What Government Grants Are Available for First-Time Buyers?

Key Takeaways

• There are several national and state-based grants and schemes to help first home buyers in Australia in 2025.
• National options include the Home Guarantee Scheme, First Home Super Saver Scheme, and Help to Buy Scheme.
• Each state and territory offers its own grants, stamp duty concessions, and shared equity programs.
• Many grants and schemes can be combined, but each has its own eligibility rules.
• Getting expert advice early can help you maximise your benefits and avoid common pitfalls.

Your Guide to Government Grants and Schemes for First Home Buyers in 2025

Buying your first home is a huge milestone, one that comes with excitement, nerves and, let’s be honest, a fair bit of paperwork. At Mountway Finance, we know that navigating government grants and schemes can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. The good news? There’s a range of support available to help first-time buyers get their foot on the property ladder, from national initiatives to state-based grants and concessions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main government grants and schemes available for first home buyers in Australia in 2025, explain who’s eligible, and offer some practical tips to help you make the most of what’s on offer. Whether you’re dreaming of a city apartment or a family home in the suburbs, understanding your options is the first step towards making your home ownership dream a reality.

National Schemes for First Home Buyers

Let’s start with the big picture. There are several federal government schemes designed to help first home buyers across Australia. These can make a real difference to your deposit, your borrowing power, and your overall costs.

Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)

The Home Guarantee Scheme helps eligible buyers purchase a home with a deposit as low as 2 to 5 per cent, without needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). LMI can add thousands to your upfront costs, so avoiding it is a real win.

There are three main streams under the HGS:

• First Home Guarantee: For first home buyers or those who haven’t owned a property in Australia in the past 10 years. You’ll need a minimum 5 per cent deposit, and the government guarantees up to 15 per cent of the property’s value, so you can avoid LMI. There are 35,000 places available each year.
• Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee: Similar to the First Home Guarantee, but specifically for buyers in regional areas. Again, you’ll need a 5 per cent deposit, and there are 10,000 places available annually.
• Family Home Guarantee: Designed for single parents or single legal guardians with at least one dependent. You can buy with just a 2 per cent deposit, and the government guarantees up to 18 per cent of the property’s value. There are 5,000 places available each year.

To be eligible, you’ll need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, meet income caps ($125,000 for singles, $200,000 for couples), and intend to live in the property.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

Saving for a deposit can be tough, especially with rising living costs. The FHSSS lets you make voluntary contributions to your superannuation, then withdraw up to $50,000 (plus earnings) to use as a deposit on your first home. Because super contributions are taxed at a lower rate, this can help you save faster.

You’ll need to apply for a determination from the ATO before signing a contract, and there are rules about how and when you can access your funds. It’s a great option if you’re planning ahead and want to boost your deposit in a tax-effective way.

Help to Buy Scheme

The Help to Buy Scheme is a shared equity program, where the government contributes up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for a new home, or 30 per cent for an existing home. In return, the government holds an equivalent share in your property. You’ll need a minimum 2 per cent deposit, and the scheme is income-tested (singles earning up to $90,000, couples up to $120,000).

This scheme can make home ownership possible for buyers who might otherwise struggle to save a large deposit or meet standard lending criteria. Just keep in mind that when you sell, the government will recoup its share, including a portion of any capital gains.

State and Territory Grants and Concessions

On top of the national schemes, each state and territory offers its own grants, concessions, and incentives for first home buyers. These can include cash grants, stamp duty exemptions or concessions, and special loan programs. Here’s a quick overview of what’s available in each region as of mid-2025:

New South Wales

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): $10,000 for buying or building a new home valued up to $600,000, or a new house and land package up to $750,000.

First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme: Stamp duty exemption for properties up to $800,000, and concessions for properties up to $1 million.

Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper: The government can contribute up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for a new home, or 30 per cent for an existing property, for eligible buyers.

Victoria

First Home Owner Grant: $10,000 for building or buying a new home.

Stamp Duty Exemptions: No stamp duty for homes up to $600,000, and concessions for homes up to $750,000.

Victorian Homebuyer Fund: A shared equity scheme where the government can contribute up to 25 per cent of the purchase price.

Queensland

First Home Owner Grant: $30,000 for buying or building a new home valued under $750,000 (until June 2025).

Stamp Duty Concessions: Full exemption for homes up to $700,000, with concessional rates above that.

Regional Home Building Boost: $5,000 for building or buying a new home in regional Queensland.

Western Australia

First Home Owner Grant: $10,000 for buying or building a new home.

Stamp Duty Exemptions: No stamp duty for homes up to $430,000, with concessions up to $530,000.

Home Buyers Assistance Account: Up to $2,000 to help with incidental costs like settlement fees.

South Australia

First Home Owner Grant: $15,000 for buying or building a new home.

Stamp Duty Exemptions: No stamp duty for new homes under $650,000, with concessions up to $700,000.

Tasmania

First Home Owner Grant: $30,000 for building a new home (for contracts signed before 30 June 2025).

Stamp Duty Concessions: For homes up to $600,000.

MyHome Shared Equity Program: Buy with as little as a 2 per cent deposit, with the government taking an equity share.

Australian Capital Territory

No First Home Owner Grant currently available.

Home Buyer Concession Scheme: Stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers, based on income and property value.

Northern Territory

First Home Owner Grant: $10,000 for buying or building a new home.

Household Goods Grant: Up to $2,000 to help furnish your new home.

Stamp Duty Concessions: For eligible first home buyers.

Can You Combine Grants and Schemes?

In many cases, yes. For example, you might be able to use the First Home Owner Grant alongside the Home Guarantee Scheme and a stamp duty exemption, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. However, each program has its own rules, so it’s important to check the details or speak with a mortgage broker who can guide you through the process.

What to Watch Out For

While government grants and schemes can make a big difference, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Eligibility criteria: Each grant or scheme has its own rules around income, property value, type of property, and whether you’ve owned property before.
• Application process: Some grants are applied for through your lender, others directly with the government. Timing matters, so get your paperwork in order early.
• Market impact: Grants can increase demand for certain types of properties, which may push up prices. Acting early can help you maximise your benefit.
• Shared equity: If you use a shared equity scheme, remember that the government will own a share of your property and will be entitled to a portion of any capital gains when you sell.

How Mountway Finance Can Help

At Mountway, we’re here to guide you through every step of the home buying journey. We’ll help you identify which grants and schemes you’re eligible for, prepare your application and supporting documents, find the right loan for your needs and budget, and understand the fine print, so there are no surprises down the track.

We know that every buyer’s situation is unique, and we’re committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’re ready to take the next step, or just want to chat through your options, our team is here to help.

Government grants and schemes can be a real game-changer for first home buyers, helping you get into your own home sooner and with less financial strain. The key is to do your research, understand your options, and get expert advice early in the process.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember, you don’t have to do it alone. At Mountway Finance, we’re passionate about helping first home buyers achieve their goals, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.