First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Queensland
Get Up to $30,000 for Your New Home
If you’re buying or building your first new home in Queensland, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) could put $30,000 towards your purchase. That’s a significant chunk of a deposit and when combined with other schemes, it can be the difference between renting and owning.
Here’s everything you need to know about the QLD FHOG: who’s eligible, how much you get, how to apply, and how to make the most of it.
What Is the First Home Owner Grant?
The FHOG is a one-off payment from the Queensland Government to help first home buyers purchase or build a brand new home. It’s been running in various forms since 2000, and Queensland currently offers one of the most generous grants in Australia.
Key facts:
- Amount: $30,000
- Property type: New homes only (house, unit, or townhouse that hasn’t been previously lived in)
- Property value cap: $750,000
- Payment timing: Typically paid at settlement when using a participating lender, or after construction is completed.
Who Is Eligible for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant?
To qualify, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
Personal Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You (or your spouse/partner) must never have owned residential property in Australia, this includes investment properties
- At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You must be a natural person (not a company or trust)
Property Eligibility
- The home must be brand new, never previously occupied or sold as a place of residence
- Total value must be under $750,000
- It can be a house, townhouse, or unit
- The home must be in Queensland
Property Eligibility
- You must move into the home within 12 months of completion or purchase
- You must live in it as your principal place of residence for at least 6 continuous months
How Much Is the First Home Owner Grant Queensland?
The current QLD FHOG amount is $30,000 for eligible new homes. This is one of the highest FHOG amounts of any Australian state, making Queensland one of the best places in the country to buy your first home.
What the $30,000 Means in Practice
Component | Amount |
|---|---|
Purchase price | $750,000 |
Your deposit (5%) | $37,500 |
FHOG | $30,000 |
LMI (with NHG) | $0 |
Effective deposit | $67,500 (9%) |
How to Apply for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant?
There are two ways to apply:
Option 1: Through Your Lender (Most Common)
If you’re getting a home loan, your lender or mortgage broker can lodge the FHOG application on your behalf. This is the easiest method because:
- The application is processed alongside your loan
- The grant is factored into your settlement
- Your broker handles the paperwork
Option 2: Directly Through the Queensland Revenue Office
If you’re not using a lender (e.g., paying cash), you can apply directly through the Queensland Revenue Office after settlement or construction completion.
Documents You’ll Need
- Proof of identity (driver’s licence, passport)
- Contract of sale or building contract
- Evidence the home is new (builder’s declaration)
- Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residenc
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You the First Home Owner Grant
1. Buying an Existing Home
The FHOG only applies to new homes. If you buy an established property, you won’t receive the grant, even if you’ve never owned before. This is one of the biggest reasons to consider a new build.
2. Previously Owning Property
If you or your partner have ever owned residential property anywhere in Australia (even an investment property, even if you sold it years ago), you’re ineligible.
3. Not Moving In
You must live in the property as your primary residence for at least 6 continuous months. If you rent it out immediately, you’ll need to repay the grant.
4. Exceeding the Property Value Cap
If the total value of the property (including land) exceeds $750,000, you won’t receive the grant. Make sure your house and land package stays under this threshold.
Stacking the First Home Owner Grant with Other Schemes
The real power of the FHOG comes when you combine it with other first home buyer benefits:
- First Home Guarantee (NHG): Buy with 5% deposit, no LMI
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS): Boost your deposit with super savings
- QLD Stamp Duty Concessions: Reduce or eliminate transfer duty
When you stack all of these, the total savings can be $40,000–$60,000+.
What About Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?
The real power of the FHOG comes when you combine it with other first home buyer benefits:
- First Home Guarantee (NHG): Buy with 5% deposit, no LMI
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS): Boost your deposit with super savings
- QLD Stamp Duty Concessions: Reduce or eliminate transfer duty
When you stack all of these, the total savings can be $40,000–$60,000+.
What About Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?
How Low Deposit Homes Helps!
We specialise in helping QLD first home buyers access the FHOG and every other scheme they’re entitled to. We:
- Match you with quality builders offering packages under $750K
- Help structure your purchase to maximise grants
- Connect you with brokers who know the FHOG process inside out
- Guide you through from first call to getting your keys
Want to know exactly what you’d qualify for? Book a free 15-minute consultation, we’ll calculate your total grant savings and show you real packages in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the QLD FHOG as my deposit?
Usually not for the initial contract deposit. The grant is typically paid at settlement when purchasing a new home, or during construction when building. However, some lenders may factor the grant into your overall funds or loan assessment.
Do I have to pay back the FHOG?
Only if you don’t meet the conditions, for example, if you don’t move in within 12 months or don’t live there for 6 continuous months. If you meet all conditions, the grant is yours to keep.
Can a couple both apply for the FHOG?
No, only one grant is payable per transaction, regardless of how many applicants are on the contract. If you’re buying with a partner, you submit one joint application.
Is the $30,000 FHOG permanent?
The enhanced $30,000 amount may have an expiry date. Previously, QLD’s FHOG was $15,000 before being increased. Check the Queensland Revenue Office for the current amount and any end dates
Can I get the FHOG for a house and land package?
Yes, house and land packages are one of the most common ways to access the FHOG. The total package value (land + build) must be under $750,000.
The QLD FHOG amount referenced in this article is $30,000 for new builds. Please verify the current amount on the Queensland Revenue Office website before making financial decisions.