First Home Buyer Guide
Queensland First Home Owner Grant 2026: who qualifies and how much
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off government payment for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home. Amounts, eligibility thresholds, and conditions are set by the Queensland Revenue Office and can change with each state budget. This guide explains what currently applies, always verify current figures directly with the QLD Revenue Office before making a financial decision.
How much is the Queensland First Home Owner Grant?
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is currently up to $30,000 for eligible new homes, subject to Queensland Revenue Office conditions. The amount and any applicable thresholds are set by the state government and may change. Always confirm the current figure with the QLD Revenue Office or a licensed mortgage broker before budgeting.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the Queensland FHOG you generally need to meet all of the following conditions. These are summarised from the QLD Revenue Office, see the source link at the bottom of this page for the full eligibility criteria.
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or applying with someone who is).
- You or your spouse or partner have not previously owned or co-owned residential property in Australia.
- You or your spouse or partner have not previously received a first home owner grant in any Australian state or territory.
- The home you are buying or building is a new home, not an established property.
- The property purchase price (or construction contract value) is within the QLD Revenue Office threshold that applies at your contract date.
- You intend to occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or practical completion.
What counts as a 'new home'?
Under the Queensland FHOG, a new home is a property that has not been previously sold or occupied as a place of residence. This includes:
- A brand-new house, townhouse, apartment, or unit being purchased from the builder or developer for the first time.
- A home you are building under a fixed-price build contract on land you own or are purchasing.
- A substantially renovated home that meets the QLD Revenue Office definition (check directly, criteria are strict).
How to apply
You can apply for the Queensland FHOG through your approved lender at the time you apply for your home loan. Most lenders on the AFG panel are approved FHOG agents and can lodge the application on your behalf at settlement. Alternatively, you can apply directly through the QLD Revenue Office after settlement. We help you coordinate the application timing so it aligns with your loan settlement date, contact us if you have questions about the process.
First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions, are they separate?
Yes. The FHOG is a separate payment from Queensland's first home concessions on transfer duty (stamp duty). Depending on your purchase type and price, you may be eligible for both. See our separate guide on QLD stamp duty concessions for first home buyers, or ask us to check both in your first call.
Can I also use the First Home Guarantee?
The federal First Home Guarantee (FHBG) is a separate federal government scheme that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). It is administered by Housing Australia and has its own income and property price caps. You may be eligible for both the Queensland FHOG and the federal First Home Guarantee, we check both in your first call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the FHOG if I'm buying an established house?
No. The Queensland FHOG applies only to new or substantially renovated homes. If you're buying an established property, you won't qualify for the grant, but you may still be eligible for stamp duty concessions. We check both in your first call.
Does the FHOG affect my borrowing capacity?
The grant is generally treated as a contribution to your deposit, which can improve your LVR and potentially reduce your LMI exposure. We model how the grant affects your overall deposit and borrowing position across lenders.
What if I'm buying with a partner who has owned property before?
If any applicant on the title has previously owned residential property in Australia (or received a first home owner grant), the application is generally ineligible. There are some exceptions, check the current QLD Revenue Office rules or ask us directly.
How long do I need to live in the home?
You generally need to occupy the home as your principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months, starting within 12 months of settlement or practical completion. The QLD Revenue Office may claw back the grant if this condition isn't met.
Can I use the FHOG as part of my deposit?
Yes, at settlement the grant is typically paid directly to your lender and applied to the purchase price, effectively contributing to your deposit. We confirm the exact timing and payment process with your specific lender.
What happens if the grant amount changes before my settlement date?
The amount payable is generally the amount that applies at your contract date, not the settlement date, but this depends on the specific scheme conditions at the time. We help you confirm the applicable amount with the QLD Revenue Office for your contract.