First home buyer grants & schemes in Brisbane start with the Queensland First Home Owner Grant for new homes and Queensland transfer duty concessions. Federally, the 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy can reduce the deposit or loan you need. The First Home Super Saver Scheme helps you save through super. Each has its own eligibility rules.
A new townhouse in Carina and an older Queenslander in Camp Hill can qualify for very different support. Before looking at any scheme, it helps to know which type of property you are aiming for, because that decides which options are open to you.
What first home buyer grants and schemes are available in Brisbane?
Brisbane buyers can use a mix of Queensland Government and Australian Government support. Most of the Queensland help is aimed at new homes. The federal schemes are built around your deposit and savings.
| Grant or scheme | Run by | What it helps with | Who it may suit |
| Queensland First Home Owner Grant | Queensland Government | A one-off payment toward a new home | Buyers purchasing or building a new home under the value cap |
| Transfer duty concessions | Queensland Government | Reduced or no transfer duty (stamp duty) | Eligible first home buyers, with the most relief on new homes |
| 5% Deposit Scheme | Australian Government, through Housing Australia | Buying with a smaller deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance | Eligible first home buyers using a participating lender |
| Help to Buy | Australian Government, through Housing Australia | The government takes a share in the home, lowering your loan | Buyers within the scheme’s income and property price limits |
| First Home Super Saver Scheme | Australian Taxation Office | Saving a deposit through voluntary super contributions | Buyers with time to build savings inside super |
Grant amounts and price caps have changed several times in recent years. We check the current rules for your purchase before you rely on any of them.
What is the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland?
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment for eligible first home buyers who buy or build a new home. A new home is one that has never been lived in or sold as a place of residence, including off-the-plan purchases and new builds.
Established homes do not qualify. The combined value of the home and land must sit under the Queensland Government’s value cap. You also need to live in the home as your principal place of residence for a set period after moving in.
The grant has been extended in recent Queensland budgets. Because the amount has shifted over time, we confirm the current figure with you before it goes into your deposit plan.
How to apply for the first home owner grant
Most buyers apply through their lender as part of the loan application. You can also apply directly with the Queensland Revenue Office. Your lender or the Revenue Office can confirm when the grant is paid for your type of purchase.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in Queensland?
Eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home in Queensland may pay no transfer duty, often called stamp duty, under the first home concession for new homes. For established homes, a concession may reduce the duty depending on the property’s value.
Transfer duty is one of the biggest upfront costs of buying a home. It comes out of the same savings you are using for the deposit. When we work out your borrowing position, we set aside the expected duty first so your deposit figure is realistic.
How does the 5% Deposit Scheme work?
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a smaller deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). LMI is a premium that protects the lender when a borrower has a smaller deposit.
Housing Australia guarantees part of your loan, which removes the need for LMI. The scheme is only available through participating lenders, and property price caps apply in each area. Single parents and single legal guardians may also be eligible through the Family Home Guarantee stream.
A smaller deposit means a larger loan, so your repayments and total interest will be higher. We go through that with you before deciding if the scheme suits your plans.
Can you combine first home buyer grants and schemes?
Often, yes. A buyer of an eligible new home in Brisbane may be able to pair the grant with the new home duty concession. The 5% Deposit Scheme can sometimes be used on the same purchase as well.
Some combinations are restricted, so we check each scheme’s rules against the property you want to buy. The First Home Super Saver Scheme can generally be used alongside other schemes. Because it involves your super, our financial planning partners can help you see how it fits your wider situation.
When a scheme may not suit you
A scheme is one option among several. Much of the housing in Camp Hill and Coorparoo is established, so the grant may not apply if you are looking at a character home in those suburbs. Newer townhouses and house and land packages elsewhere in Brisbane may give you access to more support.
Shared equity reduces your loan, and the government also shares in any growth in the property’s value. A low deposit loan can get you into the market sooner, and it comes with higher repayments. Saving for longer is also a valid choice, and we can compare both paths with you.
How we help first home buyers use these schemes
As a home loan broker in Camp Hill, our team works through each scheme with you before you start making offers. Our principal broker, George Pain, has worked on both the bank and broker side. Astute Financial Management holds Australian Credit Licence 364253, and our Camp Hill team operates under that licence.
- Confirm which grants and schemes you may be eligible for, based on the home you want to buy.
- Work out your deposit after transfer duty and purchase costs.
- Compare loans from lenders on our panel, including participating lenders for the 5% Deposit Scheme.
- Prepare your pre-approval application with the scheme paperwork included.
- Liaise with the lender through to settlement, including any grant application lodged with the loan.
The lender makes the final decision on your loan and on any scheme guarantee attached to it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the First Home Owner Grant on an established home in Queensland?
No. The grant only applies to new homes that have never been lived in or sold as a place of residence. Buyers of established homes may still be eligible for a transfer duty concession or the 5% Deposit Scheme.
Can I get the grant if my partner has owned a home before?
No, in most cases. Eligibility generally looks at every buyer and their spouse or partner, so a previous home owned by either of you can affect the application. We check this early, before you plan around the grant.
Do I need pre-approval before using a first home buyer scheme?
Often, yes. Pre-approval shows you what you may be able to borrow once a scheme is factored in, and for the 5% Deposit Scheme it is arranged through a participating lender. Having your documents ready early can speed up pre-approval.
Do I need a home loan broker near me to apply for first home buyer schemes?
No. You can apply for some schemes yourself, and the 5% Deposit Scheme is accessed through participating lenders. A local broker such as our Camp Hill team can check which lenders may suit your situation and prepare the application with you.
Do I pay a fee for help with first home buyer schemes?
No. Clients pay no fee for our broking service. You will receive our credit guide at the start, which explains how we work with you.
If you are planning your first purchase, the team at Astute Financial Camp Hill can talk it through with you at our Newman Avenue office or over the phone.
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