Big news for Queensland's first home buyers.
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant just got a lot bigger. From 20 November 2023, eligible first home buyers in Queensland can access a $30,000 grant. That is double the previous amount of $15,000.
The increased grant applies to eligible transactions between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The state government estimates that around 12,000 first home buyers will benefit from this change.
If you are wondering whether you are ready to buy your first home, this extra $15,000 could make a significant difference to your upfront costs or deposit shortfall.
What changed
Queensland’s First Home Owner Grant was previously set at $15,000. From 20 November 2023, that amount was doubled to $30,000.
The change was introduced as part of the state government’s response to rising housing pressures across Australia. It is not a permanent change. The increased amount applies only to eligible contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025.
Applications for the increased grant were expected to open in the first week of January 2024. If you signed a contract before January, you could still apply once the application portal opened.
Why it doubled
The Queensland government offered a clear rationale for doubling the grant.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pointed to the success of the existing FHOG program and said the government wanted to see homeownership rates continue to rise. Treasurer Cameron Dick noted that Queensland’s strong budget position, backed by proceeds from progressive coal royalties, gave the government flexibility to boost support for buyers. Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon described the increase as part of a broader government effort to address national housing pressures.
In short: the original grant was working, and the government decided to make it work harder for more Queenslanders.
Who qualifies
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is available to buyers purchasing or building a new home in Queensland. To be eligible, you generally need to meet these conditions:
Before you start your search, it is worth using our borrowing power calculator to understand how much you can comfortably borrow alongside the grant.
Eligible properties
More property types qualify for the Queensland FHOG than many buyers realise. Eligible properties include:
The key rule across all property types is that the home must be new. You cannot use this grant to purchase an existing home, no matter how recently it was built.
How to apply
You can apply for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant through your lender at settlement, or directly through the Queensland Revenue Office. Most buyers apply via their lender, which means the grant is applied directly to your settlement costs rather than paid separately.
Your mortgage broker can help you coordinate the application as part of your home loan process. They will confirm your eligibility, help gather the required documents and make sure the grant is factored into your overall financial plan.
Make sure you also calculate your stamp duty before you commit, since first home buyers in Queensland may qualify for additional stamp duty concessions depending on the purchase price. Buyers in other states are in a similar position. For example, first home buyers in South Australia can save up to $50,000 in stamp duty under separate relief measures.
Common questions
Q: Can I use the $30,000 grant to buy an established home in Queensland?
No. The Queensland First Home Owner Grant applies only to new homes, including newly built houses, units, townhouses, granny flats, kit homes and modular homes. Established homes are not eligible regardless of when they were built.
Q: What if my property value is exactly $750,000?
The grant applies to properties with a total value of less than $750,000. If your contract price reaches $750,000 or more, you will not be eligible. Talk to your broker about your options if you are close to the threshold.
Q: Can I still apply for the grant if I signed a contract before January 2024?
Yes, provided your contract was signed on or after 20 November 2023. Applications were expected to open in early January 2024, so buyers who signed in late November or December 2023 could still apply once the portal became available.