A grant and a stamp duty concession are not the same thing
A First Home Owner Grant is a payment available under the rules of your state or territory, usually for an eligible new home. A stamp duty exemption or concession reduces the transfer duty you would otherwise pay when purchasing property.
You may qualify for one, both or neither. The answer depends on where you buy, the property, the contract date and each buyer’s circumstances.
The main ways governments may reduce your path-to-purchase costs
Each program solves a different part of the affordability problem. Understanding the difference helps prevent you from counting money that may not be available when your deposit is due.
First Home Owner Grant
A once-only payment for eligible buyers. It commonly targets new homes, although property definitions, values and payment timing vary.
Stamp duty relief
An exemption can remove eligible transfer duty; a concession reduces it. The saving is normally calculated when your transaction is assessed.
Low-deposit and shared-equity pathways
Separate national or state programs may reduce the deposit hurdle or involve a government equity contribution. They have their own rules.
New-build or regional assistance
Some jurisdictions offer additional or time-limited support for building, buying new or purchasing in a nominated area.
Check the rules before you exchange contracts
Government assistance can change at budget time, at the start of a financial year or from a specific contract date. A benefit that applied to a similar buyer last year may not apply to your transaction.
Property location
The rules are set by the jurisdiction in which the property is located—not where you currently live.
Property and price
New and established homes may be treated differently, with thresholds based on price or dutiable value.
Contract timing
Your contract date can determine which version of a scheme applies, even if settlement occurs months later.
First-home buyer assistance by state and territory
Use this as a starting point, then check the official revenue authority for current eligibility, thresholds, deadlines and application instructions.
Grants and First Home Buyers Assistance
Eligible buyers may access a grant for a qualifying new home and transfer-duty relief for eligible new or established homes.
Check Revenue NSW rules →First-home buyer grant and duty relief
Eligible buyers may access a grant for a qualifying new home and a duty exemption or concession, subject to current Victorian rules.
Check State Revenue Office Victoria →First home grant and transfer-duty concessions
Queensland offers support for eligible new-home buyers and transfer-duty concessions that vary with the transaction and property type.
Check Queensland Revenue Office →First Home Owner Grant and duty rate
Eligible buyers may qualify for a grant on a new home and the first-home owner rate of duty under WA’s current requirements.
Check WA Government rules →New-home grant and stamp duty relief
Eligible first-home buyers may receive support for a qualifying new home and duty relief for eligible new homes or vacant land.
Check RevenueSA rules →First Home Owner Grant and current concessions
Tasmanian programs and availability periods can change. Check the current grant and property-transfer duty arrangements before committing.
Check State Revenue Office Tasmania →Home Buyer Concession Scheme
The ACT uses its Home Buyer Concession Scheme for eligible property transactions. Current eligibility and application rules apply.
Check ACT Revenue rules →Home-owner assistance programs
The NT offers home-owner assistance that may include support for qualifying first-home buyers and eligible new-home transactions.
Check Northern Territory programs →Assistance does not remove every upfront cost
Even if you receive a grant or duty relief, you may still need funds for the deposit, conveyancing, inspections, lender fees, moving costs and a safety buffer. Some grants are paid at settlement or at a construction milestone rather than when you sign the contract.
Estimate My Purchase CostsHow state assistance can fit with national first-home buyer pathways
You may be able to combine a state benefit with a national pathway, provided you meet every program’s rules and your lender accepts the structure.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
An eligible buyer may purchase with a smaller deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance under the scheme’s rules.
Compare the 5% Deposit Scheme →Help to Buy
A shared-equity pathway may reduce the size of the mortgage required, but eligibility and property requirements are separate.
Check My Help to Buy Position →First Home Super Saver Scheme
Eligible voluntary super contributions may help you build part of your deposit before you buy.
Review My FHSS Savings Plan →Common issues to check early
Past ownership and your partner
Previous property ownership may affect eligibility. Some programs also consider a spouse or partner even if they are not on the loan.
Occupancy deadlines
Most first-home assistance requires you to move in within a defined period and live there for a minimum time.
Property definitions
A substantially renovated home, off-the-plan purchase, house-and-land package or vacant block may be assessed differently.
Application responsibility
Your lender or conveyancer may lodge some applications, but you remain responsible for accurate declarations and supporting evidence.
A practical six-step plan
Confirm the assistance and the mortgage together, so your offer is based on funds that are actually likely to be available.
- Choose the location.
Identify the state or territory where you intend to buy. - Check your history.
Review prior ownership, citizenship, residency and partner circumstances. - Define the property.
Confirm whether it is new, established, off-the-plan or vacant land. - Estimate every cost.
Model duty, fees, deposit and the timing of any grant payment. - Assess the loan.
Check borrowing power, repayments and lender requirements. - Verify before signing.
Have the current scheme and contract treatment confirmed.
Assess the assistance and the mortgage behind it
A government benefit can reduce an upfront cost, but it does not confirm that the loan is affordable or approved. Triple O Finance can help you compare suitable lenders, understand the likely cash required and coordinate the finance pathway with your other advisers.
Important: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Government programs, lender policies, eligibility criteria and thresholds can change. Confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances before entering a contract.
