First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) Victoria
Buying your first home is a big step, and the First Home Owners Grant can help make it more achievable. In Victoria, eligible first home buyers can receive a one-off payment when building a new home. This guide explains how the grant works, who can apply, and what to expect.
A simple guide to the First Home Owners Grant
The First Home Owners Grant is a one-off payment for eligible first home buyers building or buying a new home in Victoria.
Deposit required
The First Home Owners Grant is not a deposit. You still need savings, but the payment can support your budget at settlement.
Who it’s for
The grant is for eligible first home buyers who have not previously owned property in Australia and will live in the home.
Key benefit
The grant provides a one-off payment to help reduce upfront costs when building or buying a new home in Victoria.
Income limits
There are no strict income limits for the grant, but lenders will assess your financial position when applying for a home loan.
Property price caps
The property must meet price caps set by the State Revenue Office and be a new home used as your principal place of residence.
What is the First Home Owners Grant?
The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government-backed scheme that helps eligible applicants take their first step into property ownership. Available in Victoria, the grant supports those who build a home or purchase a new residential property that meets set criteria.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including citizenship or visa status, property ownership rules, and residency obligations. The grant is managed by the State Revenue Office and forms part of broader assistance available to first home buyers.
How the First Home Owners Grant works
The First Home Owners Grant follows a clear process, from eligibility checks to payment after settlement or construction.
Confirm you qualify
Start by checking if you qualify under the current eligibility criteria, including citizenship, property ownership, and intended use.
Choose to buy or build
The grant applies when you buy or build a new residential property in Australia that meets value caps and scheme conditions.
Enter into a contract
You must enter into a contract to buy or build, such as a building contract or purchase agreement for a new home.
Meet residency requirements
You must live in the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period, usually within 12 months.
Grant payment is approved
Once conditions are met, the grant is approved and paid, often at settlement or after construction is completed.
Who is eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?
To be eligible for the First Home Owners Grant in Victoria, applicants must meet specific criteria set by legislation, including residency, property ownership, and purchase conditions.
Citizenship and residency requirements
Applicants must be Australian citizens or hold an eligible visa at the time of application. At least one applicant must occupy the home as their principal place of residence and meet the 6 continuous months requirement.
Purchase or construction requirements
The property must be a new or substantially renovated residential property in Australia. You must enter into a building contract or purchase agreement that meets scheme conditions and legislation.
Property ownership conditions
You must not have previously owned residential property in Australia, either separately or with a spouse. This applies even if the property was sold. Eligibility is based on your full property ownership history.
How your application is assessed
You must lodge your application through an approved agent or directly with the State Revenue Office. Approval depends on meeting all eligibility criteria and providing accurate documentation.
Benefits of the First Home Owners Grant
The First Home Owners Grant offers financial support to help eligible buyers reduce costs and move forward with buying a home.
- One-off payment to reduce upfront costs when buying a home
- Helps eligible buyers enter the property market sooner
- Can be used alongside stamp duty concessions in VIC
- Supports building or buying a new residential property
- Improves affordability under eligible financial circumstances
Limitations of the First Home Owners Grant
The grant comes with specific rules around eligibility, property type, and use. Understanding these limits helps you plan with confidence.
- Not available if you have previously owned property
- Applies only to eligible residential property in Australia
- Conditions must be met within the required timeframes
- Cannot be used for investment or non-residential use
- Subject to legislation and State Revenue Office rules
Can the First Home Owners Grant be used to build a home?
Yes, the First Home Owners Grant can be used when you build a new home in Victoria. To be eligible for the grant, you must enter into a building contract with a registered builder and meet all scheme conditions.
Contracts signed must align with eligibility criteria, including property value caps and residency requirements. You must also live in the home as your principal place of residence for the required period after construction is complete.
How to apply for the First Home Owners Grant
Applying for the First Home Owners Grant is straightforward. You can apply through an approved agent or directly, depending on your purchase or building pathway.
1. Check your eligibility
Confirm you meet eligibility criteria, including residency and property conditions.
2. Apply through an approved agent
Apply through your lender, builder, or approved agent as part of the lodgment process.
3. Receive approval and payment
Once approved, the grant is paid at settlement or after construction is complete.
What are the documents required?
Proof of identity
e.g., driver's licence or passport
Completed application form and lodgment documents
Signed building contract or contract of sale
First Home Buyer calculator
Our calculator helps you estimate if you may be eligible for the grant and how it fits into your financial plan. It’s a helpful first step when planning your new home and understanding available support.
Can Carlisle Homes help with the First Home Owners Grant process?
Carlisle Homes supports first home buyers through every step of the building journey, including guidance on the First Home Owners Grant. Our team can help you understand eligibility, work with your builder and lender, and navigate the process with confidence.
Discover more ways to build with Carlisle Homes
Explore more options with Carlisle Homes, from personalised home designs to house and land packages. Find the right path to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Start your home building journey with Carlisle
Carlisle Homes makes it easy to take the first step toward building your new home. Our team supports you through design selection, budgeting, and understanding available schemes, such as the First Home Owner Grant.
With over 80 display homes and a wide range of home designs, you can explore what suits your lifestyle. Speak with our team to start your journey with clarity and confidence.
More support for your home ownership journey
You may be eligible for additional support depending on your circumstances. Explore other government schemes that can help make buying a home more achievable.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use the First Home Owners Grant as a deposit?
The First Home Owners Grant is not usually accepted as a deposit by lenders. It is a one-off payment provided after approval, often at settlement or completion. You will still need genuine savings or other funds to meet your deposit requirements.
Is the First Home Owners Grant still available in Victoria?
Yes, the First Home Owners Grant is still available in Victoria for eligible applicants. It applies to new homes that meet current eligibility criteria, including property value caps and residency requirements set by legislation.
How much can you get from the FHOG?
Eligible first home buyers in Victoria may receive a one-off payment under the FHOG scheme. The exact amount depends on current government settings, so it’s important to check with the State Revenue Office or your approved agent.
Do you have to repay the First Home Owners Grant?
You may need to repay the grant if you do not meet ongoing conditions, such as the monthly residence requirement. This includes living in the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period after completion.
How long does FHOG approval take?
Approval time can vary depending on your application and lodgment method. Applying through a financial institution or approved agent can help streamline the process, especially if all documents are provided up front.
Can I apply for FHOG with a spouse?
Yes, you can apply with a spouse or partner. Both applicants must meet eligibility criteria, including property ownership history and residency requirements, for the application to be approved.
Learn more about buying your first home
Looking for more guidance? Browse related articles covering government assistance, buying tips, and what to expect when building your first home in Victoria.
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