Victorian First Home Owner Grant: Could You Receive $10,000 Towards Your First New Home?
Buying your first home comes with a range of upfront expenses, from deposits and conveyancing to inspections, moving costs and construction expenses.
For eligible first-home buyers purchasing or building a new home in Victoria, the Victorian Government’s First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) may provide valuable assistance.
The current grant is $10,000 for eligible buyers purchasing or building a qualifying new home valued at up to $750,000.
What Is the Victorian First Home Owner Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment intended to support eligible first-home buyers entering the property market.
It can apply when purchasing or building an eligible new residential property in Victoria.
The home may be:
A house
Townhouse
Apartment
Unit
A qualifying substantially renovated home
A qualifying replacement home
The property must meet the State Revenue Office’s definition of a new home and generally must not have previously been sold, occupied as a residence, leased or used for short-term accommodation.
How Much Is the Grant?
The current Victorian FHOG is:
$10,000
The qualifying property’s value must generally be no more than:
$750,000
For an off-the-plan property, the relevant value for the grant is generally the contract price.
Does the Grant Apply to Established Homes?
No.
The Victorian First Home Owner Grant is targeted at new homes.
Buying an established property does not qualify for the $10,000 grant, although an eligible first-home buyer purchasing an established home may still qualify for Victorian stamp duty savings.
This distinction is particularly important when comparing a new build with an established property.
Who May Be Eligible?
Key requirements include:
Applicants must be natural persons rather than companies or trusts
Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old
At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the relevant date
The property must be used as the applicant’s principal place of residence
Previous home ownership and previous grant history can affect eligibility
The State Revenue Office also considers a spouse or partner’s history when assessing eligibility, even where that person is not named on the property’s title.
What Previous Ownership Can Affect Eligibility?
Generally, you may be ineligible if you or your spouse/partner have previously:
Received a First Home Owner Grant anywhere in Australia
Owned residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000
Lived for at least six continuous months in a residential property that you owned or part-owned on or after 1 July 2000
Individual situations can be more complex, so eligibility should be checked directly with the State Revenue Office or an approved agent.
Do You Have to Live in the Property?
Yes.
The property must become your principal place of residence.
The grant is intended to support people purchasing a home to live in—not investment properties.
Residency requirements apply, and buyers should check the exact timing and occupancy conditions for their transaction before applying.
How Do You Apply for the Grant?
Most eligible buyers apply through an approved agent, such as a participating bank or credit union.
If an approved agent is not submitting the application, buyers can apply directly to the Victorian State Revenue Office within the applicable timeframe. The SRO states that applications can generally be made within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
The process generally involves:
Checking eligibility
Gathering identity documents
Gathering property or building documents
Completing the application
Lodging through an approved agent or directly with the State Revenue Office where appropriate
Can the First Home Owner Grant Be Combined With Stamp Duty Savings?
Potentially, yes.
The First Home Owner Grant and the Victorian first-home-buyer duty exemption/concession are separate forms of support.
For example, an eligible first-home buyer purchasing a qualifying new home may potentially qualify for:
The $10,000 First Home Owner Grant
A stamp duty exemption or concession
Other eligible home-buyer assistance programs
Each program has its own rules, so eligibility should be checked separately.
Building Your First Home in Victoria
For buyers considering a new build, the grant may form one part of the overall purchasing strategy.
Before choosing a home and land package, consider:
Your total budget
Land price
Construction cost
Finance approval
Grant eligibility
Stamp duty
Government assistance
Site costs
Design requirements
Location
Bright Homes can help you explore home designs and building options that match your needs, lifestyle and budget while you work with the relevant qualified professionals on finance and eligibility.
Ready to Explore Building Your First Home?
Speak with Bright Homes about your preferred location, budget and home design requirements.