How First-Time Home Buyers Can Qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland: Complete Eligibility Checklist
If you are looking to buy your first home in Queensland, the Government offers the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) to help eligible buyers get into their dream home sooner.
What is the Queensland First Home Owner Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant in Queensland is a one-off financial grant of $30,000 for eligible first-time buyers purchasing or building a new home valued under a certain threshold.
As of April 2025, the grant amount was increased from $15,000 to $30,000 to boost home ownership opportunities for young Queenslanders (Source: Queensland Government).
Complete Eligibility Checklist
Before applying, ensure you meet all these conditions:
1. Applicant Criteria
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Citizenship/Residency: You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. Joint applicants must have at least one person meeting this requirement.
• Previous Ownership: Neither you nor your spouse/partner can have previously owned residential property in Australia.
2. Property Criteria
• Type of Home: The property must be brand new (never lived in), substantially renovated, or built by the applicant.
• Value Limit: The total value of the home (including land) must be less than $750,000.
• Location: The property must be located in Queensland.
3. Residence Requirements
• Occupancy: You must move into the home within one year of completion or settlement.
• Length of Stay: You must live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least six continuous months.
4. Income Limits
Good news: Unlike other assistance programs (e.g., First Home Guarantee), the FHOG does not impose an income cap in Queensland.
5. Other Requirements
• You must be buying or building as an individual (not as a company or trust).
• You can still be eligible if you have owned an investment property without ever living in it.
Remember: Always cross-check the latest eligibility updates on the Queensland Revenue Office FHOG page before applying.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
Review the full checklist above and gather supporting documents (ID, building contract, land title documents).
2. Apply Through Your Lender or Directly
You have two options:
• Via your lender: loansHub can submit the application for you when processing your home loan.
• Direct application: Submit your application directly to the Queensland Revenue Office.
3. Submit Your Documentation
You will need to provide:
• Proof of identity
• Signed contract of sale or building contract
• Evidence of land ownership (if building)
4. Wait for Approval
• If building, grant funds are typically paid at slab stage.
• If buying a completed home, the grant is paid at settlement.
5. Move In and Satisfy Residency
Ensure you move in within 12 months and live there for at least six continuous months.
6. Notify of Changes
If you cannot meet the occupancy requirements, notify the Queensland Revenue Office immediately to avoid penalties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Applying too late: You must apply within one year of the eligible transaction date.
• Assuming old properties qualify: Only brand-new or substantially renovated properties are eligible.
• Overestimating property value: Stay under the $750,000 threshold, including land and improvements.
• Incorrect paperwork: Missing or inconsistent documents cause delays or rejections.
• Not living in the home: Failure to occupy for six months could mean repaying the grant plus penalties.
Remember: Double-check your building contract carefully if buying off-the-plan to ensure it qualifies as a "new" home.
Real Success Stories
Emma & Daniel from Brisbane
Emma and Daniel, both aged 28, purchased a new townhouse in Brisbane for $635,000 in early 2025. Their broker assisted with their FHOG application during the home loan process. Thanks to the $30,000 grant, they were able to cover their stamp duty and a portion of their furniture costs, making their transition into homeownership much smoother.
"The grant was a game-changer. Without it, we would have struggled with upfront costs," Emma said.
Liam from Townsville
As a solo first-home buyer, Liam built his dream home on a $220,000 block in Townsville. He received the FHOG payment at slab stage, helping him manage construction cash flow.
"Having the grant paid at slab stage meant I didn't need extra loans during the early stages of construction," Liam explained.
Your Key to Unlocking Homeownership
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is a fantastic incentive for first-time buyers to ease the financial burden of purchasing or building a new home.
However, understanding the eligibility criteria, avoiding common mistakes, and carefully managing your application timeline are crucial for success.
If you are unsure whether you qualify or want expert help lodging your application, loansHub can assist you every step of the way.
Quick Reference: Queensland FHOG Key Points
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ years |
| Citizenship | Australian citizen or permanent resident |
| Previous ownership | None (residential property) |
| Property type | New home or substantial renovation |
| Property value limit | <$750,000 |
| Residence | Move in within 12 months, live 6 months |
| Income test | None |