In this guide, you’ll discover how the NSW First Home Owner Grant works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to combine it with other government assistance.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
| Grant amount | $10,000 |
| Eligible properties | Newly built homes, eligible off-the-plan properties and substantially renovated homes |
| Maximum property price | $600,000 for a new or substantially renovated home |
| Maximum home and land package | $750,000 |
| Established homes | Not eligible |
| Age requirement | Applicants must generally be at least 18 |
| Residency requirement | At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident |
| Owner-occupier requirement | Live in the property for at least 12 continuous months |
| Income limit | No income cap |
| Tax on grant | The grant is not taxable |
| Application deadline | Generally within 12 months of settlement or completed construction |
| Where to apply | Revenue NSW or an approved financial institution |
What Is the First Home Owners Grant NSW?
The First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) is a NSW Government initiative designed to help eligible Australians buy or build their first new home.
The scheme provides a one-off payment of $10,000 to qualifying first home buyers. You can use the grant when purchasing a newly constructed property, buying an eligible off-the-plan home or building a new house.
The grant is intended to support people entering the property market. However, it does not apply to every first home purchase.
For example, if you’re buying an established house that has previously been occupied, you won’t qualify for this grant. You may, however, qualify for other assistance, including the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.
The NSW Government administers the grant through Revenue NSW. Eligible applicants can apply through an approved lender or directly through Revenue NSW, depending on their circumstances.
How Much Is the First Home Owners Grant in NSW?
The NSW First Home Owner Grant is worth $10,000 for eligible applicants purchasing or building a qualifying new home.
The amount is fixed, regardless of the property’s purchase price, provided the property falls within the relevant price limit.
For example, if you’re buying an eligible newly built home for $550,000, you could receive the full $10,000 grant. The same grant amount applies to an eligible home purchased for $400,000.
The grant is not means-tested, so your household income does not determine the amount you receive. It is also not taxable.
NSW First Home Owner Grant Property Price Limits
Not every new property qualifies for the grant. Revenue NSW applies different price limits depending on how you purchase or build your home.
Current property value limits published by Revenue NSW.
| Property type | Maximum property value |
| Newly built house, townhouse, apartment or unit | $600,000 |
| Substantially renovated home | $600,000 |
| Vacant land and comprehensive building contract | $750,000 |
| Owner-built home, including land | $750,000 |
Buying a Newly Built Home
You may qualify for the $10,000 grant if you’re purchasing a newly constructed house, townhouse, apartment or unit.
The property’s purchase price must not exceed $600,000.
The home must also meet the scheme’s new-home requirements. In general, nobody must have previously lived in the property since construction was completed.
Buying an Off-the-Plan Property
You can also qualify for the First Home Owner Grant NSW when purchasing an eligible off-the-plan property.
An off-the-plan property is one you purchase before construction is complete. It could be an apartment, townhouse or house in a development.
The purchase price must not exceed $600,000. You must also satisfy the scheme’s eligibility and occupancy requirements.
Building a Home on Vacant Land
If you’re purchasing vacant land and building your first home, you could qualify for the grant.
However, Revenue NSW assesses the combined value of the land and eligible construction costs.
The total must not exceed $750,000. This includes the land purchase price, comprehensive building contract and relevant variations completed together.
For example:
| Expense | Amount |
| Vacant land | $350,000 |
| Comprehensive building contract | $370,000 |
| Eligible building variations | $20,000 |
| Total property value | $740,000 |
| Maximum permitted value | $750,000 |
| Potential grant | $10,000 |
In this example, the combined value falls below the $750,000 limit. You could qualify if you meet all other grant conditions.
Buying a Substantially Renovated Home
A substantially renovated home may also qualify, even if the original building existed before the renovation.
However, the renovation must meet the government’s definition of substantial renovation.
Generally, most or all of the home must have been removed or replaced. The seller, builder or tenant must not have lived in the home before, during or after the renovation.
The property must also be sold for the first time since the renovation was completed. Its purchase price must not exceed $600,000.
NSW First Home Owner Grant Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the property price limits is only one part of qualifying for the First Home Owners Grant NSW. You must also satisfy the government’s personal eligibility requirements.
Revenue NSW assesses your application based on your ownership history, residency status, age and intended use of the property.
1. You Must Be a First Home Buyer
You must meet the scheme’s first home buyer requirements. Your previous property ownership and your spouse’s or partner’s ownership history can affect your eligibility.
Generally, you won’t qualify if you or your spouse or partner have previously:
- Received a First Home Owner Grant in Australia.
