Last updated: July 2026
First Home Buyer Concessions Australia 2026: Complete State Guide
Australian first home buyers can access a wide range of government concessions at both the federal and state level. These include cash grants, stamp duty exemptions, loan guarantees, shared equity schemes, and superannuation tax benefits. Most of these programs stack together, meaning you can claim multiple benefits on a single purchase. This guide covers every concession available in 2026 and how they compare across states.
Types of First Home Buyer Concessions
First home buyer concessions in Australia fall into five broad categories. Each targets a different barrier to home ownership.
Cash grants (FHOG)
Direct payments from state governments, typically for new builds. Amounts range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on your state.
Stamp duty exemptions and concessions
Reduced or zero transfer duty at settlement. Thresholds vary widely by state, from $600,000 (WA, VIC) up to no cap at all in the ACT, which charges $0 duty at any price from July 2026.
Loan guarantees (FHBG)
The federal government guarantees up to 15% of the property value, allowing you to buy with a 5% deposit and avoid LMI. You own 100% of the property.
Shared equity (Help to Buy)
The federal government contributes up to 40% equity on new homes (30% existing), reducing your mortgage. You need only a 2% deposit but the government co-owns its share.
Super tax benefits (FHSS)
Salary sacrifice up to $50,000 into super at a 15% tax rate instead of your marginal rate, then release it for your deposit.
Federal Concessions
Three major concessions are available Australia-wide through the federal government.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)
Up to $50k/personSalary sacrifice up to $15,000 per year (max $50,000 total) into super, where it is taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate. On release, 85% of concessional contributions plus deemed earnings are paid to you. A 30% tax offset on the assessable amount means most buyers in the 30% bracket pay an effective rate of around 2% on release.
First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
Avoid LMIBuy with just a 5% deposit. The government guarantees up to 15% of the property value, so lenders do not charge LMI. Since October 2025, there are no income caps and no annual places limits. You retain 100% ownership and 100% of any capital gains.
Help to Buy
Up to 40% equityLaunched December 2025. The government contributes up to 40% equity on new homes (30% on existing), reducing your mortgage. You need only a 2% deposit. Income caps apply: $103,000 for singles, $165,000 for couples (from 1 July 2026). Australian citizens only. Available in every state and territory, with Tasmania joining on 9 June 2026. 10,000 places per year.
State Concessions at a Glance
Every state and territory offers its own set of grants and stamp duty concessions on top of the federal programs. Here is how they compare.
| State | FHOG | Stamp Duty Exemption | FHBG Price Cap (Capital) | Help to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $10,000 (new, <$600k) | $800k exempt | $1,500,000 | Yes |
| VIC | $10,000 (new, <$750k) | $600k exempt | $950,000 | Yes |
| QLD | $30,000 (new, <$750k) | No cap (new homes) | $1,000,000 | Yes |
| SA | $15,000 (new, no cap) | No cap (new only) | $900,000 | Yes |
| WA | $10,000 (new, <$800k) | $600k exempt | $850,000 | Yes |
| TAS | $20,000 (new, no cap)* | None (lapsed)** | $700,000 | Yes |
| ACT | None (HBCS instead) | $0, no cap (HBCS) | $1,000,000 | Yes |
| NT | $50,000 (new)*** | No FHB concession | $750,000 (Darwin)† | Yes |
* TAS FHOG stepped down from $30,000 to $20,000 for transactions commencing 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
** TAS's 100% stamp duty exemption for established homes (up to $750,000) lapsed on 30 June 2026 and was not extended; Tasmanian first home buyers now pay full standard duty.
*** NT $50,000 HomeGrown Territory Grant for new builds is available for contracts signed until 30 September 2027. The separate $10,000 grant for established homes ceased 30 September 2025.
† From 1 July 2026 the FHBG price cap in the NT split into $750,000 for Darwin and $600,000 for the rest of the Territory. Help to Buy's NT cap remains a single $600,000 territory-wide.
Common Eligibility Requirements
While each concession has its own specific criteria, most share a set of common eligibility requirements.
