How to Use the First Home Owners’ Grant in Queensland (2025)

If buying your first home feels out of reach, the First Home Owners’ Grant in Queensland could be the boost you need. With the grant now sitting at a generous $30,000 (doubled from its previous $15,000), eligible buyers can cover the costs of a brand-new place to call home, saving you time, stress, and money.

But how do you know if you qualify, how do you use it, and how do you actually apply for it? We’ll walk you through the details, from what the First Home Owner Grant is to how to make the most of it.

What Is the First Home Owner Grant?

The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off grant designed to help first-time buyers purchase a new home, expected to be secured by 12,000 buyers. To qualify, the total value of your home, including land and any contract variations, must be under $750,000, and the property must be newly built or substantially renovated.

So, whether you’re building a home from scratch, buying off the plan, or going for a house and land package, the grant can go toward your upfront costs, helping you buy sooner. This can go a long way, especially with home prices rising and interest rate changes affecting borrowing power.

The grant amount differs depending on when you’ve signed your contract. Let’s break down how much the First Home Owner Grant is.

• $30,000: For any contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025.
• $15,000: The previous grant amount may apply if your contract was signed before the above window.

Keep in mind the grant is per property, not per person. So, if you’re buying with a partner, you’ll receive a single payment. Before submitting your application, you (and your partner, if applicable) must complete an eligible buy or build contract.

What Counts as a ‘New Home’

To qualify, the home must not have been lived in or sold before as a place of residence. In simple terms, it must be freshly built and move-in ready. This could be:

• A newly built house, unit, duplex or townhouse.
• A detached home or granny flat built on a relative’s property.
• A substantially renovated property.

The home must be bought or built through one of these eligible transactions:

• Buying a brand-new home.
• Signing an off-the-plan contract.
• Entering into a contract to build.
• Building the home yourself as an owner-builder.
• Purchasing a substantially renovated home.

Who Is Eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?

To apply, you’ll need to meet a few key criteria. Here’s who is eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland:

• You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re applying with a co-applicant, they must also be 18 years or older.
• You must be an individual, not a company or trust.
• At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
• You or your spouse must not have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in any Australian state or territory.
• You or your spouse must not have owned residential property in Australia in which you’ve lived since 1 July 2000.
• You must live in the home within a year of the completed transaction and stay for at least six continuous months. You can rent out one room in your house during this time, but this may result in losing out on stamp duty discounts.
• If you own an investment property after July 2000, you can still apply for the loan, given you intend to live in the new home and provide supporting documents such as tenancy or lease agreements.
• There are no income caps for the grant, and you can apply alone or with a partner.
• The home must be new or substantially renovated and used as your principal place of residence.

Find out if you’re eligible for this grant with the eligibility tester.

How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant

Not sure how to apply for the First Home Owner Grant? You have two main options:

• Through your bank or lender: This is the quickest way. If you’re working with a home loan broker, they can help with your lodgement and paperwork.
• Directly to the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO): You can apply online at the QRO website. Just note that payment can take longer using this method.

Using the First Home Owners’ Grant as a Deposit

The First Home Owners Grand can count toward your deposit. For a $750,000 home, the grant can cover up to 4%, which is a solid head start.

However, most banks or lenders will want to see genuine savings, so it’s important to have your own funds ready.

Inovayt Tip: Remember to budget for extra upfront costs, such as legal fees, stamp duty, and building inspections, which can add another 3% or so.

Make the Most of the Grant Before Expiry

In a market where every dollar counts, the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland is a generous helping hand. So, whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to apply, it pays to be informed.
Need help getting started or looking into using equity to buy property instead? Get in touch with Inovayt, our team can help guide you through the process.