What government grants and schemes are available to first home buyers in Australia?

Saving for a first home is one thing — knowing which government grants and schemes you're actually eligible for is another. Fortunately, Australian federal and state governments offer a range of support designed to reduce the deposit you need, cut your stamp duty bill, and help you get into the market sooner.

If you're currently searching for property for sale in Clyde North, here's a full breakdown of what's available in 2026 and how it could apply to your purchase.

1. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The First Home Owner Grant is a state government payment for buyers purchasing or building a new or substantially renovated home. It's a one-off, tax-free payment that doesn't need to be repaid, and it's not means-tested.

To qualify, you generally need to be:

• At least 18 years old

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident

• Buying a home you (or your spouse/partner) have never previously owned residential property in

The grant amount and property value cap vary by state:

Established (previously lived-in) homes generally don't qualify for the FHOG in any state.

2. The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee)

Instead of a cash payment, this federal scheme lets you buy with as little as a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), because the government guarantees part of your loan to the lender.

Since it was expanded on 1 October 2025, the scheme has offered:

• No income caps — previously $125,000 (single) or $200,000 (couple), now removed

• No place limits — previously 35,000 spots per year, now unlimited

• Higher property price caps — the Melbourne cap now sits at $950,000

This is arguably the most significant scheme for first home buyers right now, since it applies broadly and can save tens of thousands of dollars in LMI alone.

3. Family Home Guarantee (2% Deposit Pathway)

Now operating as a dedicated pathway within the 5% Deposit Scheme, the Family Home Guarantee is for single parents and single legal guardians, allowing entry with a deposit of just 2% and no LMI. The same removal of income caps and place limits that applies to the main scheme applies here too.

4. Help to Buy

Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme: the government contributes up to 30% of the purchase price of a new home (or 40% for a new build) in exchange for a stake in the property, which it shares in when you sell or buy out its portion. This allows a deposit of as little as 2%.

Unlike the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy has income caps (around $100,000 for individuals, $160,000 for couples or single parents) and the same regional price caps. It's generally not able to be combined with the 5% Deposit Scheme on the same purchase, so it's worth comparing which suits your situation.

5. First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

This federal scheme allows you to make voluntary contributions into your superannuation and later withdraw them — along with associated earnings — to put toward your first home deposit, up to $50,000 per person. Because super contributions are taxed concessionally, this can be an effective way to build savings over time.

6. Stamp Duty Concessions and Exemptions

Most states also offer stamp duty relief for first home buyers, separate from the FHOG. In Victoria, this includes:

• A full exemption on new and established homes valued up to $600,000

• A concessional rate for properties between $600,000 and $750,000

South Australia has gone further, abolishing stamp duty entirely for eligible first home buyers on new homes and vacant land, with no property value cap.

How These Schemes Work Together

Many of these grants and schemes can be combined, which is where the real savings add up. For example, a first home buyer purchasing a new build in Victoria could potentially access:

• The $10,000 FHOG

• A stamp duty exemption or concession

• The 5% Deposit Scheme to avoid LMI

For buyers considering property for sale in Clyde North, this combination is worth understanding early — particularly given the mix of new estates and established homes across the area, since eligibility differs depending on which you choose.

Before You Apply

• Rules and caps change regularly. Confirm current eligibility and price caps with your State Revenue Office and Housing Australia before signing a contract.

• Applications generally go through your lender, not directly to the government, as part of your home loan application.

• Not all schemes can be combined — get advice from a mortgage broker to work out the best combination for your situation.

Final Thoughts

Between the First Home Owner Grant, the expanded 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy, the First Home Super Saver Scheme, and stamp duty concessions, first home buyers in Australia have access to more government support in 2026 than in previous years. If you're exploring property for sale, it's worth speaking to a lender or broker early to map out exactly what you qualify for before you start making offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Australian government grants are available for first-home buyers?

Australian first-home buyers can access the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), a state-based payment for new or substantially renovated homes. Federally, the 5% Deposit Scheme lets eligible buyers purchase with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance, with no income caps or place limits as of 2026. Other options include Help to Buy, a shared equity scheme, and the First Home Super Saver Scheme, which allows up to $50,000 from voluntary super contributions toward a deposit. Stamp duty concessions are also available in most states.

What grants are available for first-home buyers in Victoria?

Victorian first-home buyers can receive the First Home Owner Grant, a one-off $10,000 payment for new homes valued at $750,000 or less, with no income test. They can also access a full stamp duty exemption on homes up to $600,000, and a concessional rate between $600,000 and $750,000. On top of these, eligible buyers can use the federal 5% Deposit Scheme to purchase with a smaller deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance, up to Melbourne's $950,000 property price cap.

How much is a first home buyer grant?

The First Home Owner Grant amount varies by state. Victoria and New South Wales offer $10,000, Western Australia offers $10,000, South Australia offers $15,000, and Queensland offers $30,000 for contracts signed before 30 June 2026. Grants generally apply only to new or substantially renovated homes, not established properties, and are paid once, typically at settlement or with your first construction progress payment. Eligibility criteria, including property price caps, also differ by state and territory.

What government grants are available in Australia?

Beyond the First Home Owner Grant, Australian governments offer several first-home buyer schemes. The 5% Deposit Scheme provides a federal guarantee allowing eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance, with no income caps as of 2026. The Family Home Guarantee supports single parents with a 2% deposit pathway. Help to Buy offers shared equity for eligible buyers, while the First Home Super Saver Scheme allows voluntary super contributions to be withdrawn for a deposit.