Confused by First Home Buyer Schemes? Let’s Find the Right One for You

If you’re looking to buy your first home, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of the support on offer. Every state and territory has its own mix of grants, shared-equity programs and stamp duty exemptions, and on top of that, there are national schemes that can really help you get moving sooner.

I’ve broken it all down below clear, simple, and, straight to the point, so you can see exactly what’s available to you right now.

Find out which schemes you're eligible for, and what they offer

Federal Programs (Available Nationwide)

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)

Save for your home deposit inside your super account and withdraw up to $50,000 plus earnings when you’re ready to buy.

Benefits:

• Save faster with lower tax compared to regular savings.

• Keeps your deposit growing inside super where it earns more.

• Easy withdrawal process once you’re ready to buy.

Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme

(Formerly the First Home Guarantee)From 1 October 2025, there are unlimited places, no income caps, and higher property price limits.

Benefits:

• Buy with just a 5% deposit (2% for single parents).

• No Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), saving thousands upfront.

• Available for both singles and joint applicants.

State/Territory	Capital / Regional Centre	Rest of State
NSW	$1.5m	$800k
VIC	$950k	$650k
QLD	$1m	$700k
WA	$850k	$600k
SA	$900k	$500k
TAS	$700k	$550k
ACT	All areas $1m	–
NT	All areas $600k	–

Indigenous Home Ownership Program

Low-deposit home loans for Indigenous Australians through Indigenous Business Australia.

Benefits:

• Deposit as low as 5%.

• Tailored support if you can’t access traditional lending.

• Builds home ownership and community equity.

Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS)

For ADF members and veterans who’ve served a qualifying period.

Benefits:

• Subsidised home loan interest through participating lenders.

• Assistance grows with your length of service.

• Helps Defence families build financial security.

Help to Buy (Shared Equity)

Government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price (30% for existing homes), reducing your repayments.

Benefits:

• Smaller loan = smaller monthly repayments.

• Only 2% deposit required.

• Available to singles earning up to $100k or couples up to $160k.

State and Territory Programs

New South Wales

First Home Buyer Grant (New Home) 

$10,000 for new homes ≤ $600k, or $750k for house-and-land.

First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme 

Stamp duty exemption ≤ $800k and partial concession ≤ $1m.

Benefits:

• Instant deposit boost with the grant.

• Save thousands in stamp duty costs.

• Combine both programs for maximum savings.

Victoria

First Home Owner Grant

$10,000 for new homes ≤ $750k.

First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession 

Full exemption ≤ $600k, partial up to $750k.

Homebuyer Fund (Shared Equity)

5% deposit with 25% Gov equity (35% for Indigenous buyers).

Benefits:

• Great combo of upfront grant and stamp duty savings.

• Low deposit and reduced repayments through shared equity.

• Program rolls into the national Help to Buy scheme in 2025.

Queensland

First Home Owner Grant

$30,000 for new homes ≤ $750k.

First Home Concession

No duty ≤ $800k.

Boost to Buy Shared Equity

Up to 30% Gov share (new) or 25% (existing), 2% deposit.

Benefits:

• Huge $30k grant available until June 2026.

• Full stamp duty exemption and flexible rent rules.

• Shared equity option to make larger purchases more achievable.

Western Australia

First Home Owner Grant

$10,000 for new builds.

Concessional Transfer Duty

No duty ≤ $500k metro or ≤ $750k regional.

Keystart Shared Equity

Up to 35% Gov share or $250k cap.

Benefits:

• Straightforward grant for new buyers.

• Reduced stamp duty thresholds for metro and regional WA.

• Local government program that keeps repayments lower.

South Australia

First Home Owner Grant

Up to $15k (no cap for new homes).

Stamp Duty Relief

Full exemption for new homes or land.

HomeStart Shared Equity

2% deposit with 25% Gov share.

Benefits:

• No property value limit for new builds.

• Big savings upfront with no duty.

• Shared equity program available through brokers (like me).

Tasmania

First Home Owner Grant

$10,000 for new homes.

Duty Relief for Established Homes

Full exemption ≤ $750k.

MyHome Shared Equity

2% deposit, up to 40% Gov equity.

Benefits:

• Helps both new builds and existing homes.

• Duty savings make established homes far more affordable.

• Shared equity keeps repayments comfortable.

Australian Capital Territory

First Home Buyer Concession Scheme

Full duty exemption ≤ $1.02m.

Shared Equity Scheme

Pay 70% upfront, Gov owns 30%.

Benefits:

• No duty up to $1.02m property value.

• Deferral options available for duty payment.

• Smaller mortgage thanks to government equity.

Northern Territory

HomeGrown Territory Grant

$50k for new builds or off-the-plan.

FreshStart New Home Grant

$30k for non-first-home buyers.

HomeBuild Access Loan

Low-deposit government-backed loan.

NT Shared Equity Scheme

Up to 50% Gov share with 10% deposit.

Benefits:

• One of the biggest grants in the country.

• Options for both first-time and existing buyers.

• Government programs designed to reduce debt and grow ownership.

Wrapping It Up

Each of these programs can make a massive difference, especially when combined. A lot of buyers don’t realise you can often use multiple schemes together, such as a state grant plus the 5% deposit guarantee, to seriously reduce your costs.

If you’re not sure what you’re eligible for, or how to make the most of these programs, let’s have a chat.