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Understanding the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant
The Queensland Government's expansion of the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) to $30,000 represents one of Australia's most aggressive financial incentives for first-time property buyers. Designed to stimulate housing supply across regional and metropolitan growth corridors, the grant provides direct non-repayable capital assistance toward newly constructed residential dwellings.
For buyers evaluating masterplanned estates across South East Queensland, pairing the $30,000 cash grant with Queensland's generous transfer duty exemptions can reduce upfront equity hurdles by more than $45,000.
Core Eligibility Criteria for Queensland Buyers
To qualify for the $30,000 grant, purchasers must satisfy strict statutory benchmarks:
- First Property Purchase: Applicants (and their spouse or de facto partner) must never have held an interest in residential property anywhere in Australia prior to the purchase.
- Australian Citizenship / Permanent Residency: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of contract execution.
- Age Requirement: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Principal Place of Residence: Buyers must occupy the completed home as their primary place of residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months, commencing within one year of completion.
- Brand New Construction: The dwelling must never have been previously occupied, tenanted, or sold as a place of residence.
Price Thresholds & Contract Deadlines
The total value of the home, including the land and the complete building contract, must not exceed $750,000 for standard residential builds. However, on qualifying house and land packages where the contract is structured via a two-part split contract, eligibility is calculated based on the total combined package cost.
In corridors where entry-level four-bedroom turnkey residences trade between $770,000 and $830,000, select three-bedroom and compact four-bedroom floorplans within communities like Rosewood Green and Whiterock can be tailored to meet statutory price thresholds. Buyers can explore entry-level opportunities across our under $800,000 package directory.
How the Grant is Paid and Applied to Finance
The $30,000 grant is administered by the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO). When purchasing through an approved master builder with an institutional mortgage lender, the grant is typically applied at the slab stage of construction to offset build contract drawdowns.
For buyers utilising the grant to contribute toward their initial cash deposit, specific non-major lenders and credit unions permit the anticipated grant funds to form part of the final equity contribution, provided the applicant holds genuine savings covering at least 5% of the total purchase price.
Current opportunities
Aire Living
Lilywood
The Hills Collection
Glenvale
Botanic
Woolmer
Golden Horizon
Bundaberg
Vero
Woolloongabba, Brisbane
Duet Portside
Hamilton, Brisbane
Como
Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
Orama
Chevron Island, Gold Coast
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use the $30,000 grant as part of your home deposit?
Yes, select participating lenders allow the $30,000 grant to form part of your overall equity contribution, provided you hold genuine personal savings covering at least 5% of the land and build value.
What is the property price limit for the QLD First Home Owner Grant?
The total value of the house and land package must not exceed $750,000. Packages priced above this threshold do not qualify for the grant, although transfer duty concessions may still apply.
Do first home buyers also pay zero stamp duty in Queensland?
Yes. In Queensland, first home buyers are exempt from paying transfer duty on vacant land purchases up to $350,000 (with concessional rates up to $500,000) and homes up to $700,000.
How long must you live in the property to keep the grant?
You must move into the home within 12 months of construction completion and occupy it continuously as your principal place of residence for at least 12 months.
Questions about this article?
For upcoming releases & further information
Jayden Barta
Director & Property Specialist
BARTA Property
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General Advice Warning: The information provided in this publication is for general educational commentary only and does not constitute financial, taxation, legal, or investment advice. BARTA Property is not an Australian Financial Services Licensee or registered tax agent. Readers must seek independent professional advice from a licensed financial adviser, qualified accountant, or legal practitioner tailored to their personal financial circumstances before making any investment or purchasing decisions. Property investment involves risks, including potential loss of capital.
