See which duty exemption, concession or grant may apply on your first home, and what the duty looks like with and without the first home benefit.
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Buying your first home in Australia comes with a layer of potential government support — but the rules are complex, vary by state and territory, and change regularly. This checker gives you an indicative picture of what may apply at your purchase price, in your chosen jurisdiction. Always confirm the current eligibility rules and amounts with the relevant state revenue office before making decisions.
Support generally falls into three categories. First, state and territory governments offer duty exemptions or concessions that reduce or eliminate the transfer duty payable on a first home purchase below certain price thresholds. Second, most jurisdictions administer a First Home Owner Grant — a one-off cash grant, typically available on new builds or vacant land rather than established homes. Third, the federal Home Guarantee Scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with a smaller deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, because the government guarantees a portion of the loan.
Rules are commonly updated at the start of a new financial year, so if you are buying near 1 July, the benefit that applies to your purchase depends on when contracts are exchanged — not when settlement occurs. For a detailed breakdown of what is currently available across the country, see our guide First home buyer schemes in Australia.
First home buyers may be eligible for state-based duty exemptions or concessions, a First Home Owner Grant, and federal support through the Home Guarantee Scheme. The specific benefits, amounts and eligibility rules differ by jurisdiction and change periodically — particularly around financial-year boundaries.
The FHOG is a one-off grant paid by state and territory governments to eligible first home buyers. It generally applies to new homes or vacant land only, not established dwellings. The amount varies by jurisdiction and may be subject to a property value cap. Confirm the current amount and eligibility criteria with the relevant state revenue office.
The Home Guarantee Scheme (administered by Housing Australia) allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a deposit as low as 5%, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, because the government guarantees part of the loan. Places are limited and income and property price caps apply. This scheme operates separately from state-based duty exemptions and grants.
Yes. State budgets and federal policy announcements often adjust grant amounts, duty thresholds and scheme eligibility from 1 July each year. If you are purchasing near a financial-year boundary, confirm the rules that apply on your contract date with the relevant revenue office, as the benefit can differ depending on when contracts are exchanged.
General information from AgentBridge, a property distribution business. It is not financial, legal or taxation advice. Confirm eligibility and figures with the relevant state revenue office before relying on them.