Buying your first home is a monumental milestone, and in Victoria, the journey is made a little easier with the availability of the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). The FHOG is a longstanding government initiative designed to support eligible first-time buyers entering the property market.
Understanding the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG):
The FHOG is a financial incentive provided by the Victorian government to support first-time homebuyers in achieving their dream of homeownership. The grant aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with purchasing a property, making it more accessible for eligible individuals or couples.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the FHOG in Victoria, you must meet certain criteria:
- Applicant Eligibility
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (subclass 444 visa). Please note that eligibility for New Zealand citizens is changing after 26 November 2026.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must not have previously owned residential property in Australia that you lived in, nor received the FHOG before (including through a spouse/partner).
- Property Requirements
- The property must be a new home – this includes:
- Newly built homes
- Off-the-plan purchases
- Substantially renovated homes (that have not been lived in)
- The contract price must be $750,000 or less.
- Occupancy Requirement
- At least one applicant must use the property as their principal place of residence for a continuous 12-month period, starting within 12 months of settlement (or completion of construction for a build contract).
Application Process:
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, the next step is to apply for the FHOG.
- Check Eligibility: Before applying, carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all requirements.
- Gather Documentation: Collect the necessary documents, including proof of identity, citizenship or residency status, and a signed contract of sale for the property.
- Submit Application: Lodge your application with the State Revenue Office (SRO) of Victoria. This can typically be done online, and it is crucial to provide accurate information to expedite the process. If you have a lender (bank) involved, they may do this on your behalf.
- Await Approval: The SRO will review your application and notify you of the outcome. If approved, the grant will be paid directly to your nominated bank account after settlement.
Benefits of the First Home Owner Grant:
The FHOG comes with several benefits for first-time homebuyers:
- Financial Support: The grant provides a significant financial boost, assisting with the initial costs of purchasing a property.
- Property Accessibility: With the FHOG, eligible buyers can consider a broader range of properties, making homeownership more achievable.
- Boost to the Housing Market: The grant contributes to the growth of the real estate market by encouraging first-time buyers to enter the property market.
Grant Amount:
As of 2 December 2025, the FHOG in Victoria offers eligible applicants a one-time payment of $10,000. It’s crucial to check for any updates or changes to this amount, as government policies may be subject to adjustments.
Additional Benefits for First-Home Buyers:
The FHOG is separate from Victorian stamp duty (land transfer duty) concessions.
Many first-home buyers may also be eligible for:
- Full stamp duty exemption for properties valued up to $600,000
- Stamp duty concessions for properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000
These benefits can be accessed whether or not the property is new – unlike the FHOG, which is only for new homes.
If you are considering buying your first home, our property team can help you understand your eligibility for the FHOG, available stamp duty concessions, and any other first-home buyer benefits. Please contact our office on (03) 9311 8911 to speak to a member of our property team.
