Who is eligible for the first home buyers grant in Victoria?

The First Home Buyers Grant in Victoria is designed to support eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Offered by the Victorian Government, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides financial assistance to help first-time buyers enter the property market.

Eligibility for the First Home Owners Grant in Victoria depends on several factors, including whether you are buying or building a new home, the value of the property, and your personal circumstances. Understanding these eligibility requirements can help you determine whether you could be eligible before applying.

Who qualifies as a first home buyer for the FHOG in Victoria?

To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria, you must meet the Victorian Government’s definition of a first home buyer. This is based on your previous property ownership history, residency status, and age at the time of applying. These requirements apply to all applicants listed on the contract.

To qualify for the FHOG in Victoria, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have never owned a home or received the FHOG before
• Intend to live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months
• Be purchasing a brand-new home (never sold or lived in)
• Ensure the total home and land value does not exceed $750,000

Your eligibility as a first-home buyer in Victoria also depends on your ability to provide supporting documentation, such as ID, proof of citizenship/residency, and relationship status (if relevant).

We’ve created a detailed page about the First Home Buyers in Victoria Eligibility to help you better understand how this grant can get you into an affordable, inclusion-packed home, like our EasyLiving Series, sooner.

What residency and citizenship rules apply?

Residency and citizenship rules play an important role in determining eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant. These requirements help confirm that the grant supports genuine first home buyers purchasing or building a home to live in.

Residency and citizenship rules for the FHOG in Victoria include:

• Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents at the time of applying
• The home must be used as the buyer’s principal place of residence
• Buyers must occupy the home within 12 months of settlement or completion
• The home must be lived in continuously for at least 12 months
• Members of the Australian Defence Force may qualify for residency exemptions under specific conditions

These residency requirements apply to most first home buyers and are assessed as part of the application process. Failing to meet the occupancy rules may affect your eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant, which is why it’s important to understand how and when the residency period must be completed.

What property requirements must be met to qualify?

These property requirements are designed to ensure the First Home Owner Grant supports buyers purchasing or building a genuinely new home in Victoria. The grant does not apply to established homes or investment properties, which is why understanding how a property is classified before you buy or build is so important.

For first home buyers, choosing a new home, off-the-plan purchase, or house and land package that meets the value threshold can play a key role in determining eligibility for the grant.

To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria, the property must meet specific requirements, including:

• The home must be a new residential property, not previously sold, occupied, or rented
• The property can be a house, townhouse, or apartment, including off-the-plan purchases
• The home must be located in Victoria and purchased as a principal place of residence
• The total home and land value must not exceed $750,000
• The property must be built or purchased as a new home, not an established dwelling

Are there any additional conditions or exceptions applicants should know?

Applicants for the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria should also be aware of the following conditions and exceptions:

• Applications must be submitted within 12 months of settlement or completion
• Eligibility is assessed based on circumstances at the time the home is completed or settled
• Off-the-plan purchases are assessed once the home is finished
• Failure to meet occupancy or eligibility rules may result in the grant needing to be repaid
• Documentation must be provided directly to the State Revenue Office of Victoria

Also, while the FHOG is a great starting point, looking into other assistance options under the broader first home buyer schemes in Victoria is worth seeing if you’re eligible.

These may include:

• Stamp duty concessions
• First Home Buyer Duty Exemptions
• The Home Guarantee Scheme, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit

Some of these schemes have different requirements but often overlap with the first home buyers grant eligibility in Victoria. If you're not sure which ones apply to you, Carlisle’s specialist finance team can help guide you through the options.

Need help checking your eligibility for the FHOG in Victoria?

Understanding whether you’re eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria can feel complex, especially when eligibility depends on personal circumstances, property type, and timing. Carlisle Homes helps first home buyers understand the eligibility requirements and how the grant may apply when buying or building a new home in Victoria. Speak with Carlisle Homes for guidance on your FHOG eligibility today.