If you’re a first-time home buyer in New South Wales, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) could give you a $10,000 head start on your property journey.
But what exactly is the grant? Who qualifies? And how do you apply without the headaches?
This comprehensive guide, updated for 2025, breaks down everything you need to know about eligibility, property types, application steps, and how to maximise your savings. Whether you're planning to build, buy off-the-plan, or secure a newly constructed home, the FHOG might help reduce your upfront costs or boost your deposit.
And here's the best part at Stryve Finance: we don’t just help you understand the grant. We help you get it approved, factored into your deposit or loan structure so you can reduce your borrowing costs or meet lender requirements more easily, and settle your first home with expert mortgage advice at every step.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
How Much is the First Home Owner Grant in NSW?
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in New South Wales offers eligible first home buyers a $10,000 payment when purchasing or building a new home.
This is a one-time, tax-free grant from the NSW Government designed to make home ownership more achievable, especially as property prices and living costs rise across the state.
What You Can Use It For:
- As part of your home loan deposit
- To reduce the amount you borrow
- To offset closing or settlement costs
Pro tip from Stryve
Many lenders will allow the FHOG to count toward your required deposit, especially when bundled with savings or other government schemes. We can help you structure your loan around this.
When Do You Get the Grant?
It depends on whether you're buying a completed home or building a new one:
| Scenario | When you receive the grant |
|---|---|
| Buying a new home | On settlement day |
| Building (with land loan) | On the first loan drawdown (progress payment) |
| Off-the-plan purchase | When construction is complete and the title is registered |
Who is Eligible for the FHOG in NSW?
Not everyone qualifies for the First Home Owner Grant, but if you're a genuine first-time buyer and planning to live in the home, there's a good chance you'll be eligible.
Below are the current eligibility rules in New South Wales (2025), including important updates to the occupancy requirements.
FHOG NSW Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To qualify for the $10,000 FHOG, you must meet all the following:
You (and your co-applicant, if any):
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have never owned or co-owned residential property in Australia before (even as an investment)
- Have never received the FHOG in any state or territory
- Will live in the home as your main residence for at least 12 continuous months
The property:
- It is a brand-new home that has never been lived in or sold
- OR is a house-and-land package, built from scratch
- OR is a substantially renovated home (with nearly all of the old structure replaced)
- Is valued within the caps:
- Up to $600,000 for a newly built home
- Up to $750,000 combined for land and construction
Important Update (Occupancy Rule)
If you sign a contract on or after 1 July 2023, you must live in the home for 12 continuous months (previously 6 months). This must begin within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
Joint Applicants
Buying with a partner? Both applicants must meet all the criteria above. If either of you has owned a home before, you'll be ineligible for the grant.
What Properties Qualify for the FHOG in NSW?
To receive the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in New South Wales, the property you buy or build must meet strict eligibility criteria, and not all "new-looking" homes will qualify.
Let’s break down the types of properties that are eligible and those that aren’t.
Eligible Property Types
To qualify for the $10,000 FHOG, the property must be residential and meet one of the following conditions:
- 1. A Brand-New Home
- The home has never been lived in, sold, or rented.
- It can be a freestanding house, townhouse, apartment, or unit.
- Applies whether a developer or a private builder builds it.
- 2. A House and Land Package
- You buy a block of land and then build a new home.
- The total combined cost (land + construction) must be $750,000 or less.
- 3. A Newly Built Home by the Owner
- You engage a licensed builder to construct a new dwelling on your own land.
- The grant is paid after construction begins (usually after the first loan drawdown).
- 4. A Substantially Renovated Home
- The home has undergone significant renovations, replacing most of the original structure (e.g., walls, floors, plumbing).
- It must be sold as a new home by the developer or builder and not previously occupied after renovations. We offer a service renovation loan if you’re interested.
- Cosmetic upgrades (e.g., kitchen refresh, painting) do not count.
- 5. Off-the-Plan Purchases
- Buying a property before it’s built or completed (e.g., in a new apartment development).
- You must be the first purchaser, and it must be brand-new at settlement.