- Owned or co-owned residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.
- Lived in a residential property in Australia that you owned, wholly or partially, for six continuous months or longer, on or after 1 July 2000.
There are some exceptions. For example, you may still qualify if you previously purchased an investment property but never lived in it for six continuous months.
Revenue NSW assesses these circumstances individually. Your overseas property ownership does not automatically disqualify you, provided you meet the Australian ownership requirements.
2. You Must Be at Least 18 Years Old
Each applicant must generally be at least 18 years old when applying for the grant.
You must also apply as an individual rather than through a company or trust.
Revenue NSW may consider certain exceptions to the age requirement in specific circumstances.
3. You Must Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
If you’re purchasing a property with someone else, only one applicant needs to meet this particular residency requirement.
However, all applicants must still satisfy the other applicable eligibility conditions.
Temporary visa holders cannot qualify for the grant, even if they later become permanent residents. The grant cannot be backdated to cover a period before permanent residency was obtained.
Read more: Buying a house in Australia as a permanent resident
4. You Must Live in the Property
The First Home Owner Grant NSW is designed to support owner-occupiers rather than property investors.
You or one of your eligible co-applicants must move into the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
For contracts entered into on or after 1 July 2023, you must live in the property for at least 12 continuous months.
Different occupancy rules apply to certain earlier contracts. Permanent members of the Australian Defence Force may also qualify for an exemption, subject to specific conditions.
5. You Must Not Have Previously Received the Grant
You and your spouse or partner must not have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in Australia.
The grant is payable once per eligible property transaction, not once per applicant.
For example, if you and your partner purchase an eligible new home together, you can receive one $10,000 grant. You cannot claim $10,000 each.
Who Is Not Eligible for the NSW First Home Owner Grant?
You may be ineligible for the grant if you:
- Purchase an established property that has previously been occupied.
- Exceed the applicable property price limit.
- Have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in Australia.
- Have an ownership history that fails the scheme’s first home buyer requirements.
- Purchase the property through an ineligible company or trust structure.
- Fail to meet the required residency conditions.
- Are a temporary resident without the required Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.
However, previous property ownership does not always mean automatic disqualification.
For example, certain investment property owners may still qualify if they have never lived in their Australian property for six continuous months. Revenue NSW determines eligibility based on the complete circumstances.
How to Apply for the First Home Owners Grant NSW
Applying for the First Home Owner Grant NSW involves providing evidence of your identity, property purchase or construction, and eligibility.
You can generally apply through an approved financial institution when arranging your home loan. Alternatively, you can apply directly through Revenue NSW after completing your purchase or construction.
- Check your eligibility
Confirm that you meet the personal eligibility requirements and your property falls within the relevant price limit.
You can also use the NSW Government’s Home Buyer Assistance Finder to check which assistance schemes may apply to your circumstances. - Prepare your supporting documents
Gather the required identification, property contracts and other documents relevant to your property type.
These may include:- Proof of identity and residency status.
- A signed contract of sale.
- A title search showing the property ownership.
- A comprehensive building contract, where applicable.
- Construction certificates, inspection reports or receipts for owner-built homes.
- Submit your application
If you need the grant for settlement or your first construction progress payment, apply through an approved agent providing your finance.
Otherwise, you can submit your application through the Revenue NSW First Home Owner Grant customer portal after completing your purchase or construction. - Wait for your application to be assessed
Revenue NSW or your approved agent will assess your application and may request additional information.
You may need to provide further documents if your circumstances require additional verification. - Receive your grant
If approved, the grant is generally paid through your approved agent at settlement or an eligible construction payment.
If you apply directly after completing the purchase or construction, the grant is paid according to Revenue NSW’s payment process.
You should generally lodge your application within 12 months of settlement or the completed construction date. Revenue NSW may request additional documents for late applications.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Grant?
The time required to receive the NSW First Home Owner Grant depends on how and when you apply.
If you apply through an approved lender, the grant may be available at settlement or an eligible construction payment, subject to approval.
If you apply directly after settlement or construction, processing time will depend on your application and supporting documents.
Allow additional time if Revenue NSW needs to verify your eligibility or request further information.
Can You Combine the NSW First Home Owner Grant With Stamp Duty Concessions?
Yes, if eligible
One of the most useful features of the First Home Owners Grant NSW is that you may be able to combine it with other first home buyer assistance.
The NSW Government operates a separate program called the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS). It provides eligible first home buyers with a full transfer duty exemption or a reduced rate, depending on the property’s value.
