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First Home Buyer

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First Home Owner Grant Victoria 2026: Am I Eligible? How Do I Apply?

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General information for Victorian property buyers.

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If you're buying your first home in Victoria, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) could put up to $10,000 towards your purchase. But there are strict eligibility rules, and the grant only applies to certain types of properties. Here is everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to apply.

What is the FHOG?

The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment from the Victorian Government to help first home buyers purchase or build a new home. It is administered by the State Revenue Office (SRO) and is separate from stamp duty concessions (though you may be eligible for both).

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the FHOG in Victoria, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • You must be a natural person (not a company or trust).
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You (or your spouse/partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia — whether as a home or an investment. This includes owning property through a company or trust of which you were a beneficiary.
  • You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. If buying as a couple, at least one applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident.
  • You must live in the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement (or completion of building).

Property requirements

The FHOG applies to new homes only. This includes:

  • A newly built home that has not been previously occupied or sold
  • A home you build yourself (owner-builder)
  • A substantially renovated home (where the renovation is so extensive that it is effectively a new home)

The total value of the property (including land) must be $750,000 or less. If the property is valued above $750,000, you are not eligible — there is no partial grant.

Established (existing) homes do not qualify for the FHOG. If you're buying an established home, look into the stamp duty concessions available through the first home buyer duty exemption or concession instead.

How much is the grant?

The FHOG in Victoria is $10,000 for eligible purchases or builds. This amount is paid as a lump sum after your application is approved.

How to apply

There are two ways to apply:

  1. Through your lender: If you're using a home loan, most banks and mortgage brokers can submit the FHOG application on your behalf as part of the loan process. The grant is typically applied at settlement.
  2. Directly with the SRO: If you are not using a home loan (for example, paying cash), you can apply directly through the State Revenue Office website after settlement.

You will need to provide proof of identity, the Contract of Sale, and evidence that the property is a new home (such as an occupancy certificate).

Common mistakes

  • Applying for an established home: The most common mistake. The FHOG is only for new homes. Established homes do not qualify, regardless of price.
  • Not meeting the residency requirement: You must live in the home for 12 continuous months. If you rent it out within that period, you may be required to repay the grant.
  • Forgetting about previous ownership: If your partner previously owned property — even an investment property — you may be ineligible.
  • Exceeding the $750,000 threshold: The value cap is strict. If the contract price is $750,001, you miss out entirely.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always seek independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor or conveyancer before making any property purchase decision.