Property Value Caps
| Property Type | Value Limit |
|---|---|
| New home (built or bought) | ≤ $600,000 |
| Land + build combined | ≤ $750,000 |
Important: These caps include GST and all contract components. Even going $1 over the threshold can disqualify your grant, so accurate valuation is critical.
What Properties Don’t Qualify?
Some properties that look new may not be eligible for the FHOG. Common disqualifiers include:
| Ineligible Property Types | Why It’s Ineligible |
|---|---|
| Established homes (previously lived in) | Already had an owner or tenant |
| Renovated homes (minor upgrades only) | Not “substantially renovated” by law |
| Properties over the value caps | Exceeds $600K or $750K, depending on type |
| Second-hand off-the-plan properties | Already sold and/or occupied before you purchase |
| Investment properties | You won’t occupy it as your primary residence |
| Purchases via companies or trusts | FHOG only applies to individuals |
Not Sure if the Property Qualifies?
At Stryve Finance, we’ll review your contract and conduct a thorough eligibility check before you sign the contract or pay a deposit, ensuring that technicalities or price cap issues don’t catch you off guard.
How to Apply for the FHOG in NSW
Applying for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in NSW can be straightforward, especially when a mortgage broker like Stryve Finance guides you. Whether you’re buying or building, the application process involves a few key steps and documents.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from who can apply to how long it takes.
Two Ways to Apply for the FHOG
1. Apply Through Your Lender (Recommended)
Most first home buyers apply for the grant as part of their home loan process. This is the easiest and fastest option because:
- The application is submitted at the same time as your loan
- Your mortgage broker (that’s us!) handles the paperwork
- Payment is automatically coordinated with your lender
Stryve Tip
This method is faster, safer, and avoids the back-and-forth of direct applications.
2. Apply Directly via Revenue NSW
If you’re not taking out a loan, you can apply directly through Revenue NSW.
Website: https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyer
You’ll need to:
- Download and complete the application form
- Submit original certified ID documents
- Post your application or deliver it in person
What You’ll Need to Apply
Whether applying through a broker/lender or directly, you’ll typically need:
Personal Documents:
- Valid ID (passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card)
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of marital status (if applicable)
Property Documents:
- Contract of sale (for a purchase)
- Building contract + land purchase details (for new builds)
- Council-approved plans (for some construction loans)
Residency Proof:
- Declaration of intention to live in the home for 12 months
- Supporting documents (e.g., bills, driver’s licence, address update later)
Important: All documents must be certified copies when applying directly to Revenue NSW.
Want Help Applying?
At Stryve Finance, we take care of your entire FHOG application as part of your home loan journey. We handle the application for you at no extra cost, ensuring it’s submitted accurately and on time, so you don’t face any delays or paperwork issues.
- Check your eligibility
- Apply to your lender
- Make sure everything is timed with your settlement or build
- Keep you updated every step of the way
What is the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme?
The First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) is a separate NSW Government initiative designed to help eligible buyers save on stamp duty, one of the most considerable upfront costs when purchasing a home.
When combined with the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), the FHBAS can save you tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you’re buying in Sydney or other high-value areas.
Let’s break down what’s available in 2025.
What Does the FHBAS Offer?
Depending on your property’s value and type, you may be eligible for either a full exemption or a concession (discount) on stamp duty.
| Property Type | Value Range | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| New or existing home | ≤ $800,000 | Pay $0 stamp duty |
| New or existing home | $800,000 – $1,000,000 | Discounted stamp duty |
| Vacant land | ≤ $350,000 | Pay $0 stamp duty |
| Vacant land | $350,000 – $450,000 | Discounted stamp duty |
Stryve Tip
Many buyers overlook FHBAS, thinking it only applies to new homes, but it also applies to existing homes (even though FHOG does not).
Can You Combine FHBAS + FHOG?
Yes! And many buyers do.
| Scenario | FHOG | FHBAS | Total Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buying a new home ≤ $600K | $10K | $0 stamp duty | ~$38K+ |
| Building with land + build ≤ $750K | $10K | $0 land duty | ~$18K+ |
| Buying an established home ≤ $800K | $10K | $0 stamp duty | ~$30K+ |
Stryve can help you apply for both automatically and check if you qualify for additional federal programs as well.