Unlike the grant, the stamp duty scheme can apply to established homes, new homes and vacant land.
This means you could potentially receive the $10,000 grant and a transfer duty exemption or concession when buying an eligible new home.
| Feature | First Home Owner Grant | First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme |
| Type of assistance | $10,000 grant | Transfer duty exemption or concession |
| Eligible new homes | Yes | Yes |
| Eligible established homes | No | Yes |
| Eligible vacant land | Yes, with qualifying construction | Yes, subject to conditions |
| Income limit | None | None |
| Property price limit | $600,000 or $750,000, depending on property type | Different thresholds apply |
| Intended use | Principal place of residence | Principal place of residence |
The two schemes have separate eligibility rules. Qualifying for one does not guarantee that you’ll qualify for the other.
First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme Property Limits
For eligible transactions from 1 July 2023, NSW introduced expanded transfer duty assistance for first home buyers.
Under the current scheme, eligible buyers may receive:
- A full transfer duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000.
- A reduced rate of transfer duty for homes valued above $800,000 and below $1,000,000.
- A full transfer duty exemption for vacant land valued up to $350,000.
- A reduced rate of transfer duty for vacant land valued above $350,000 and below $450,000.
These thresholds are separate from the First Home Owner Grant NSW property limits.
For example, you could buy an eligible new home for $590,000 and potentially qualify for both the $10,000 grant and a full transfer duty exemption, provided you meet both schemes’ requirements.
However, a newly built property that exceeds the grant’s $600,000 price limit may still qualify for transfer duty assistance.
Can You Use the First Home Owner Grant as a Home Loan Deposit?
Yes, you may be able to use the First Home Owners Grant NSW towards your upfront home-buying costs. However, how you access the money depends on your application method and lender.
If your approved lender processes the grant before settlement, it may be applied towards eligible settlement costs. This can reduce the amount of your own savings required at settlement.
However, the grant does not automatically count as a deposit when your lender assesses your home loan application.
Most lenders still assess your genuine savings, income, expenses, existing debts and overall financial position. They may also require you to contribute your own funds towards the deposit.
If you’re relying on the grant to complete your purchase, confirm the payment arrangements with your lender before signing your contract.
Can You Get the NSW First Home Owner Grant With a 5% Deposit?
Potentially, yes. You may qualify for the First Home Owner Grant NSW while using a 5% deposit, provided you meet the grant and lender requirements.
For example, if you purchase an eligible new home for $550,000, a 5% deposit would equal $27,500.
Illustrative example: Buying a new home
| Item | Amount |
| Property price | $550,000 |
| 5% deposit | $27,500 |
| Home loan before other costs | $522,500 |
| Potential First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 |
The grant could help reduce the cash you need for eligible purchase costs. However, you must still demonstrate that you can afford the home loan.
You may also need to pay lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) if your deposit is below 20%. Some eligible buyers can avoid LMI through the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme, subject to its separate requirements.
Your lender will determine whether your deposit, grant and financial position satisfy its lending criteria.
Read more: How to buy a house with a 5% deposit
What Happens If You Move Out Before 12 Months?
The NSW First Home Owner Grant comes with a mandatory owner-occupier requirement.
For contracts signed on or after 1 July 2023, you must move into the property within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction. You must then live there continuously for at least 12 months.
If your circumstances change and you cannot meet this requirement, you must contact Revenue NSW immediately.
You may need to repay the grant. Revenue NSW may also impose penalties of up to $11,000 for failing to report relevant changes or comply with the scheme’s requirements.
Some exceptional circumstances may qualify for consideration. However, you should not assume that moving out early will be approved.
What Documents Do You Need for the NSW First Home Owner Grant?
The documents you need depend on whether you’re purchasing a newly built home, buying vacant land or constructing your own property.
| Document | When you may need it |
| Proof of identity | All applicants |
| Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency | To establish residency eligibility |
| Signed contract of sale | Purchasing a new or substantially renovated home |
| Title search | To confirm property ownership |
| Vendor confirmation | To verify the property’s new-home status, where required |
| Comprehensive building contract | Building a home through a builder |
| Occupation certificate | Relevant construction applications |
| Construction inspection reports | Owner-builder applications |
| Building receipts | Owner-builder applications |
| Evidence of land value | Vacant land and construction applications |
Revenue NSW may request additional documents depending on your application and individual circumstances.
What If Your First Home Owner Grant Application Is Rejected?
Revenue NSW may reject your application if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements or provide sufficient supporting evidence.
