First Home Buyer Benefits — All 8 Australian States Compared
First home buyer support varies dramatically by state. FHOG ranges from $7,000 (ACT) to $30,000 (QLD/TAS). Stamp duty exemptions add another $15k-$40k on top. The best state for you depends on whether you buy new or established and the price point.
Quick Answers
- Most generous overall (new build): QLD or TAS ($30k FHOG)
- Most generous overall (established): ACT ($1M stamp duty exemption)
- Tightest market (established) for FHBs: SA (no stamp duty exemption)
- Best for high-price first homes: NSW (concession to $1M) or ACT (exempt to $1M)
- Federal First Home Guarantee: All states — 5% deposit, no LMI, income capped $125k single/$200k couple
State-by-State Comparison
| State | FHOG | Stamp Duty Exemption | Concession Cap | Max Total Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $10,000 (new only) | Up to $800,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | ≈ $40,000+ on $800k new home |
| VIC | $10,000 (new only) | Up to $600,000 | Up to $750,000 | ≈ $40,000 on $600k new home |
| QLD | $30,000 (new only) | Up to $550,000 (FHB exemption) | Up to $700,000 | ≈ $55,000 on $550k new home (best in AU for new builds) |
| WA | $10,000 (new only) | Up to $430,000 | Up to $530,000 | ≈ $26,000 on $430k new home |
| SA | $15,000 (new only) | No exemption (since 2017) | Limited | ≈ $15,000 (FHOG only) |
| TAS | $30,000 (new only) | 50% reduction on established, full on new <$750k | Existing up to $750k | ≈ $42,000 on $400k new home |
| ACT | $7,000 (new only) | Full exemption up to $1,000,000 | Phase out to higher tier | ≈ $35,000+ on $1M home (most generous stamp duty) |
| NT | $10,000 (new only) | Concession on first $650,000 value | Above $650k | ≈ $28,000 on $650k home |
Worked Example: $750,000 Purchase
Scenario: Pat is buying her first home for $750,000. Compare ESTABLISHED home outcomes across major states (where most homes are bought).
ACT
- Stamp duty: $0 (full exempt)
- FHOG: N/A (established)
- Saved: ~$28,000
NSW
- Stamp duty: ~$10,500 (concession)
- FHOG: N/A (established)
- Saved: ~$18,500
VIC
- Stamp duty: ~$23,000 (no exempt)
- FHOG: N/A (established)
- Saved: $0
SA
- Stamp duty: ~$33,000 (no exempt)
- FHOG: N/A (established)
- Saved: $0
For new builds, add $7k-$30k FHOG. Outcomes for established homes drive most purchases since established stock is >90% of available housing.
Federal Schemes (Apply Across All States)
- First Home Guarantee (FHBG): 5% deposit, no LMI. Government guarantees the bank up to 15%. Income caps $125k single, $200k couple. Property price caps vary by location.
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): Save up to $50,000 inside super at 15% concessional rate, withdraw for first home deposit. Average extra deposit boost: $5,000-$15,000.
- Family Home Guarantee: 2% deposit for single parents (income cap $125k). Only 5,000 places per year.
- Regional First Home Guarantee: 5% deposit for regional buyers (income caps as FHBG).
State-Specific Calculators
NSW FHB Calculator
$10,000 (new only)
VIC FHB Calculator
$10,000 (new only)
QLD FHB Calculator
$30,000 (new only)
WA FHB Calculator
$10,000 (new only)
SA FHB Calculator
$15,000 (new only)
TAS FHB Calculator
$30,000 (new only)
ACT FHB Calculator
$7,000 (new only)
NT FHB Calculator
$10,000 (new only)
Disclaimer: Eligibility for FHB schemes depends on individual circumstances. Property price caps, income limits, and eligibility rules change annually. Always confirm with the relevant state revenue office or a conveyancer before purchasing.