- Age: Must be 18 years or older at the time of purchase
- Prior ownership: Must not have previously owned residential property in Australia. The FHBG allows buyers who have not owned in the past 10 years. Help to Buy requires that you do not currently own property.
- Principal residence: Must live in the property as your main home. Most schemes require you to move in within 6 to 12 months and stay for a continuous period.
- Citizenship/residency: Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident for most schemes. Help to Buy is restricted to Australian citizens only.
- Income caps: Only Help to Buy has an income test ($103,000 single / $165,000 couple, from 1 July 2026). The FHBG removed income caps in October 2025. FHOG and stamp duty concessions generally do not have income tests — the ACT removed its HBCS income threshold entirely from 1 July 2026.
Concessions That Have Lapsed or Have a Firm Deadline
Some concessions have already stepped down or ended, and one has a confirmed future deadline worth planning around. Note that the QLD $30,000 FHOG, once due to expire 30 June 2026, was extended a further four years in the 2026-27 Queensland Budget and continues for contracts signed from 1 July 2026 — there is no urgency there.
TAS: established-home stamp duty exemption has ended
Tasmania's 100% stamp duty exemption for first home buyers of established homes up to $750,000 lapsed on 30 June 2026 and was not extended in the FY2026-27 Tasmanian Budget. From 1 July 2026, Tasmanian first home buyers pay full standard duty on established homes. The TAS FHOG also stepped down from $30,000 to $20,000 for transactions commencing 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
NT: $50,000 HomeGrown Territory Grant expires 30 September 2027
The Northern Territory's $50,000 HomeGrown Territory Grant applies to new build contracts signed before 30 September 2027. This is the largest cash grant available in any Australian state or territory. The separate $10,000 grant for established homes has already ceased, for contracts signed after 30 September 2025.
For detailed information on each scheme, see our dedicated guides: FHSS, FHBG, Help to Buy, FHOG by state, and stamp duty exemptions explained.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest first home buyer concession available in 2026?
The largest single benefit varies by state. The NT HomeGrown Territory Grant is $50,000 for new builds. The QLD FHOG is $30,000, extended a further four years in the 2026-27 Queensland Budget. Help to Buy provides up to 40% government equity, which reduces your mortgage by hundreds of thousands. The FHSS provides up to $50,000 in deposit funds per person with tax advantages. The best outcome usually comes from stacking multiple concessions together.
Am I eligible for first home buyer concessions if I have owned property overseas?
For most Australian concessions, the requirement is that you have not previously owned property in Australia. Owning property overseas does not disqualify you from the FHOG, stamp duty concessions, or the FHSS in most states. However, check your specific state's rules as some have broader definitions of prior ownership.
Which first home buyer concessions are expiring soon?
Tasmania's 100% stamp duty exemption for established homes (up to $750,000) lapsed on 30 June 2026 and was not extended, so Tasmanian first home buyers now pay full standard duty on established homes. The TAS FHOG also stepped down from $30,000 to $20,000 for transactions between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. The NT $50,000 HomeGrown Territory Grant for new builds remains available for contracts signed until 30 September 2027. The QLD $30,000 FHOG was extended a further four years in the 2026-27 Queensland Budget and continues for contracts from 1 July 2026 — it did not revert to $15,000. All other major concessions are currently ongoing with no announced end date.
Can permanent residents access first home buyer concessions?
Permanent residents can access the FHSS, FHBG, state FHOGs, and stamp duty concessions. The only scheme restricted to Australian citizens is Help to Buy. Check each scheme's specific requirements, as some states may have additional residency conditions.
Sources:
ATO: FHSS | Housing Australia: FHBG | Housing Australia: Help to Buy | Revenue NSW: FHOG | QLD: FHOG | NT: Home Owner Assistance
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Calculations are estimates only and may not reflect your exact circumstances. Eligibility criteria and dollar amounts may change without notice. Always verify with the relevant government authority, your mortgage broker, or a licensed financial adviser before making decisions.