First Home Buyer
Complete Guide
A comprehensive reference for buying your first home in Australia. Government grants, guarantee schemes, stamp duty concessions, and a step-by-step checklist.
5%
Minimum deposit with government guarantees
$30k
Maximum FHOG (QLD and TAS)
Unlimited
Guarantee scheme places (from October 2025, updated January 2026)
$50k
Maximum FHSS withdrawal
Government Support by State
Select your state to view specific grants, concessions, and property price caps
VIC First Home Owner Grant
Property value cap
$750,000
Eligible properties
New homes only
Regional Victoria buyers may be eligible for an additional $10,000 bonus (total $20,000).
VIC Property Price Caps
Maximum property value for government guarantee schemes
Capital city and regional centres
$950,000
Rest of state
$800,000
VIC Stamp Duty Concessions
Full exemption for properties up to $600k. Sliding concession applies between $600k and $750k.
Federal Guarantee Schemes
Housing Australia schemes that allow you to purchase with a smaller deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance
First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
5% depositPurchase with a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees up to 15% of the property value. Now includes unlimited places and no income restrictions (effective October 2025).
Key eligibility criteria:
- —Australian citizen or permanent resident (18+)
- —First home buyer (never owned property in Australia)
- —No income restrictions (removed October 2025)
Family Home Guarantee
2% depositSingle parents or eligible single legal guardians can purchase with just a 2% deposit without paying LMI.
Key eligibility criteria:
- —Single parent or legal guardian with at least one dependent child
- —Australian citizen or permanent resident (18+)
- —Income cap: $125,000
First Home Buyer Checklist
Track your progress through each stage of the home buying process
0 of 22 steps completed
Establish a strong financial foundation before applying for a loan.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)
The FHSS allows you to save for your deposit inside superannuation, benefiting from lower tax rates. You can withdraw up to $50,000 in voluntary contributions for your first home deposit.
- —Salary sacrifice contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate
- —Maximum $15,000 per financial year, up to $50,000 total
- —Funds are released with deemed earnings calculated at the shortfall interest charge rate
Maximum withdrawal
$50k
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Disclaimer: This information is current as of January 2026 and is provided for general guidance only. Grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and price caps are subject to change. Verify current details with official government sources (Housing Australia, state revenue offices) before making decisions. This is not financial advice. Consult a qualified mortgage broker or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.