First Home Buyer Calculator

What is First Home Buyer?

First home buyer benefits in Australia include the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), stamp duty exemptions, and the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). Eligibility and amounts vary by state.

How this calculator works

This calculator checks your eligibility for first home buyer benefits in your chosen state. It looks up the FHOG amount (ranging from $7,000 in ACT to $30,000 in QLD and TAS), checks whether your property price qualifies for stamp duty exemption or concession, estimates Lenders Mortgage Insurance if your deposit is below 20%, and calculates your total savings compared to a standard buyer. The LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio) indicator shows your risk level.

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Cash grant from state government, usually for NEW homes only (new builds, off-the-plan, substantially renovated). Amounts 2025-26: QLD $30,000, TAS $30,000, SA $15,000, NSW $10,000, VIC $10,000, WA $10,000, NT $10,000, ACT $7,000. Property value caps apply (e.g. NSW $750k new build cap). The grant is paid at settlement or shortly after — used to reduce mortgage rather than received as cash.

Stamp Duty Concessions

Usually applies to ESTABLISHED homes (not just new). Saves more money than FHOG for most buyers. NSW: full exemption up to $800k, concession to $1M. VIC: exemption to $600k, concession to $750k. QLD: concession to $700k. WA: exemption to $430k. ACT: full exemption to $1M (most generous). On a $750k home in NSW, the saving is ~$28k — bigger than any state's FHOG. Don't just chase the cash grant; compare total savings.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

Save your deposit INSIDE super at the 15% concessional tax rate, then withdraw up to $50,000 (plus deemed earnings) for your first home. Contributions are limited to $15,000/yr. Withdrawals are taxed at your marginal rate MINUS a 30% offset — effectively much lower than your normal tax rate. Average benefit: $5,000-$15,000 of extra deposit compared to saving outside super. Apply via ATO at least 6 months before purchase.

First Home Guarantee (Federal)

Federal government guarantees up to 15% of your purchase price, letting you buy with just 5% deposit WITHOUT Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Saves $10k-$30k in LMI typically. Income caps: $125k single / $200k couple. Property price caps by location (Sydney metro $900k, other capitals $700k, regional $600k). Limited 35,000 spots per financial year — apply early, especially before EOFY when allocations refresh.

Total Maximum First Home Buyer Savings

Stacking schemes a first home buyer in NSW could receive: $10,000 FHOG (if new build) + $28,000 stamp duty saving (under $800k) + $10,000 LMI saving (via First Home Guarantee) + $5,000-$10,000 FHSSS benefit = total $50k-$60k of government support. Worth taking time to set up properly — eligibility checks, applications, and FHSSS deposits often need 6+ months lead time.

Pitfalls and Genuine Savings Requirements

(1) 'Genuine savings' — most banks require 3-5% of purchase price saved over 3-6 months, not gifts or grants. (2) 'First home' definition — you must NEVER have owned property in Australia (including overseas property doesn't disqualify in most states). (3) Owner-occupation — most schemes require you live in the home for 6-12 months after settlement. (4) Tax debt or HECS-HELP arrears can disqualify you from FHSSS withdrawals.

All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the ATO and official Australian government sources.