First Home Owners Grant Victoria – Everything You Need to Know

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but in today’s market, it can feel like an impossible dream. High property prices, deposit hurdles, and extra costs like stamp duty often leave first-time buyers feeling overwhelmed. To make the process easier, the Victorian Government offers the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG Victoria) — a financial boost designed to help eligible first home buyers purchase or build their first property.

If you’re planning to buy your first home in Victoria, this detailed guide will break down what the grant is, who can apply, how much you can get, and how it works alongside other benefits.




What is the First Home Owners Grant Victoria?

The First Home Owners Grant Victoria is a one-off payment from the Victorian Government, designed to support first home buyers entering the property market. It applies only to new homes — meaning a house, townhouse, apartment, or unit that has not been previously sold or occupied.

The grant currently provides:

  • $10,000 if you buy or build your first home in metropolitan Melbourne.

  • $20,000 if you buy or build in regional Victoria.

This significant difference encourages buyers to consider regional areas, where housing affordability is generally better and demand is growing.


Who is Eligible for the FHOG Victoria?

Eligibility is one of the most important parts of the process. To apply for the First Home Owners Grant Victoria, you must meet these requirements:

  • First-time buyer – Neither you nor your partner can have owned a residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.

  • New home – The grant only applies to new homes or substantially renovated properties, not existing or established homes.

  • Value cap – The total property value must not exceed $750,000.

  • Citizenship/residency – At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

  • Age requirement – Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

  • Occupancy condition – You must live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months within 12 months of settlement or completion.

If you meet all these conditions, you may qualify for the FHOG Victoria and access the financial assistance.


What Properties Qualify for the FHOG Victoria?

The grant is available for different types of new homes, provided they meet the eligibility rules. Properties that qualify include:

  • A newly constructed house, townhouse, or apartment.

  • An off-the-plan purchase where construction hasn’t finished.

  • A substantially renovated home (if most of the home has been replaced).

  • Building a new home on vacant land.

Established homes that have already been lived in do not qualify for the grant.


How to Apply for the First Home Owners Grant Victoria

Applying for the FHOG Victoria is a straightforward process, but accuracy is key. Here’s how it works:

  1. Get the application form – You can obtain it through your bank or lender (most applications are submitted this way), or directly from the State Revenue Office (SRO) Victoria.

  2. Complete the form – Provide personal details, property information, and proof of eligibility.

  3. Submit your application – If applying through your lender, they’ll handle the submission on your behalf. If applying directly, send it to the SRO.

  4. Wait for approval – Once approved, the payment will be made either at settlement (for buying a new home) or progressively during construction (for building a new home).


How Much Can You Get?

The First Home Owners Grant Victoria provides:

  • $10,000 in metropolitan Melbourne.

  • $20,000 in regional Victoria.

This grant is not a loan — you don’t have to pay it back. It’s a helping hand to reduce upfront costs, which can make a big difference when saving for a deposit or paying for settlement expenses.


FHOG Victoria and Stamp Duty Concessions

One of the biggest perks for Victorian first home buyers is the stamp duty concession that can be combined with the FHOG. If you’re eligible for the grant, you may also be able to save thousands in stamp duty:

  • No stamp duty on homes valued up to $600,000.

  • Concessions on homes valued between $600,001 and $750,000.

This means you could receive the FHOG plus pay little or no stamp duty, creating significant savings.


Example Scenario

Let’s say you buy a new home in regional Victoria for $550,000. Here’s how the numbers could look:

  • Purchase price: $550,000

  • First Home Owners Grant Victoria: –$20,000

  • Stamp duty: $0 (since it’s under $600,000)

  • Net upfront cost: $530,000 (before deposit and loan considerations)

This shows how powerful the grant is in helping first-time buyers enter the property market.


Other First Home Buyer Assistance in Victoria

Alongside the FHOG Victoria, first home buyers may also be eligible for additional assistance:

  1. First Home Guarantee (FHBG) – A federal scheme allowing eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

  2. Family Home Guarantee – Designed for single parents to buy a home with a deposit as low as 2%.

  3. Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee – Helps regional buyers with only a 5% deposit.

  4. Shared equity schemes – Programs where the government contributes to your deposit in exchange for a share in your property.

Combining these schemes with the FHOG Victoria can make homeownership even more accessible.


Why Regional Victoria is a Smart Choice

The higher grant amount in regional areas reflects the government’s push to encourage growth outside Melbourne. Choosing regional Victoria has benefits beyond the extra $10,000:

  • More affordable housing compared to Melbourne.

  • Growing job opportunities in regional hubs.

  • Better lifestyle balance with space, community, and nature.

  • Government investment in infrastructure, transport, and services.

For many first home buyers, regional Victoria offers both financial and lifestyle advantages.


Final Thoughts

The First Home Owners Grant Victoria is one of the most valuable tools for first-time buyers trying to enter the property market. With up to $20,000 in financial support, combined with stamp duty concessions and federal schemes, it significantly reduces the upfront costs of buying or building your first home.

If you’re planning to purchase in Victoria, take the time to understand the eligibility rules, property requirements, and application process. Whether you choose metropolitan Melbourne or regional Victoria, the FHOG could be the stepping stone you need to turn your homeownership dream into reality.

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