First Home Buyer Grants & Assistance in Queensland (2026 Guide)
Buying your first home is a major milestone. In Queensland, there are a number of government grants, concessions and assistance programs designed to help first home buyers enter the market with greater confidence.
This guide outlines the key incentives available to first home buyers in 2026, including eligibility basics and where to find official, up-to-date information.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) – Queensland
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment provided by the Queensland Government to eligible first home buyers who are purchasing or building a new home.
Grant amount and eligibility
Eligible first home buyers may receive up to $30,000 when buying or building a new home in Queensland.
This higher grant applies to contracts signed, or construction commenced, between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026.
To qualify:
The property must be a new home (not an established home).
The total value of the home and land must be less than $750,000, including contract variations.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants must not have previously owned property in Australia.
The home must be occupied as the principal place of residence within 12 months of completion and lived in for at least six continuous months.
Further details and eligibility information can be found at:
https://qro.qld.gov.au/property-concessions-grants/first-home-grant/
Transfer Duty (Stamp Duty) Concessions and Exemptions
Queensland has introduced significant stamp duty relief for first home buyers, particularly for those purchasing new homes or vacant land.
New homes and vacant land
From 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land to build their first home may receive a full exemption from transfer duty.
There is no property value cap for this exemption, provided the buyer meets eligibility requirements and occupies the home as their principal place of residence.
Established homes
For established homes, first home buyers may still be eligible for transfer duty concessions based on the value of the property. These concessions reduce the amount of duty payable but do not always eliminate it entirely.
Detailed and current information is available at:
https://qro.qld.gov.au/duties/transfer-duty/concessions/homes/first-home/
Federal Government Assistance for First Home Buyers
In addition to Queensland-specific incentives, eligible first home buyers may also benefit from Australian Government housing schemes.
First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit Scheme)
The First Home Guarantee allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance.
From 1 October 2025, the scheme expanded to remove limits on the number of places available, making access easier for eligible buyers. Property price caps and lender criteria still apply.
Further information is available at:
https://firsthomebuyers.gov.au/
Summary of Key Support Available in 2026
First Home Owner Grant: up to $30,000 for eligible buyers of new homes in Queensland.
Transfer duty exemption: potential zero stamp duty on new homes and vacant land.
Federal First Home Guarantee: ability to purchase with a lower deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance.
Practical Tips for First Home Buyers
Check eligibility early, as many grants and concessions must be applied for before settlement.
Speak with a qualified lender, mortgage broker or solicitor to understand how different incentives may work together. Be mindful of timing, as some incentives are subject to contract date requirements and expiry periods, including the FHOG extension through June 2026.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal or taxation advice. Government grants, concessions and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Individual circumstances, property type and contract timing will affect eligibility. Readers should refer to the official government websites linked above or seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals before making decisions.