Am I eligible for the First Home Buyers Grant in Queensland?

The Queensland First Home Owner Grant provides $15,000 to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility and how to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the grant, you must meet ALL of these requirements:

1. First Home Buyer:

• You’ve never owned a home in Australia (before 1 July 2000 for applicants born before 1 July 1985)
• Your spouse has never owned a home in Australia
• Neither of you has previously received a first home grant

2. Property Requirements:

• Must be a new home (never previously occupied or sold as a place of residence)
• Property value must not exceed $750,000
• Property must be located in Queensland

3. Residency Requirements:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Must move into the property within 12 months of settlement
• Must live in the property continuously for at least 6 months

4. Age Requirement:

• You must be 18 years or older

What Qualifies as a “New Home”?

The grant applies to:

• A newly constructed home purchased from a builder or developer
• A home you build on vacant land (including owner-builder)
• A substantially renovated home (where renovations exceed 50% of the original value)

What Doesn’t Qualify?

You cannot claim the grant for:

• Existing (second-hand) homes
• Investment properties
• Off-the-plan apartments where construction has already started when you sign the contract
• Properties purchased at auction (in some circumstances)

Grant Amount

$15,000 (as of 2026)

• Paid as a lump sum
• Can be used for deposit or to reduce the loan amount
• Not means-tested (no income limits)

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply through the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) online portal

Step 2: Provide required documents:

• Contract of sale
• Identification (driver’s licence, passport)
• Residency evidence
• Building contract (if constructing)

Step 3: Lodge your application:

• Before settlement for home purchases
• Within 12 months of starting construction for new builds

Step 4: Move in within 12 months and occupy for 6+ months

Can It Be Combined with Other Concessions?

Yes! You may also be eligible for:

• First Home Concession: No stamp duty on homes up to $500,000 (reduced duty up to $550,000)
• First Home Vacant Land Concession: No stamp duty on land up to $250,000 (if building within 2 years)

Important Changes in 2026

• The grant is currently set at $15,000 for new homes up to $750,000
• Check the Queensland Revenue Office website for the latest updates

Get Expert Advice

Our conveyancing team can help you:

• Determine your eligibility
• Complete the application correctly
• Maximise available concessions
• Ensure compliance with residency requirements

Contact Bell & Senior for a free eligibility assessment.