Queensland First Home Owners Grant 2026: Everything Brisbane Buyers Need to Know

Is the Queensland First Home Owner Grant Still Available in 2026?

Yes and right now it is worth $30,000.

If you are buying or building your first home in Queensland, the state government is offering one of the most generous first home buyer grants in the country. The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off, tax-free payment available to eligible buyers of new homes, and the current boosted amount of $30,000 has been extended until 30 June 2026.

After that date, the grant is expected to drop back to $15,000, making the next few months a genuinely significant window for first home buyers across Brisbane and regional Queensland.

Here is what you need to know.

How Much Is the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland?

The grant amount depends on when you sign your contract:

For contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026, the grant is $30,000. For contracts signed after 30 June 2026, the grant is expected to revert to $15,000.

If you are an owner-builder rather than purchasing an existing new home, the relevant date is when your foundations are laid, not when you sign any paperwork. Your foundations must be laid within the eligible period to access the $30,000 amount.

The grant is not means-tested. Your income has no bearing on whether you qualify only the eligibility criteria below apply.

Who Is Eligible for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant?

To qualify, you and any co-applicants must satisfy all of the following:

• You must be at least 18 years old. 

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or be applying jointly with someone who is. 

• Neither you nor your spouse or de facto partner can have previously owned a home you lived in anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000. 

• Neither you nor your spouse or de facto partner can have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in any state or territory in Australia. 

• You must sign an eligible contract or lay your foundations as an owner-builder between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026. 

• You must move into the property as your principal place of residence within one year of settlement or construction completion, and live there continuously for at least six months.

• Your property must also meet the following conditions. It must be a brand new home that has never previously been occupied or sold as a place of residence. 

• The total value must be under $750,000, including the land, build costs, and any contract variations. It must be located in Queensland. 

• Off-the-plan apartments, new townhouses, and some substantially renovated homes can also qualify.

• The grant does not apply to established homes, that is any home that has previously been lived in. If you are purchasing an established property, you will not be eligible for the FHOG, though you may still qualify for stamp duty concessions as outlined below.

• A note for couples: all co-applicants must individually meet the eligibility requirements. If your spouse or de facto partner fails any part of the eligibility test, the entire application will be declined. This is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected, and it is something a property lawyer or conveyancer will check before you commit to a purchase.

What Stamp Duty Concessions Are Available for First Home Buyers in Queensland?

The First Home Owner Grant is only part of the financial support available to first home buyers in Queensland. 

Transfer duty ( commonly known as stamp duty )  is the other major saving, and the concessions available in 2026 are substantial.

From 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers who purchase a new home or vacant land for a new build pay zero stamp duty, with no upper price limit. 

This is a significant policy change and means that on a new home purchase, you could receive $30,000 from the FHOG and pay nothing in stamp duty, a combined saving that can exceed $47,000 depending on the purchase price.

For first home buyers purchasing established homes, the concessions work differently:

On properties valued up to $709,999, a full concession of $17,350 applies, which effectively reduces stamp duty to zero for most buyers in this price range. 

On properties valued between $710,000 and $799,999, a partial concession applies on a sliding scale, with the saving reducing as the price increases.

On properties valued at $800,000 or above, no concession applies and full stamp duty is payable.

It is also worth knowing that the Queensland First Home Owner Grant is entirely separate from the federal government's First Home Guarantee scheme, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with a deposit as low as five percent without paying lenders mortgage insurance. You can potentially access both the state grant and the federal guarantee scheme at the same time, depending on your circumstances.

How Do You Apply for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland?

There are two ways to apply.

The most common method is through your lender. If you are taking out a home loan, your bank or mortgage broker can submit the FHOG application on your behalf as an approved agent for the Queensland Revenue Office. The $30,000 is typically paid at settlement and applied directly to your loan or settlement funds.

If you are purchasing with cash and not using a lender, you can apply directly through the Queensland Revenue Office at qro.qld.gov.au. In this case, you should lodge your application within 12 months of settlement or construction completion.

To support your application you will generally need proof of identity for each applicant, your signed contract of sale or building contract, and evidence of your property value. 

A property lawyer or conveyancer will compile and check these documents on your behalf and can lodge the application as part of managing your overall settlement.

Why First Home Buyers in Brisbane Should Use a Property Lawyer or Conveyancer

The First Home Owner Grant application is only one part of the legal process involved in buying your first home. The broader conveyancing process: the legal transfer of property from one owner to another involves contract review, property searches, liaising with your lender, and coordinating settlement. Getting any of these steps wrong can be costly.

A property lawyer or licensed conveyancer will review your contract of sale before you sign it, identifying any unusual clauses, special conditions, or terms that are not in your favour. They will carry out searches on the property to check for issues with the title, outstanding rates, council notices, flood overlays, easements, and caveats that could affect your ownership or your ability to use the land as intended.

They will confirm your eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant and all applicable stamp duty concessions, and ensure the application is lodged correctly and on time. 

They will manage all communication with the vendor's solicitor and your lender in the lead-up to settlement, and they will attend to the final settlement on your behalf so that the title is transferred correctly and you receive the keys without delay.

For first home buyers in particular, having a property lawyer involved from the moment you find a property, before you sign anything can prevent expensive mistakes that are very difficult to undo once a contract is executed.

Key Dates and Figures to Remember

The grant is $30,000 for contracts signed or foundations laid between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026. After 30 June 2026 the grant is expected to revert to $15,000. New homes and vacant land attract zero stamp duty for eligible first home buyers as of 1 May 2025. The property value must be under $750,000 to qualify for the grant. You must move in within one year of settlement and live in the property for a minimum of six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the grant as part of my deposit? 

Yes. The $30,000 can be directed towards your purchase costs including your deposit. However some lenders may not treat it as genuine savings, so check with your mortgage broker about how your lender assesses the grant.

Does the grant apply to off-the-plan purchases? 

Yes, provided the property has never been previously occupied or sold as a residence and the total contract value is under $750,000. The contract must be signed within the eligible period.

What if my partner previously owned a property? 

If your spouse or de facto partner has owned a home they lived in anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000, or has previously received a FHOG in any state, your joint application will not be eligible. Always confirm this before making an offer.

What if I cannot move in within 12 months? 

You must occupy the property as your principal residence within one year of settlement or completion and live there for at least six months continuously. Failing to meet this requirement may mean you have to repay the grant. There are limited exceptions, speak to your property lawyer if you have concerns.

Is the grant taxable? 

No. The FHOG is a tax-free payment and does not need to be declared as income.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as general information only and is current as at March 2026. It does not constitute legal advice. Grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and stamp duty concessions are subject to change. Always verify current conditions at qro.qld.gov.au and seek independent legal advice from a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer before acting on any information contained in this article.