Client Login
First Home Owners Grant Victoria [2025 Guide]
August 12, 2025 • 9 minutesBuying your first home is a huge milestone, but in 2025, it can also feel financially out of reach. To help ease the burden, the Australian Government introduced the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including what is the First Home Buyers Grant in VIC, who’s eligible and what’s involved in a FHOG application in VIC.
Contents
- What is the First Home Buyers Grant in VIC?
- How Much is the First Home Owner Grant in VIC?
- Who Can Apply for a First Home Owners Grant in VIC?
- Next Steps: Gather Supporting Documents
- How a Mortgage Broker Can Help You With Your FHOG Application in VIC
- When Will You Receive the FHOG Funds?
- Helping You Secure the First Home Owner Grant in VIC, QLD and beyond
- FAQs about First Home Owners Grant in VIC
What is the First Home Buyers Grant in VIC?
In Victoria, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. It’s available if you’re buying or building a brand-new home, including houses, townhouses, apartments, or units that have never been lived in. The grant can also apply to properties that have undergone major renovations or homes built to replace demolished dwellings.
It’s important to note that the FHOG is designed to help people purchase their primary residence, so you can’t use it for an investment property or a holiday home.
How Much is the First Home Owner Grant in VIC?
If you’re buying or building your very first home in Victoria, you may be eligible for a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant. It’s a valuable helping hand for first-time buyers, especially when combined with other government incentives such as stamp duty concessions or first-home buyer schemes.
Because the grant is funded by the state government, the eligibility rules and property value cap are specific to Victoria. It’s always worth double-checking the current criteria before applying to make sure you still qualify for the full amount.
Who Can Apply for a First Home Owners Grant in VIC?
To qualify for the FHOG, you’ll need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- The property you’re buying needs to be new or substantially renovated
- The home will be your main residence for at least 12 continuous months after settlement or completion
- Your partner/spouse has not received a FHOG in Australia
- Your spouse/partner has not owned a residential property or house in Australia (either jointly or separately) before 1 July 2000
Next Steps: Gather Supporting Documents
If you are eligible and applying through an agent, you and your partner must provide a copy of one Category 1 document.
If applying directly, each applicant must provide one document from each of the 3 categories below:
Category 1: Proof of identity & residency status
- Australian citizens: birth cert, passport, or citizenship cert
- Other citizens: passport + proof of permanent residency
- NZ citizens: passport + movement record (must be living in Australia)
Category 2: Photo ID (1 doc)
- Driver licence, passport (if not used above), Working with Children card, firearms licence, or Proof of Age card
Category 3: Proof of residency (1 doc)
- Medicare card, car rego notice, or Centrelink/DVA card
Also include if relevant:
- Marriage/divorce/death certs
- Stat dec if separated
- ADF member: ADF ID + VIC electoral roll proof
- Change of name cert or stat dec if names differ across documents
How a Mortgage Broker Can Help You With Your FHOG Application in VIC
While the FHOG application in VIC isn’t overly complicated, having a mortgage broker on your side can make the process far less stressful. Brokers stay up to date with the latest rules and eligibility criteria, so they can confirm whether you qualify and guide you through exactly what documents you’ll need. They’ll also make sure your application is completed correctly and submitted on time, helping you avoid unnecessary delays.
A mortgage broker in Melbourne can do more than just handle the FHOG paperwork. They can walk you through the entire home loan process, from comparing lenders and negotiating competitive interest rates to using equity to buy property in the future. With a broker managing both your grant application and your home loan, you’ll have professional support at every step of buying your first home.
When Will You Receive the FHOG Funds?
The FHOG is usually paid at settlement if you’re buying a completed property, or on the first drawdown of funds if you’re building. Processing times can vary, which is why it’s a good idea to get your application in early. A mortgage broker can help you map out the timeline so there are no surprises.
Helping You Secure the First Home Owner Grant in VIC, QLD and beyond
The Inovayt mortgage broking team specialise in helping first-home buyers and have a deep understanding of the eligibility criteria and application process for grants such as the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria and the Home Owners Grant in Queensland. Whether you’re buying your first property or need guidance on the right home loan, our brokers work alongside our experienced financial advisor in Melbourne to provide holistic support.
Speak with a dedicated first-home buyer mortgage broker at Inovayt today to get expert help with your FHOG application, or read the first time home buyer guide to start your journey to home ownership with confidence.
FAQs about First Home Owners Grant in VIC
Can I use the FHOG to buy an established home?
No. The grant is only available for brand-new homes, substantially renovated properties, or a new home built to replace a demolished dwelling. Established homes that have already been lived in don’t qualify, as the FHOG is specifically designed to support first-home buyers entering the market with a new property.
Can I get the FHOG if I’m building on land I already own?
Yes. You can receive the FHOG if you build a new home on land you already own, provided the property meets the eligibility criteria. The home must be brand new, not previously occupied, and you’ll need to live in it as your main residence for at least 12 continuous months.
Do I have to pay back the FHOG?
No. The FHOG is a one-off payment and doesn’t need to be repaid. However, if you don’t meet the occupancy requirements (for example, if you fail to live in the property for at least 12 months), you may be required to repay the grant in full to the State Revenue Office.
Can couples apply jointly?
Yes. Couples can apply for the FHOG together as long as neither person has previously owned a property or received the grant in the past. Both applicants must also meet the eligibility criteria, including citizenship or residency status, property requirements, and the obligation to live in the home as a primary residence.
What if I’ve owned an investment property before?
Unfortunately, if you’ve previously owned property in Australia, whether as an investment or a home, you’re not eligible for the FHOG. The grant is strictly for genuine first-home buyers who have never owned residential property or received the grant, ensuring the support goes to those entering the market for the first time.
What’s involved in the FHOG application VIC?
Applications for the FHOG can be lodged online through the State Revenue Office (SRO) website or via your mortgage broker. A broker can help confirm your eligibility, guide you through the required documents, and submit the application on your behalf, making the entire process faster, easier, and less stressful.
