First Home Owner Grant Checklist

Queensland First Home Owner Grant Checklist 2026 | AJ Home Loans Gladstone

Queensland First Home Owner Grant

Complete Document Checklist for 2026 — Up to $30,000 for Eligible New Builds

Important: This $30,000 Grant Applies to New Builds Only

The First Home Owner Grant is a Queensland Government cash payment for buyers purchasing or constructing a brand-new home that has never been previously owned or occupied. It does not apply to established or second-hand properties.

The vast majority of first home buyers in Gladstone purchase existing homes. If that is your situation, this grant does not apply to you — but there are still strong schemes available. The federal 5% Deposit Scheme and Queensland’s Boost to Buy 2% deposit scheme both cover existing properties. Coral can assess all options for you as your local mortgage broker in Gladstone.

Buying an existing home? Call 0409 311 985

Three Schemes, Three Different Purposes

Many buyers confuse these programs. They are completely separate with different eligibility rules and processes. This checklist covers the grant only. Use the links below for the deposit schemes.

This Page

$30,000 First Home Owner Grant

Queensland Government cash grant for brand-new homes only. Never repaid. Extended to 30 June 2026.

Applies to: New builds only
Max value: Under $750,000
Govt role: Cash grant to you
Federal Scheme

5% Deposit Scheme →

Federal government guarantees part of your loan. Only 5% deposit needed, no LMI. You own 100% of the property.

Applies to: New or existing homes
Income cap: Removed Oct 2025
Govt role: Loan guarantee only
QLD Scheme

Boost to Buy (2% Deposit) →

QLD Government co-owns up to 25% of your home. Just 2% deposit needed. Limited places — regional buyers prioritised.

Applies to: New or existing, up to $1M
Income cap: $150k single / $225k couple
Govt role: Shared equity partner

Coral is a Commissioner for Declarations (Cdec) — Available Across Gladstone

Several documents in this checklist must be witnessed or certified by an authorised person. As a qualified Commissioner for Declarations, Coral can witness statutory declarations, certify true copies of original documents, and witness affidavits during your broker appointment. As your mortgage broker in Gladstone, this saves you a separate trip to find a JP and cuts one task off your list entirely.

Your FHOG Document Checklist

Missing or incorrect documents are the number one reason grant applications are delayed. Tick off each item as you collect it. QRO fast-tracks complete applications.

Unsure whether you qualify before starting? Coral’s first home buyer service in Gladstone includes a full grant eligibility check at no charge.

Your Progress

0 of 20 documents completed (0%)

Section 1: Identity Documents (100-Point Check)

You need documents totalling 100 points. Mix and match below. Coral can certify copies as a Commissioner for Declarations.

Driver’s Licence (40 points)
Current Queensland or Australian driver’s licence showing your photo and current address.
Australian Passport (70 points)
Current Australian passport. International passports do not count for citizenship proof.
Birth Certificate (70 points)
Full birth certificate (not an extract) issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Citizenship Certificate (70 points)
Australian citizenship certificate if you are a naturalised citizen.
Medicare Card (25 points)
Current Medicare card showing your name. Useful for reaching the 100-point total.
Recent Utility Bill (25 points)
Gas, electricity, or phone bill less than 3 months old, showing your current address.

Section 2: Residency and Citizenship Proof

Proof of Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or current Australian passport. Permanent residents: passport with visa grant notice or ImmiCard attached.
Visa Details (if applicable)
If you are a permanent resident, include your current visa grant notice or ImmiCard.

Section 3: Property Documents

Contract of Sale
Fully executed contract signed by all parties. Must show purchase price under $750,000. This is the primary document QRO assesses first.
Building Contract
Complete building contract if constructing, including all variations and the final agreed price.
Final Inspection Certificate
For completed builds: final inspection certificate from council or a building certifier. Required before the grant is paid on new construction.
Property Valuation (if near the $750k cap)
Independent valuation if your purchase or build price is close to the $750,000 threshold.
Title Search or Property Details
Current title search confirming the property has never been previously owned or occupied as a residence.

Section 4: Relationship Documents (if buying with a partner)

Marriage Certificate
Official marriage certificate if you are married to your co-buyer.
De Facto Relationship Declaration
Statutory declaration confirming de facto relationship if unmarried. Available from qro.qld.gov.au. Coral can witness this as a Commissioner for Declarations.
Partner’s Identity Documents
Your partner needs the same 100-point ID check. Include all their documents in the same submission.

Section 5: Application Forms and Declarations

FHOG Application Form
Completed online application from qro.qld.gov.au. Print and include the confirmation page with your submission package.
Statutory Declaration
Signed declaration confirming you meet all eligibility criteria and will occupy the property. Coral can witness this as a Commissioner for Declarations during your Gladstone appointment.
Settlement Statement
Settlement sheet from your solicitor or conveyancer confirming the final purchase details and settlement date.

Getting Your Documents Right

Certified copies: Have documents certified by a Commissioner for Declarations, Justice of the Peace, lawyer, or police officer. Coral can do this during your appointment. Keep all originals safe.

Name consistency: Your name must appear exactly the same on every document. Middle names matter to QRO.

Document age: Utility bills and bank statements must be less than 3 months old at the time of submission.

Legibility: QRO rejects blurry or unclear copies. High-quality scans or photocopies only.

Translations: Any documents not in English require an official translation before submission.

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected or Delayed

Expired ID documents • Purchasing an established home instead of a new build • Missing partner documents • Incomplete building or sale contracts • Name mismatches across documents • Utility bills older than 3 months • Unsigned statutory declarations • Property value at or above $750,000

Final Check Before Submission

☐  All documents are certified copies, not originals
☐  Names match exactly across every document
☐  Property value is confirmed under $750,000
☐  Lodging within 1 year of settlement or build completion
☐  Property is genuinely new and has never been occupied
☐  All forms are signed, dated, and witnessed where required
☐  Contact details are current and accurate

Need Help with Your FHOG Application?

Coral helps first home buyers across Gladstone get grant-ready and loan-approved. As a Commissioner for Declarations she can witness and certify your documents on the spot. Available 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week — no office visit required.

Call Coral: 0409 311 985
Queensland Revenue Office: 13 23 80 — qro.qld.gov.au
AJ Home Loans Gladstone — Coral Jacobs — 0409 311 985 — 7/30 Tank Street, Gladstone, Qld 4680 — Open 7am–7pm, 7 days

This checklist is current as at April 2026. The $30,000 FHOG is extended to 30 June 2026 at current amounts. Grant conditions and eligibility are set by the Queensland Government and may change. Always verify current requirements at qro.qld.gov.au before submitting. This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.