Skip to main content
Official Sources

How to verify
grants and schemes

Government support for first home buyers changes regularly. Here's how to verify your eligibility using official sources — not outdated blog posts or sales pitches.

6 min readUpdated January 2026
The Problem

Outdated information costs buyers

Government schemes change. Price caps are updated. Eligibility criteria shift. And the internet is full of outdated summaries that don't reflect current rules.

We've seen buyers plan entire purchases around grants they didn't actually qualify for — because they relied on a blog post from two years ago.

The fix: Always verify eligibility on official government sources before making financial decisions.

Official sources are the only reliable way to verify eligibility.

Don't trust summaries — check the source.

Federal Schemes

National programs

These schemes are administered at the federal level and apply Australia-wide.

Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)

Buy with as little as 5% deposit without paying LMI. Includes First Home Guarantee, Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, and Family Home Guarantee.

Key eligibility points:

  • Limited places released each financial year
  • Property price caps vary by location
  • Income caps apply
  • Must be Australian citizen or permanent resident
Verify on Housing Australia

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

Save for your deposit inside your super fund to benefit from lower tax rates. You can withdraw up to $50,000 in eligible contributions.

Key eligibility points:

  • Must not have owned property before
  • Contributions must be made through salary sacrifice or personal contributions
  • Apply to ATO before signing a contract
  • Strict release timelines apply
Verify on Australian Taxation Office
State & Territory

State-specific support

FHOG amounts, stamp duty concessions, and eligibility vary by state. Always check your state's revenue office.

Checklist

Before you rely on any scheme

1
Check the official government website (not a third-party summary)
2
Verify the information is current (check the "last updated" date)
3
Confirm you meet ALL eligibility criteria, not just some
4
Understand any caps (price caps, income caps, place limits)
5
Know the application timeline and deadlines
6
Get professional advice if you're unsure

Grants are just one piece.
Know the whole picture.

Our reports help you understand the property itself — risks, overlays, and how it fits your situation. Pair that with verified scheme eligibility for complete confidence.

Next steps

Continue with the full First Home Buyer Guide, check pricing, or get in touch.

This page links to official sources but does not constitute advice. Government schemes have specific eligibility criteria that change over time. Always verify directly with the relevant government authority before making financial decisions.