First Home Buyer Benefits — All 8 Australian States Compared
First home buyer support varies dramatically by state. The First Home Owner Grant ranges from none (ACT abolished it in 2019) up to $50,000 (NT HomeGrown Territory Grant), with $30,000 in QLD and $20,000 in TAS (from 1 July 2026). Stamp duty exemptions add another $15k-$40k on top — several states (SA, QLD) now fully waive duty on new homes with no price cap. 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 ($1.02M income-tested 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 $1.02M)
- Federal First Home Guarantee: All states — 5% deposit, no LMI; from 1 October 2025 income caps and the 35,000-place limit were removed (now unlimited places, no income test)
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) | New homes: full, no cap (from 1 May 2025) | Established: $700,000, phasing to $800,000 | Full duty waived + $30,000 FHOG on a new home |
| WA | $10,000 (new only) | Up to $600,000 | Up to $800,000 | ≈ $22,500 on $600k home |
| SA | $15,000 (new only) | New homes: full, no cap (from 6 Jun 2024) | Established: none | Full duty waived + $15,000 FHOG on a new home |
| TAS | $20,000 (new only, from 1 Jul 2026) | None — established-home exemption ended 30 Jun 2026 | None | $20,000 FHOG on a new home |
| ACT | None (abolished 2019) | Full exemption — no value cap or income test (from 1 Jul 2026) | Not needed (full exemption) | All duty waived (≈ $23,900 on an $800k home) |
| NT | $50,000 (HomeGrown, new only) | No FHB duty exemption (grant instead) | — | $50,000 HomeGrown Territory Grant on a new 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%. From 1 October 2025 the scheme was rebranded (Home Guarantee Scheme / 5% Deposit Scheme) and BOTH the income caps and the 35,000-place annual limit were abolished — places are now unlimited and no income test applies. Property price caps still apply and now vary per capital (Sydney $1.5M, Melbourne $950k, Brisbane $1M, Canberra $1M, Perth $850k, Adelaide $900k, Hobart $700k, Darwin $600k).
- 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 eligible single parents / single legal guardians with at least one dependent. From 1 October 2025 the income cap (previously $125k) and the 5,000-place annual limit were both removed — places are now uncapped and no income test applies.
- 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
$20,000 (new only, from 1 Jul 2026)
ACT FHB Calculator
None (abolished 2019)
NT FHB Calculator
$50,000 (HomeGrown, 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.