QLD’s $30,000 FHOG: Eligibility, rules and how to apply
Key takeaways:
- The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Queensland has doubled to $30,000 for eligible new home buyers who sign a contract by 30 June 2026
- The grant only applies to new homes valued under $750,000, not established properties
- Buyers can combine the grant with the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme and other concessions to reduce upfront costs
If you’re a first home buyer in Queensland, there’s never been a better time to enter the market.
In late 2023, the Queensland Government increased the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 – giving eligible buyers a major head start on buying or building a new home. But like most grants, it comes with rules, timeframes and fine print.
This blog walks you through everything you need to know about the FHOG – including what types of homes are eligible, how to apply, and how the grant fits in with other schemes like stamp duty concessions and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme.
The current grant: $30,000 until June 2026
The Queensland FHOG was boosted from $15,000 to $30,000 in November 2023 to encourage more new builds and help first home buyers into the market faster.
To receive the higher amount, your contract must be:
- Signed on or after 20 November 2023, and
- Signed on or before 30 June 2026
After that date, the grant is set to revert to $15,000.
It’s a significant cash boost, especially if you’re building from scratch or budgeting for upfront costs like loan fees, landscaping or appliances. But the eligibility rules are strict – and the clock is ticking.
What kinds of properties are eligible?
The grant is only available for new homes, not established ones. That includes:
- Newly constructed homes that have never been lived in or sold
- Off-the-plan purchases, where construction is yet to finish
- Contract-to-build homes, where you buy land and build with a licensed builder
- Owner-builder homes, provided the property meets final inspection standards
- Substantially renovated homes that have not been occupied or sold since completion
Price cap: $750,000 including land and extras
To access the FHOG, the total value of your property must be under $750,000. That includes:
- The land (if applicable)
- The building contract
- Any upgrades or variations (e.g. kitchen extras, flooring upgrades, fencing, landscaping)
If you’re building, make sure your final variations don’t push you over the cap. Even small extras added after signing can count towards your total and make you ineligible.
A broker can work closely with your builder or conveyancer to keep you under the threshold and flag any risks before it’s too late.
Who can apply: personal eligibility criteria
The FHOG isn’t just about the property; you also need to meet personal eligibility rules. To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Apply as an individual, not through a company or trust
- Not have owned and lived in a home in Australia previously (this includes your spouse or partner)
If you’ve previously owned an investment property but never lived in it, you may still be eligible. But if you’ve ever lived in a property you owned, the grant won’t apply.
Residency requirement
You’ll also need to:
- Move into the home within 12 months of settlement or completion
- Live there for at least 6 continuous months
The Queensland Revenue Office may request evidence of occupancy if there are delays or changes to your plans.
The FHOG vs stamp duty concessions
There’s often confusion between the FHOG and the First Home Concession — but they’re two different things.
The FHOG is a cash payment for people buying or building new homes. The First Home Concession is a stamp duty discount for buyers purchasing a home (including established properties) valued under $550,000.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’re buying a new home under $750,000, you may be eligible for both the FHOG and a stamp duty concession
- If you’re buying an established home, you can’t claim the FHOG, but you may still receive a concession on your transfer duty
For example, a first home buyer purchasing an established property for $500,000 may pay no stamp duty under the concession, but would not receive the $30,000 grant.
You can check your concession eligibility on the QRO website.
You can combine the FHOG with the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
If you’re struggling to save a full deposit, the FHOG isn’t your only option. You may also be eligible for the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme – a recently expanded federal initiative that supports first home buyers with smaller deposits.
Under the scheme, eligible buyers can:
- Buy a home with as little as 5% deposit (or 2% for single parents and legal guardians)
- Avoid paying lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI), which often costs thousands
- Choose from a wide range of home types, including new or established homes, house and land packages, and off-the-plan properties
- Buy within location-specific price caps (for SEQ: $700,000 for Brisbane, $600,000 for regional QLD including Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast)
- Access the scheme without income caps or waitlists
You must live in the home you purchase, and apply for an owner-occupier loan with principal and interest repayments from a participating lender.
This scheme was previously known as the First Home Guarantee, but has now been expanded and rebranded to support more Australians, including those who haven’t owned property in the past 10 years.
How to apply for the FHOG
There are two ways to apply for the First Home Owner Grant, but one is much simpler.
Option 1: Apply through a mortgage broker or lender
This is the most common (and recommended) approach. Your broker will:
- Check that you meet the FHOG QLD eligibility criteria
- Prepare and lodge the grant application on your behalf
- Align the grant timing with your loan settlement or construction drawdown
- Help you combine the FHOG with other schemes, if eligible
If you’re buying a completed new home, the grant is paid at settlement. If you’re building, it’s paid when the first loan funds are drawn down.
Option 2: Apply directly through the Queensland Revenue Office
This option is available after settlement or build completion. It typically takes longer and requires more documentation. It may also delay access to the funds.
Most buyers choose the broker-led path for a smoother experience and earlier access to the grant.
Why work with a Loan Market broker?
Buying your first home can be overwhelming, especially when there are grants, price caps and government schemes to navigate.
A Loan Market broker in Auchenflower, Buderim or Ipswich can help by:
- Confirming your FHOG and deposit scheme eligibility
- Checking that your home or build stays under the $750,000 FHOG cap
- Structuring your loan so that the grant is released on time
- Helping you combine state and federal support for maximum benefit
- Handling the paperwork and making sure your applications are accurate and complete
They’ll also answer your questions and provide clarity on lender policies, valuation limits, and timelines, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
Final word
The $30,000 First Home Owner Grant is the most generous grant Queensland has offered – but it’s only available for a limited time. If you’re planning to build or buy a new home, now is the time to take action.
With the right loan structure and the support of a Loan Market broker, you may also be able to combine the grant with other savings tools like the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme and stamp duty concessions, giving you more buying power and fewer upfront costs.
To find out if you’re eligible and what your options are, get in touch with a Loan Market broker in our Auchenflower, Buderim or Ipswich office today.
FAQs
Can I use the FHOG as part of my deposit?
Not directly. The grant is usually paid at settlement or at the first loan drawdown, so you still need upfront funds to cover your deposit. However, it counts toward your overall contribution.
Can I get the FHOG if I buy a townhouse or unit?
Yes – as long as it’s a new property that has never been lived in or sold. This includes new townhouses, apartments and duplexes.
What happens if my build contract goes over $750,000 after I sign?
If the final price exceeds the cap, you may lose eligibility – even if your original contract was under. It’s important to budget carefully and discuss any upgrades with your broker first.
Is the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme the same as the First Home Guarantee?
Yes, it’s the same core program, but it’s now been expanded and rebranded to include more buyers. It has no income caps, no waitlists and allows eligible buyers to avoid LMI with a low deposit.
Can I access both the FHOG and the 5% Deposit Scheme?
Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria for both, you can use them together to reduce your upfront costs and enter the market sooner.