For example, your application could be unsuccessful if:
- Your property exceeds the applicable price limit.
- You or your spouse have an ownership history that makes you ineligible.
- Your property does not meet the definition of a new or substantially renovated home.
- You fail to satisfy the required residency conditions.
- Your application contains incorrect or incomplete information.
If Revenue NSW rejects your application, review the reasons provided in its decision.
You can generally lodge an objection or request a reassessment within 60 days of the relevant decision. Check your decision notice for the applicable process and deadline.
NSW First Home Owner Grant vs Other Government Assistance
The First Home Owner Grant NSW is one of several government initiatives that may help eligible first home buyers enter the property market.
Understanding the differences can help you identify which programs may apply to your circumstances.
| Government assistance | What it offers | Key purpose |
| First Home Owner Grant NSW | $10,000 for eligible new homes | Helps eligible buyers purchase or build a new home |
| First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme | Full or partial transfer duty relief | Reduces upfront property purchase costs |
| Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme | Eligible buyers may purchase with a 5% deposit, subject to scheme conditions | Reduces the deposit barrier and may remove LMI |
| First Home Super Saver Scheme | Allows eligible voluntary super contributions to be withdrawn, subject to scheme rules | Helps eligible buyers save towards a deposit |
The Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme has separate eligibility and property price requirements. The First Home Super Saver Scheme also has contribution and withdrawal limits.
You may qualify for more than one program, provided you meet each scheme’s requirements.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Receiving the First Home Owners Grant NSW can reduce some of your upfront home-buying expenses. However, the grant alone does not determine whether you can afford a property.
Before committing to a purchase, consider the following:
- Your deposit: Make sure you have enough savings to cover your deposit and other upfront expenses.
- Your borrowing capacity: Your lender will assess your income, expenses, debts and ability to meet repayments.
- Additional purchase costs: Allow for conveyancing fees, inspections, insurance and other relevant expenses.
- Your property eligibility: Confirm that your chosen property meets the grant’s price limits and new-home requirements.
- Your occupancy plans: Make sure you can satisfy the required residency period.
- Other assistance: Check whether you qualify for transfer duty concessions or federal home-buying schemes.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) provides guidance through
Moneysmart
on budgeting, home loans and managing financial commitments. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) also sets lending standards that influence how lenders assess borrowers.
These considerations can help you understand the full financial commitment involved in purchasing your first home.
Conclusion
The First Home Owners Grant NSW provides eligible first home buyers with $10,000 towards purchasing or building a new home. With a $600,000 property price limit for new and substantially renovated homes, and a $750,000 limit for eligible home and land packages, the scheme offers financial assistance to qualifying buyers.
You may also be able to combine the grant with transfer duty concessions and other government initiatives. However, each program has separate eligibility requirements that you must satisfy.
Understanding the property limits, ownership rules, residency conditions and application process can help you avoid costly mistakes. Ultimately, the grant is one part of your overall home-buying budget, and careful financial planning remains essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About the First Home Owners Grant NSW
1. Is the NSW First Home Owner Grant still $10,000?
Yes. The First Home Owner Grant NSW currently provides $10,000 to eligible buyers purchasing or building qualifying new homes. The grant is subject to property price limits and other eligibility requirements.
2. Can I get the First Home Owner Grant for an established home?
No. The grant is only available for eligible newly built or substantially renovated homes. However, you may qualify for the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme when purchasing an established property.
3. Can I get the First Home Owner Grant if I have owned an investment property?
Possibly. You may qualify if you previously owned an investment property but never lived in it for six continuous months. Revenue NSW will assess your ownership history and other eligibility requirements.
4. Can permanent residents apply for the NSW First Home Owner Grant?
Yes. Australian permanent residents and citizens can qualify, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements. At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
5. Does the NSW First Home Owner Grant have an income limit?
No. The grant is not means-tested, so your income does not affect your eligibility or the amount payable. You must still satisfy the scheme’s property, ownership and residency conditions.
6. Can I get the grant if I buy a home with my partner?
Yes, if both your circumstances and the property meet the relevant requirements. Only one $10,000 grant is payable per eligible property transaction, regardless of how many applicants purchase the home.
7. Do I have to pay tax on the First Home Owner Grant?
No. The NSW First Home Owner Grant is not taxable. Eligible recipients do not need to include the grant as taxable income.
8. How long do I have to apply for the NSW First Home Owner Grant?
You should generally apply within 12 months of settlement or the completed construction date. Late applications may require additional supporting documents and assessment by Revenue NSW.
