First Home Owner Grant Queensland Explained: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and the First Home Owner Grant Queensland can make it easier by providing a financial boost. This one-off grant from the Queensland Government helps eligible first-time buyers with the costs of a new home, townhouse, or house-and-land package. 

With property prices in Gold Coast rising, this support can be the difference between renting and owning.

At LM Edge, our mortgage brokers make the First Home Owner Grant process simple, helping you access the right government grants and find the best home loan for your needs. We guide first-time buyers through the eligibility requirements and ensure they avoid common home-buying mistakes along the way.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the First Home Owner Grant Queensland and how to make the most of it to buy your first home on the Gold Coast.

What Is the First Home Owner Grant Queensland?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Queensland is a one-off payment from the Queensland Government designed to help first-time buyers afford a new home. It applies to:

• Newly built homes, townhouses, or units
• House-and-land packages
• Substantially renovated homes
• Building a home on vacant land

Under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 (QLD), this grant aims to offset the impact of GST on homeownership. The law also ensures that applicants meet eligibility criteria, including price caps and residency requirements. 

The  Queensland Revenue Office oversees the grant and enforces compliance. False claims can result in penalties and repayments.

Purpose and Benefits

The FHOG is more than just financial assistance—it’s designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers. Here’s why it matters:

• Reduces upfront costs  – Can be used toward a loan deposit or building costs.
• Helps buyers enter the market sooner  – Less reliance on Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
• Encourages new home construction  – Supports the Queensland construction industry.
• Can be combined with other government benefits  – Works alongside stamp duty concessions and First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.

With rising property prices in Gold Coast, taking advantage of these benefits can make a real difference for first-time buyers.

How Does the First Home Owner Grant Work?

The First Home Owner Grant Queensland provides a one-off payment to eligible first-time buyers purchasing a new home, house-and-land package, or substantially renovated property. The grant amount is $30,000 for homes valued under $750,000.

Once your grant application is approved, the funds are usually paid at settlement if you’re buying a completed home. If you’re building, the money is released when your lending institution makes the first drawdown of funds for construction. 

The grant can be used toward upfront costs like a loan deposit or to cover part of your property purchase expenses.

Since the Queensland Revenue Office manages the grant, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and comply with residency conditions to avoid repayment penalties.

How Much Is the First Home Owner Grant?

As of 2024, the First Home Owner Grant Queensland offers a one-off payment of $30,000 for eligible first-time buyers purchasing a new home, house-and-land package, or substantially renovated property.

To qualify, the property’s purchase price, including land and construction costs, must be $750,000 or less. The grant applies whether you're buying a completed new home or building on vacant land under a comprehensive home building contract.

The $30,000 grant is a significant financial boost, helping first-time homebuyers cover upfront costs like a loan deposit, stamp duty, or construction expenses. 

Since this is a government initiative, the amount and criteria may change, so it's best to check the Queensland Revenue Office for the latest updates: https://qro.qld.gov.au/.

Who Is Eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?

Buying your first home is exciting, but before applying for the First Home Owner Grant Queensland, you need to ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements. Missing a key requirement could delay your grant application or lead to rejection.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer who has never owned a residential property in Australia before (including investment properties)
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or hold a Special Category Visa if from New Zealand)
• Buy or build a brand-new home, townhouse, unit, or house-and-land package
• Ensure the property’s purchase price is $750,000 or less (including land and construction costs)
• Move into the home as your primary residence within one year of settlement or construction completion and live there for at least six consecutive months

What Properties Are Eligible?

The  FHOG  applies to:

• Newly built homes  (never lived in or sold before)
• Off-the-plan purchases
• House-and-land packages
• Vacant land purchases  where a new home will be built under a  comprehensive home building contract
• Substantially renovated homes  (where most of the original house has been replaced)

Who Is Not Eligible?

