First Home Owners Grant Victoria 2026: Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply
If you're buying your first home in Victoria, the First Home Owners Grant is often the first piece of support people hear about — and also the most misunderstood. This guide covers exactly how much you can get, who qualifies, which properties are eligible, and how to apply.
Important: This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. First home owners grant amounts and eligibility rules are set by the Victorian Government and are subject to change. Please confirm current details with the State Revenue Office or a qualified mortgage broker before applying.
What Is the First Home Owners Grant?
The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a one-off, tax-free payment from the Victorian Government designed to help eligible first home buyers get into a new home. Unlike a loan, it doesn't need to be repaid — but it comes with strict eligibility rules that catch many applicants out.
How Much Is the First Home Owners Grant in Victoria?
| Detail | Amount / Condition |
|---|---|
| Grant amount | $10,000 |
| Property price cap | $750,000 |
| Property type | New homes only |
| Payment timing | At or shortly after settlement (for established new builds) or on completion (for off-the-plan/contract builds) |
Source: State Revenue Office Victoria.
Key takeaway: The first home owners grant is worth $10,000 in Victoria — but only for new homes under $750,000. Established or existing homes do not qualify, regardless of price.
Eligibility Criteria for the First Home Owners Grant
To qualify for the first home owners grant in Victoria, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- You (or your spouse/partner) have never owned residential property in Australia before
- You are an individual, not a company or trust
- You are at least 18 years old
- At least one applicant is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You will occupy the home as your principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months, starting within 12 months of settlement
Important: The 12-month occupancy requirement is one of the most common reasons grants are later reversed. If you move in late, or move out early without an approved exemption, you may be required to repay the grant.
Which Properties Qualify for the First Home Owners Grant
This is where most confusion happens. The first home owners grant only applies to new homes, which includes:
- A newly built home that has never been lived in or sold as a place of residence
- An off-the-plan purchase
- A substantially renovated home (where the renovation effectively makes it new)
- A home you build yourself on vacant land, via an owner-builder or building contract
Established homes — including houses that are only a few years old but have already been lived in — do not qualify, even if the price is well under $750,000.
How to Apply for the First Home Owners Grant
- Confirm eligibility first — check the property type, price, and your own eligibility before signing a contract.
- Apply through your lender — most buyers apply for the FHOG through their bank or broker at the same time as their home loan application, rather than applying directly to the State Revenue Office.
- Provide supporting documents — proof of identity, the contract of sale or building contract, and evidence of intended occupancy.
- Settlement — for established new builds, the grant is typically paid at settlement. For off-the-plan or owner-builder contracts, it's usually paid on completion.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
- Applying for an established (previously lived-in) property
- Property price exceeds the $750,000 cap
- Applicant or their spouse/partner has owned property in Australia before
- Not meeting the 12-month occupancy requirement
- Applying as a company or trust rather than as an individual
First Home Owners Grant vs Stamp Duty Exemption
These are two separate types of support, and it's easy to mix them up:
| First Home Owners Grant | Stamp Duty Exemption | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A $10,000 cash payment | A reduction/removal of the tax on your purchase |
| Property type | New homes only | Any residential property (new or established) |
| Price cap | $750,000 | Full exemption up to $600,000, partial to $750,000 |
Can You Combine the First Home Owners Grant With Other Schemes?
Yes — this is where the real savings add up. An eligible buyer purchasing a new home under $600,000 may be able to combine the first home owners grant ($10,000), a full stamp duty exemption, and the federal First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) all on the same purchase.
How Be Smart Finance Can Help
Grant eligibility rules are strict, and a small mistake — like the wrong property type — can mean missing out entirely. We can help you:
- Confirm exactly whether your chosen property qualifies before you commit
- Lodge your FHOG application together with your home loan
- Work out which other schemes you can stack with the grant
- Avoid the common mistakes that lead to rejected applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the first home owners grant for an established home?
No. The first home owners grant only applies to new homes — newly built, off-the-plan, substantially renovated, or built on vacant land.
How much is the first home owners grant in Victoria?
$10,000, for new homes valued up to $750,000.
Do I have to live in the property to get the grant?
Yes. You must move in within 12 months of settlement and live there continuously for at least 12 months.
Can I apply for the first home owners grant if I've owned property overseas?
The FHOG eligibility test relates to property ownership in Australia. Speak with a broker or the State Revenue Office to confirm how overseas ownership may affect your specific situation.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Book Your Free First Home Buyer Review and we'll confirm exactly what you're eligible for.
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