Save through super
Build your first-home deposit using eligible voluntary super contributions
The First Home Super Saver Scheme may help eligible first-home buyers save more efficiently by making voluntary contributions into super and later applying to release eligible contributions plus ATO-calculated associated earnings.
The scheme does not allow you to withdraw your compulsory employer super or your entire super balance. Contribution caps, tax treatment, release timing and eligibility rules apply.
FHSS contribution limits per person
ATO-calculated associated earnings may also be released. These limits apply individually, so two eligible buyers may each use their own FHSS amount toward the same property.
Key features
What the First Home Super Saver Scheme can do
FHSS is a savings strategy rather than a home loan. It may help you build part of your deposit before you apply for finance.
Annual limit
Up to $15,000 of eligible voluntary contributions made in a financial year can count toward FHSS.
Overall limit
Up to $50,000 of eligible voluntary contributions can count across all financial years for each person.
Associated earnings
The ATO calculates associated earnings for the eligible contributions included in your release amount.
Individual access
Eligible partners, siblings or friends can each use their own FHSS savings toward the same property purchase.
Contribution choices
Which contributions may count?
Only eligible voluntary contributions can be included. How much is eventually releasable depends on whether the contribution was made before or after tax.
Concessional contributions
Eligible salary-sacrifice contributions and personal contributions for which you claim a tax deduction may count. Generally, 85% is included in the releasable contribution amount because contributions tax is applied within super.
Non-concessional contributions
Eligible personal after-tax contributions for which no tax deduction is claimed may count. Generally, 100% is included in the releasable contribution amount.
What generally does not count
- Compulsory employer Super Guarantee contributions.
- Your existing super balance that was not built from eligible voluntary contributions.
- Contributions exceeding the FHSS annual or overall limits.
- Amounts exceeding the applicable super contribution caps.
- Some government, spouse, foreign-fund and mandated contributions.
Confirm contribution coding, contribution caps and tax treatment with your super fund, accountant or financial adviser before contributing.
Eligibility
Who may use FHSS?
- You must be at least 18 when requesting an FHSS determination or release.
- You must generally never have owned Australian real property, including an investment property, vacant land, commercial property, certain land leases or company-title interests.
- You must not have previously requested an FHSS release, subject to limited exceptions for unsuccessful releases.
- You must intend to occupy the property as soon as practicable.
- You must intend to live in the property for at least six months of the first 12 months after it is practicable to move in.
- You must have eligible voluntary super contributions available for release.
Financial-hardship exception
Someone who previously owned property may be able to apply to the ATO for an FHSS financial-hardship determination where specified circumstances resulted in the loss of their property interests.
Eligibility for FHSS does not confirm your home-loan approval or your eligibility for a state grant, stamp-duty concession or another Australian Government scheme.
Understand the numbers
Your contribution total is not necessarily your cash release
The ATO determines the maximum releasable amount after applying the FHSS rules to eligible contributions, associated earnings and tax.
Contribution treatment
Generally, 100% of eligible non-concessional contributions and 85% of eligible concessional contributions form part of the release calculation.
Associated earnings
The ATO uses a prescribed deemed-earnings calculation. This amount may differ from the actual investment returns earned by your super fund.
Tax on release
Assessable released amounts are generally taxed at your marginal rate, including Medicare levy, less a 30% FHSS tax offset. Withholding may apply before payment.
FHSS interacts with super contribution caps, personal tax deductions, reportable contributions and individual tax circumstances. Triple O Finance can explain the home-loan implications but does not provide personal tax or superannuation advice.
Timing matters
Complete the ATO steps before settlement
Request an FHSS determination through ATO online services before ownership of real property transfers to you. The determination confirms the maximum amount the ATO calculates you can request.
You can request release before signing a contract or within the permitted period after signing. Current ATO guidance allows a valid release request within 90 days after signing an eligible contract, but requesting early can reduce settlement risk.
- Check that your fund has reported the contributions to the ATO.
- Request and review an FHSS determination.
- Request the release through ATO online services.
- Allow sufficient time for the ATO and fund to process payment.
- Notify the ATO of the eligible contract within the required timeframe.
Do not leave release planning until settlement
Release processing is not instant. If FHSS funds form part of your deposit or settlement contribution, the timing should be coordinated with your lender and conveyancer before you commit to a property.
If you do not sign an eligible contract within the required period after requesting release, you may need to apply for an extension, recontribute the assessable amount or keep the amount and pay FHSS tax.
Consider the trade-offs
FHSS may improve how you save—but it requires planning
Potential benefits
- Potentially benefit from the concessional tax environment within super.
- Create a structured deposit-saving strategy.
- Access ATO-calculated associated earnings.
- Each eligible purchaser can use their own FHSS amount.
- Potentially combine FHSS with other eligible homebuyer assistance.
Important limitations
- FHSS does not increase your lender-assessed borrowing capacity by itself.
- Contributed funds remain within super until released under the rules.
- Release amounts and associated earnings are calculated by the ATO.
- Contribution, determination, contract and release timing rules apply.
- Tax and super advice may be needed before choosing a contribution strategy.
Build a complete purchase plan
FHSS can form one part of your first-home strategy
Your released FHSS amount may contribute toward your available funds, while your loan and any other assistance remain subject to their own eligibility rules.
5% Deposit Scheme
Eligible buyers may combine released FHSS savings with the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, subject to both programs and lender requirements.
Help to Buy
FHSS may be used alongside Help to Buy where all separate eligibility, deposit, income and shared-equity requirements are satisfied.
State assistance
First Home Owner Grants and stamp-duty concessions have separate state or territory rules. Confirm whether FHSS affects the relevant benefit.
Practical process
From voluntary contributions to your first-home purchase
Check eligibility
Review your age, property-ownership history, intended occupancy and prior FHSS use.
Get advice where needed
Confirm tax, super contribution caps and the suitable contribution type before contributing.
Make eligible contributions
Use salary sacrifice or eligible personal contributions and retain accurate records.
Assess your home loan
Review borrowing capacity, repayments, purchase costs and your total available funds.
Request a determination
Use ATO online services to confirm your calculated maximum FHSS release amount.
Request release and buy
Coordinate the ATO release, eligible contract, lender approval, conveyancer and settlement timing.
How Triple O Finance can help
Connect your FHSS savings with a realistic home-loan plan
We can assess how the expected FHSS release may fit with your deposit, purchase costs, borrowing capacity and other eligible first-home-buyer pathways.
Deposit assessment
Map your FHSS estimate, other savings, grants and expected purchase costs.
Borrowing assessment
Review income, liabilities, living expenses and likely lender servicing outcomes.
Pathway comparison
Compare relevant low-deposit, shared-equity and standard loan options.
Settlement planning
Coordinate finance milestones with your FHSS release and conveyancing timeline.
Information reviewed 26 September 2026. FHSS, tax and superannuation rules can change. General information only. Consider obtaining personal tax and financial advice before making or changing super contributions.
