Buying your first home in Australia is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make — and the good news is that government support has never been more comprehensive. Between federal and state schemes, eligible first home buyers can potentially access cash grants, stamp duty exemptions, LMI waivers, and even access to their superannuation — saving tens of thousands of dollars.
The catch? Every state and territory has different rules, thresholds, and eligibility criteria. This guide breaks down exactly what's available in each state for 2026, the federal schemes that apply everywhere, and how to stack multiple benefits together.
The First Home Guarantee is the federal government's flagship scheme for first home buyers. It allows you to buy with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees 15% of the loan to the lender, eliminating the LMI requirement.
| Region | Property Price Cap |
|---|---|
| Sydney & NSW regional centres | $900,000 |
| Rest of NSW | $750,000 |
| Melbourne & VIC regional centres | $800,000 |
| Rest of VIC | $650,000 |
| Brisbane & QLD regional centres | $700,000 |
| Rest of QLD | $550,000 |
| Perth & WA regional centres | $600,000 |
| Adelaide & SA regional centres | $600,000 |
| ACT | $750,000 |
| Tasmania & regional | $600,000 |
| NT | $600,000 |
A separate scheme for buyers purchasing in regional areas. Same structure as the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) but with 10,000 additional places specifically for regional purchases. You must have lived in the regional area for at least 12 months prior to purchasing.
For single parents with at least one dependent child. Allows purchase with as little as a 2% deposit without LMI. The government guarantees up to 18% of the loan. Income cap is $125,000/year. 5,000 places per year.
The FHSS allows you to save for a home deposit inside your superannuation fund, taking advantage of the tax benefits of super contributions.
Tip: The FHSS works best for people in higher tax brackets (30%+) who have time to build up contributions before purchasing. If you're planning to buy within 2–3 years, start salary sacrificing now.
The most strategic first home buyers combine federal and state schemes to maximise their total benefit. Here's what stacking can look like:
| Benefit | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant (NSW) | $10,000 |
| Stamp Duty Exemption (NSW, new home under $800K) | Up to $30,000+ |
| First Home Guarantee (no LMI) | Up to $20,000+ |
| First Home Super Saver Scheme | Up to $50,000 (tax-efficient) |
| Combined potential benefit | $80,000–$110,000+ |
Not every buyer will qualify for all schemes simultaneously. Eligibility requirements, property type, and price caps must all align. But understanding what's available is the first step.
See exactly what you'd pay — and what you'd save — as a first home buyer in your state.
Open Free Stamp Duty Calculator →Generally no — if either purchaser has previously owned residential property in Australia, you may not qualify for the FHOG. Some states allow partial concessions if only one buyer is a first home buyer, but the FHOG itself typically requires all purchasers to meet the criteria. Check with your state's revenue office for their specific rules.
No. The First Home Guarantee, Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, and Family Home Guarantee are all for owner-occupier purchases only. You must intend to move into the property as your primary place of residence.
You can still make voluntary after-tax contributions into super and access them through the FHSS. However, after-tax contributions don't provide the upfront tax saving that salary sacrifice does. The earnings on your contributions within super are still taxed at 15%, which may still be below your marginal rate.
Yes, in most states. Buying land and constructing a new home generally qualifies for the FHOG, provided the total value (land + build) falls under the relevant threshold. The grant is usually paid when construction reaches practical completion.
Requirements vary by state, but most require you to move into the property within 12 months of purchase and live there for at least 6–12 continuous months. If you fail to meet the residency requirements, you may have to repay the grant and any stamp duty concession.
In most Australian states, yes. The first home buyer definition typically refers to never having owned residential property in Australia — overseas property ownership usually doesn't affect your eligibility. However, rules vary slightly by state, so confirm with your state revenue office.
Mike Backman — Founder of Aussie Property & Crypto Calc. Mike researches Australian property, taxation and personal finance and maintains all calculators using ATO, ASIC, RBA and state government data.
Last updated: 19 July 2026 · About this site · Report an error