Every Grant, Scheme, and Stamp Duty Concession for First Home Buyers in 2026: State-by-State

By Will Kiln | Published March 2026 | Last Updated March 2026 If you're a first home buyer in Australia right now, there's good news: the combined government support available to you in 2026 is the most generous it has ever been. Between federal guarantees, shared equity schemes, state grants, and stamp duty concessions, a well-informed buyer could save anywhere from $15,000 to over $70,000 depending on where and what they purchase. The challenge is that this support is spread across multiple federal and state schemes, each with different eligibility rules, property price caps, and application processes. Government websites are dense. Eligibility criteria overlap in confusing ways. And some of the most valuable concessions are time-limited. This guide cuts through the complexity. It covers every federal and state-level scheme currently available, explains which can be stacked together, and includes worked examples showing the maximum savings in each state. <h2>Federal schemes available nationwide</h2> <h3>First Home Guarantee (FHG)</h3> The First Home Guarantee — formerly the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) — is now the most accessible federal scheme for first home buyers. How it works: The government guarantees up to 15% of the property value, allowing you to buy with just a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). What changed in October 2025: The scheme was significantly expanded. There are now unlimited places (previously capped at 35,000 per year), no income caps (previously $125,000 for singles and $200,000 for couples), and increased property price caps across all regions. Eligibility: You must be an Australian citizen aged 18 or older, you must not have previously owned property in Australia (including investment property or vacant land), and the property must be owner-occupied. Available to singles, couples, and friends or siblings buying together (as of October 2025). <h3>Help to Buy (shared equity scheme)</h3> Help to Buy launched on 5 December 2025 and represents a fundamentally different approach to government support. How it works: The government takes an equity stake of up to 40% in a new home or 30% in an existing home. You contribute a minimum 2% deposit, and the rest is covered by your home loan. Because the government owns a share, your loan is smaller, meaning lower repayments and no LMI. Eligibility: Income caps of $100,000 for singles and $160,000 for couples. You must be an Australian citizen, at least 18 years old, and not currently own property. The same property price caps as the FHG apply. Important limitations: Currently only two lenders participate — Commonwealth Bank and Bank Australia. CBA is not accepting applications through broker channels. At the time of writing (March 2026), the scheme is not yet available in Western Australia or Tasmania — check the Housing Australia website for the latest participating states and lenders. <h3>First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)</h3> The FHSSS lets you use the tax-advantaged superannuation system to save for a deposit faster. How it works: You make voluntary contributions to your super fund (up to $15,000 per financial year, to a maximum of $50,000 total). These contributions are taxed at 15% in super — far less than most people's marginal tax rate. When you're ready to buy, you request a release from the ATO. How much can you save? On top of your contributions, you earn a deemed rate of return set by the ATO (approximately 6.61% as at March 2026 — this rate changes quarterly, so check the ATO website for the current figure). <h3>Family Home Guarantee</h3> Designed specifically for single parents and single legal guardians with at least one dependent child. How it works: Buy with as little as a 2% deposit, no LMI. The government guarantees up to 18% of the property value. Since October 2025, places are unlimited and income caps have been removed. <h2>State-by-state: grants and stamp duty concessions</h2> <h3>New South Wales</h3> First Home Owner Grant (New Homes): $10,000 for new homes valued up to $600,000. Stamp duty: Full exemption on all property types (new and existing) valued up to $800,000. Concessional rate on properties valued $800,001–$1,000,000. Standard rates apply above $1,000,000. Maximum combined savings: A first home buyer purchasing a $750,000 new home in Sydney: $10,000 FHOG + $0 stamp duty (full exemption) = approximately $40,000+ in combined savings. <h3>Victoria</h3> First Home Owner Grant (New Homes): $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000. Stamp duty: Full exemption on properties valued up to $600,000. Concessional rates on properties valued $600,001–$750,000. Standard rates apply above $750,000. <h3>Queensland</h3> Queensland