transfer duty exemption. Covers new homes with no cap, and established homes up to certain thresholds, our Stamp Duty in QLD guide covers this in detail
  • First Home Guarantee Scheme. Lets eligible buyers purchase with a 5 percent deposit without paying LMI, our First Home Guarantee guide explains current eligibility and price caps
  • Each scheme has its own eligibility rules and application process, and applying in the wrong order can cause complications, which is exactly where a broker coordinating all three genuinely helps

Common Reasons Applications Are Knocked Back

A few mistakes come up repeatedly, and most are avoidable with the right information upfront.

  • Assuming an established home qualifies when the grant only applies to new homes
  • Not moving in within the required timeframe after settlement or completion
  • Not living in the home for the required continuous period
  • One applicant on the loan having previously owned property, even if the other hasn’t
  • Applying after the required timeframe following the transaction
  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation submitted with the application

FAQs

Can I get the First Home Owner Grant for an established home in Queensland?
No, the grant applies only to new homes, substantially renovated homes, or homes you build yourself. Established homes may still qualify for the separate transfer duty exemption, but not the FHOG itself.

How much is the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland right now?
The current amount is $15,000 for eligible contracts, following the reversion from a temporary $30,000 boosted rate. Grant amounts are reviewed periodically, so confirm the current figure with the Queensland Revenue Office before relying on it.

Can I get the FHOG and the First Home Guarantee Scheme at the same time?
Generally yes, the two schemes serve different purposes and can often be used together, though each has its own eligibility rules. It’s worth having both checked together rather than assuming one covers the other.

What happens if I don’t move into the home in time?
Failing to move in within the required timeframe, or not living there for the required continuous period, can mean the grant needs to be repaid. It’s worth understanding this condition clearly before you apply, not after settlement.

Talk to a First Home Buyer Specialist

Grants and schemes only help if you actually qualify and apply them correctly. Talk to a first home buyer specialist about your eligibility for the FHOG, the First Home Guarantee, and pre-approval, all in one conversation. Explore our First Home Loans page or get in touch through our contact page to get started.

This is general information only and does not constitute financial or credit advice. Grant amounts, eligibility criteria and scheme rules can change, always confirm current details with the Queensland Revenue Office or speak to a licensed broker for advice tailored to your situation.