Do You Qualify for Other First Home Buyer Schemes?
In addition to the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp duty savings through the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FHBAS), you might also be eligible for federal government initiatives designed to help reduce the financial barriers of home ownership by offering direct funding toward your purchase or build.
These programs can help you buy with a smaller deposit, avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), or enter the market sooner.
Let’s examine the key schemes available in 2025 and how they interact with the FHOG.
1. First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
The First Home Guarantee is a federal government scheme that allows eligible first home buyers to:
- Purchase a home with just a 5% deposit
- Avoid paying LMI (which can save you thousands)
- Access select lenders offering competitive low-deposit loans
Stryve Tip
Many buyers use this scheme in conjunction with FHOG to purchase their first home with minimal savings. We’ll help you navigate the paperwork, structure your deposit, and match you with lenders that support low-deposit loans.
2. Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
If you’re buying in a regional area, you could be eligible for this specialised scheme offering:
- 5% deposit loans with LMI waived
- Targeted support for regional communities
- Income limits and property price caps still apply
Check if your suburb qualifies as “regional”. Ask Stryve for a suburb eligibility check.
3. Family Home Guarantee (for single parents)
If you’re a single parent with dependents and want to buy your first home (or re-enter the market), this scheme allows you to:
- Purchase a home with just a 2% deposit
- Avoid paying LMI
- Access exclusive lender support without needing a partner
Not Sure Where You Fit?
We understand that it can be confusing, which is why Stryve Finance offers a complimentary eligibility check. This review assesses your income, deposit, property type, and suburb to determine which grants, schemes, and stamp duty savings you may be eligible for.
- FHOG eligibility
- Stamp duty savings
- 5% deposit scheme access
- Lender pre-approval pathways
👉 Book a free discovery call or get prequalified now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the top questions our first home clients ask us, along with clear answers based on current NSW guidelines.
Can I use the $10,000 grant as part of my down payment for a home loan?
Yes. Most lenders accept the FHOG as part of your deposit. However, it may not be enough on its own. We’ll help you combine it with genuine savings, gifts, or a federal guarantee scheme if needed.
What happens if I don’t move into the home within 12 months?
You may need to repay the grant unless you qualify for a deferral or exemption due to hardship (e.g., health, construction delays). It’s important to contact Revenue NSW if your plans change.
Can I apply for the grant with my partner?
Yes, but both of you must meet all eligibility requirements, including being first-time property owners. If either of you has owned a home before, you’re both ineligible.
Do apartments or townhouses qualify for the FHOG?
Yes, as long as the property is brand-new and has never been lived in or sold before. Off-the-plan units also qualify if you are the first buyer and the price is within the threshold.
Can I get the FHOG if I inherit a property?
Generally, no. Inheriting a home is considered ownership for FHOG purposes. However, there may be exceptions depending on whether the property was sold, occupied, or shared.
Is the FHOG available for investment properties?
No. You must live in the home yourself as your principal place of residence for at least 12 months.
What does ‘substantially renovated’ mean?
It means the original home has been almost completely rebuilt, replacing major structural elements, such as floors, walls, and plumbing. Minor cosmetic work does not qualify.
How long does it take to receive the grant?
- Buying a new home: Paid at settlement
- Building: Paid at the first progress payment
- Off-the-plan: Paid once construction completes and title registers
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days once all required documents have been submitted.
Can I still qualify for the grant if I’m self-employed or on a contract?
Yes, your income type doesn’t affect FHOG eligibility. But it may impact your loan application. Stryve brokers specialise in helping self-employed buyers get approved.
What if I miss the application deadline?
You usually need to apply within 12 months of settlement (for a purchase) or building completion (for a build). If you’re late, contact Revenue NSW or speak with us ASAP — we may still be able to help.
Dylan Bertovic is the Director and Senior Finance Broker at Stryve Finance, specialising in non-traditional lending solutions. He helps clients across Australia with tiny home loans, construction finance, equipment and asset lending, refinancing, and investor loans. With deep expertise in self-employed and renovation mortgages, Dylan is known for crafting tailored strategies that get results