currently offers the most generous first home buyer support in Australia. First Home Owner Grant (New Homes): $30,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000. This doubled amount is temporary — it applies until 30 June 2026, after which it reverts to $15,000. Stamp duty: New homes: Full exemption with no value cap (effective 1 May 2025 — this is extraordinary and unique to QLD). Existing homes: Full exemption up to $700,000, concessions from $700,001–$800,000. <h3>South Australia</h3> First Home Owner Grant (New Homes): $15,000 for new homes with no property value cap. Stamp duty: New homes: Full exemption with no value cap. Existing homes: No stamp duty concession for first home buyers. <h3>Western Australia</h3> First Home Owner Grant (New Homes): $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000. Stamp duty: Full exemption on properties valued up to $450,000. Concessional rates on properties valued $450,001–$600,000. Standard rates above $600,000. <h3>Tasmania</h3> Tasmania's FHOG has a two-tier structure depending on whether you're buying or building. First Home Owner Grant — Purchasing a new home: $10,000 for buying a new home (one that has not previously been occupied or sold as a residence). No property value cap and no means test. First Home Owner Grant — Building a new home: $30,000 for contracts to build a new home entered into from 1 January 2026. You must contract with a registered builder or commence building as an owner-builder. No property value cap. If the build is not completed within the required timeframe, only the $10,000 grant may apply. Stamp duty: Full exemption on established homes up to $750,000 (temporary measure from 18 February 2024 until 30 June 2026). This is unique in Australia — Tasmania is currently the only state offering full stamp duty exemption on existing homes at this level. New homes: First Home Owner Grant recipients do not receive additional stamp duty concessions. <h3>Northern Territory</h3> The Northern Territory offers the single largest individual grant in Australia. First Home Owner Grant (New Homes): $50,000 with no property value cap and no means test. Available until 30 September 2026. Stamp duty: Full exemption on properties valued up to $650,000. HomeBuild Access grant: An additional $10,000 for building a new home in the NT. Can be combined with the FHOG for a total of $60,000 in grants. <h3>Australian Capital Territory</h3> First Home Owner Grant: $0. The ACT does not offer a FHOG. Stamp duty: Full exemption on properties valued up to $1,020,000. This is by far the highest threshold in Australia. Concessional rates on properties valued $1,020,001–$1,300,000. <h2>How to stack multiple schemes</h2> Combinations that work: First Home Guarantee + First Home Owner Grant (state) + FHSSS. First Home Guarantee + stamp duty concessions. Help to Buy + First Home Owner Grant (state) + FHSSS. Help to Buy + stamp duty concessions. Family Home Guarantee + FHOG + stamp duty concessions. Combinations that don't work: First Home Guarantee + Help to Buy (must choose one). Help to Buy + guarantor loan (most lenders won't combine). <h2>Common eligibility pitfalls to watch for</h2> Your partner's history matters. In most states, if your spouse or de facto partner has previously owned property in Australia, you may not qualify as a first home buyer — even if you personally have never owned property. Investment property counts. If you've ever owned an investment property, vacant land, or commercial property, you're generally not considered a first home buyer for grant purposes. The FHSSS timing trap. You must obtain your FHSSS determination from the ATO before signing any purchase contract. Missing this step means forfeiting your FHSSS savings. Residency requirements. Most state grants require you to move into the property within 12 months and live there for a continuous period (usually 6-12 months). <h2>Next steps</h2> Navigating these schemes isn't always straightforward, and the rules change regularly. A mortgage broker can assess your specific situation, identify every scheme you're eligible for, and structure your application to maximise the support available to you. <a href="/contact" class="inline-flex items-center gap-2 border-2 border-secondary bg-secondary/10 px-6 py-3 font-semibold text-secondary transition-all hover:bg-secondary hover:text-primary">Check Your Eligibility — Free Assessment →</a> <hr class="my-12" /> This article provides general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Government scheme details are current as at March 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify eligibility with the relevant government body. Cumulus Capital Pty Ltd (ABN 16 695 377 229), Credit Representative Number 577081, is authorised under Australian Credit Licence Number 389328.

Need help with your lending?