Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones — but it can also come with a long list of questions, especially when it comes to government support. If you’re a first-time buyer in New South Wales, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) might be the boost you need to get into the market sooner.
Here’s everything you need to know about the FHOG in NSW, including how much you could receive, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What is the First Home Owner Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) is a one-off payment of $10,000 from the NSW Government, designed to help eligible first-time buyers purchase or build a new home. It’s a key initiative aimed at supporting home ownership and stimulating construction activity across the state.
Who is Eligible?
To receive the FHOG in NSW, you must meet the following criteria:
✅ You’re buying or building a brand-new home (or a substantially renovated one).
✅ You or your partner must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
✅ You must be at least 18 years of age.
✅ You must be a first home buyer. (Neither you nor your partner can have owned residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000, or lived in one you owned since then.)
✅ The value of the home must not exceed:
- $750,000 for a new home purchase (including house and land), or
- $750,000 for a newly built home you plan to construct.
✅ You must live in the home for at least 6 continuous months within the first 12 months of settlement or construction completion.
What Types of Properties Are Eligible?
The grant applies to:
- New homes that have never been lived in
- Homes purchased off the plan
- Substantially renovated properties (where most of the building has been replaced or upgraded)
- House and land packages
- Owner-builder homes
It does not apply to established (previously lived-in) homes unless they’ve been substantially renovated, and approved as such by the NSW Revenue office.
How Much Can You Get?
As of 2025, eligible applicants can receive a one-time grant of $10,000. While this might not sound like much in today’s market, it can go a long way toward covering upfront costs like:
- Stamp duty (in combination with exemptions)
- Legal and conveyancing fees
- Inspections and reports
- Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
Good News: You May Also Be Eligible for Stamp Duty Relief
In addition to the FHOG, first home buyers in NSW may be able to take advantage of stamp duty exemptions or concessions under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.
Here’s how it currently stands:
- No stamp duty for new or existing homes valued up to $800,000
- Concessional rates for homes valued between $800,000 and $1 million
These thresholds are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the Revenue NSW website or speak with your broker.
How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant
You can apply in two main ways:
- Through your lender or mortgage broker – this is the most common and efficient route. Your broker can include the application as part of your home loan paperwork.
- Directly through Revenue NSW – if you’re not applying for finance or are doing it independently, you can lodge your application online via the Revenue NSW portal.
Documents you may need to include:
- Proof of identity
- Signed contract of sale or building contract
- Evidence of residency (once you’ve moved in)