You won’t qualify for the grant if:

• You’re purchasing an  existing home  that hasn’t been significantly renovated
• The property is being used as an  investment property
• The home is a  granny flat  or built on someone else’s land
• You or your partner have previously received a  First Home Owner Grant  anywhere in Australia

How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant Queensland (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applying for the FHOG is straightforward, but missing a step can cause delays. To ensure a smooth process, follow these steps carefully and have all your documents ready before applying.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, purchasing an eligible property, and meeting the $750,000 price cap. The Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) provides an eligibility checker to help you verify if you qualify.

💡  Practical Tip:  If you’re buying with a partner, both of you must meet the eligibility requirements or the grant will be denied.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need to provide proof of identity, property purchase details, and residency information. Key documents include:

• Proof of identity (e.g., Australian birth certificate, passport, or permanent visa documentation)
• Signed contract of sale or comprehensive home building contract
• Evidence of property price (e.g., loan agreement, tax invoice, or builder contract variations)
• Inspection certificate or certificate of occupancy if the home is newly built
• Bank account details for grant payment

💡  Practical Tip:  Make sure your name and details match exactly across all documents to avoid processing delays.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply for the First Home Owner Grant Queensland through:

• Your lender or mortgage broker  – Most banks and mortgage brokers submit applications on behalf of borrowers when applying for a home loan.
• Directly through the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO)  – You can submit the grant application form online or via mail.

💡  Practical Tip:  Applying through your lender or mortgage broker can be faster since they verify documents before submission.

Step 4: Wait for Approval and Payment

The Queensland Revenue Office will review your application, which can take 4-6 weeks. If approved, the grant payment is released:

• At settlement (if buying a completed new home)
• At the first drawdown of funds (if building a home)

💡  Practical Tip:  If you need the grant funds for your loan deposit, make sure to apply early so the payment aligns with your settlement date.

By following these steps carefully, you can avoid delays and receive your grant as quickly as possible.

FAQs

What grants are available for first home owners in QLD?

Eligible first-time home buyers in Queensland can access the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for a new home, house-and-land package, or substantially renovated property. Additional support includes stamp duty discounts, transfer duty concessions, and federal schemes like the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS).

What is the $40,000 first home owners grant in QLD?

The $40,000 First Home Owner Grant does not currently exist in Queensland. The current buyer grant is $30,000, but the government has increased the amount in the past through previous grants, so future changes are possible.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in QLD?

First-home buyers may qualify for a stamp duty discount or full transfer duty concession if the purchase price is $500,000 or less. For homes priced between $500,000 and $550,000, a partial exemption applies, reducing the additional cost of stamp duty.

Is the first home owners grant doubled?

No, the First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment at settlement, and it has not been doubled. However, in the past, the government has temporarily increased the grant amount, so future adjustments could occur.

Can you use first home buyers grant as deposit in QLD?

Yes, the First Home Owner Grant can be used as part of a home loan deposit, but most lenders still require genuine savings. The grant alone is usually not enough, so many first-time home buyers combine it with personal savings or other financial assistance.

How much deposit do first home buyers need in QLD?

Most lenders require at least a 5% deposit, but if you borrow more than 80% of the property’s value, you may need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Some government programs allow eligible first-home buyers to purchase a single property with a lower deposit and no LMI.

What type of property qualifies for the First Home Owner Grant?

The buyer grant applies to new homes, off-the-plan purchases, house-and-land packages, and substantially renovated properties. However, it does not cover investment properties, granny flats, or existing homes that have not undergone major renovations.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first home on the Gold Coast QLD in 2025 is a big step, and the First Home Owner Grant can make a real difference. With $30,000 in government support, plus stamp duty discounts and other financial assistance, it’s a great time for eligible first-time home buyers to enter the property market.

If you're unsure about the grant application or how to make the most of your options, our team at LM Edge is here to help. We offer a free consultation to walk you through the process and find the best home loan for your situation. Call us at 0401 022 182 or visit  LM Edge to get started today!