Why Government Support Exists
With property prices rising across the country, many first-home buyers feel locked out of the market. To help make home ownership more achievable, the Australian Government and state/territory governments offer a range of grants, guarantees and stamp-duty concessions designed to reduce upfront costs and improve serviceability.
Knowing which incentives you’re eligible for — and how they can work together — can save you tens of thousands of dollars and help you buy sooner.
Federal Home-Buyer Support (Australia-Wide)
The Federal Government provides several key schemes through Housing Australia to support first-home buyers, regional buyers and single parents.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
This flagship program helps eligible buyers purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit (or 2% for eligible single parents/guardians).
Key features:
Allows low-deposit purchasing while avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
No income caps (current from October 2025).
Property price caps apply depending on the region.
Available through participating lenders.
This scheme is one of the most widely used pathways for first-home buyers entering the market with limited savings.
Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
Designed to support Australians buying in regional areas, this program offers the same benefits as the national 5% Deposit Scheme, with a regional focus.
Key benefits:
Buy with just a 5% deposit.
No Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
You must purchase outside capital cities and major centres.
You must live in the regional area you are purchasing in.
This is ideal for buyers looking to stay close to family, move for lifestyle reasons or take advantage of lower regional property prices.
Family Home Guarantee
This guarantee is specifically for single parents and eligible single legal guardians, supporting them to buy a home — even if it’s not their first.
Key features:
Buy with just a 2% deposit.
No LMI payable.
Available for both new and existing homes.
Limited places released each financial year.
This program can dramatically speed up the pathway to home ownership for single parents, even on a single income.
Help to Buy (Shared-Equity Program)
This shared-equity initiative enables eligible buyers to purchase with the government contributing up to 30–40% of the property price. You then buy back the government’s share over time as your financial position improves.
Who it helps:
Buyers who can manage repayments but struggle to save a large deposit.
Moderate-income earners who want a smaller mortgage and lower ongoing costs.
This reduces the loan amount significantly, improving borrowing capacity and monthly affordability.
State & Territory First-Home Buyer Grants (2025)
Each state and territory has its own version of the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp-duty concessions. While these change frequently, here is a general guide:
| State / Territory | FHOG (New Builds) | Stamp-Duty Concessions |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $10,000 for new homes up to ~$750k | Concessions up to ~$1m |
| VIC | $10,000 for metro & regional new builds | Exemption up to ~$600k; concession to ~$750k |
| QLD | $30,000 for new homes under ~$750k | Concessions up to ~$500k |
| SA | $15,000 for new builds | Duty relief for off-the-plan homes |
| WA | $10,000 statewide | Concessions up to ~$530k |
| TAS | $30,000 for new builds | Exemption up to ~$600k |
| ACT | No FHOG (focus on duty) | Full or partial duty exemptions |
| NT | $10,000 for new builds | Concessions for eligible established homes |
Always check your state revenue office for the most current thresholds and rules.
Stamp-Duty Exemptions & Concessions
Stamp duty can be a significant barrier for first-home buyers. Many states now offer:
Full exemptions: No duty payable under a certain property value.
Concessions: Reduced duty for slightly higher-priced properties.
Varied rules depending on whether the property is a new build, off-the-plan or established.
Reducing or eliminating stamp duty can dramatically cut your upfront costs.
Combining Multiple Benefits
Most programs can be combined if you meet each scheme’s criteria. For example, a first-home buyer purchasing regionally may be eligible for:
The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
A state First Home Owner Grant
A state stamp-duty exemption or concession
Together, these could reduce upfront costs by $40,000–$60,000 or more, depending on where you’re buying.
How to Apply
Applying for these schemes is straightforward when you follow the right steps:
Check your eligibility via Housing Australia and your state revenue office.
Gather documentation (ID, income records, savings history, contract of sale).
Apply through your broker or lender, who will lodge federal scheme applications on your behalf.
Plan ahead — some grants are paid at settlement, others after construction starts.
Start early to avoid missing out on limited allocations or processing timeframes.
Eligibility Traps to Avoid
Be aware of these common pitfalls:
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Most schemes require you to live in the home for 6–12 months after settlement.
Property price caps vary widely between regions.
Some grants apply only to new builds or off-the-plan purchases.
Generally, you cannot have previously owned property (unless applying under certain special programs like the Family Home Guarantee).
Understanding the fine print helps you avoid delays or missed opportunities.
How Brokers Help First-Home Buyers
A specialist mortgage broker simplifies the entire process and ensures you get the most from every scheme.
Your broker will:
Confirm which grants, concessions and guarantees you qualify for.
Match you with lenders who participate in the relevant programs.
Prepare and lodge all government-related paperwork.
Help structure your loan to reduce upfront and long-term costs.
Guide you on how to combine and maximise available incentives.
This expertise often makes the difference between buying now or needing to wait.
Maximise Your Benefits
To get the most out of government support:
Keep copies of all application and approval documents.
Use grant funds or stamp-duty savings to reduce your loan balance.
Consider helpful features like an offset account to manage your cash flow.
Maintain a realistic budget — lower deposit requirements don’t change the ongoing costs of home ownership.
Even small financial advantages early on can compound into significant long-term savings.
Start Your Eligibility Check Today
Government incentives for first-home buyers have never been more comprehensive. Whether you’re buying in metro or regional Australia, there is likely a program that can help you enter the property market sooner — and with less financial pressure.
To find out exactly what you qualify for, speak with a Loan Location first-home specialist today:
👉 Contact Loan Location