TL;DR Summary: The Queensland First Home Owner Grant offers $30,000 for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home under $750,000 until 30 June 2026 (then $15,000). You must be 18+, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and live in the property for at least 6 months. This comprehensive guide covers eligibility, application steps, required documents, and common mistakes to avoid.
Are you a first home buyer in Queensland dreaming of owning your own place? The Queensland First Home Owner Grant could put up to $30,000 in your pocket – but only if you tick all the right boxes and avoid the costly mistakes that trip up thousands of applicants each year.
As Gladstone’s local mortgage broker who’s helped hundreds of first-time buyers navigate this grant, AJ Home Loans Gladstone has created this comprehensive guide to make the first home owners grant qld process crystal clear.
No government jargon, no confusing forms – just straight answers about getting your hands on this one-off payment to help with your home loan.
Quick Facts: First Home Owner Grant at a Glance
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $30,000 (20 Nov 2023 – 30 June 2026) $15,000 (from 1 July 2026) |
| Property Type | New homes only (never lived in) |
| Price Cap | $750,000 maximum |
| Who Can Apply | Australian citizen or permanent resident, 18+ years |
| Occupancy Rules | Move in within 1 year, live for 6+ months |
| Application Deadline | Within 1 year of settlement or final inspection certificate |
| Official Source | Queensland Revenue Office |
Who Can Get the First Home Owner Grant? Your Eligibility Checklist
Before you start planning how to spend your grant amount, let’s check if you qualify for the first home owner grant. Every applicant must meet ALL these eligibility criteria:
Basic Requirements Checklist
✓ Age: You’re at least 18 years old
✓ Citizenship: You’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident
✓ First Timer: Neither you nor your spouse/partner has owned property in Australia before
✓ Occupancy: You’ll move into the home within 12 months and make it your principal place of residence for at least 6 continuous months
✓ Property: You’re building or buying a new home valued at $750,000 or less
“Am I Eligible?” Quick Decision Tree
Buying solo?
- Never owned property before → ✓ Eligible
- Previously owned any property → ✗ Not eligible
Buying with a partner?
- Both first-time buyers → ✓ Eligible
- One has owned before → ✗ Not eligible (with rare exceptions)
- Married to someone who owned before you met → ✗ Not eligible
Special situations that might affect eligibility:
- Inherited property as a beneficiary
- Owned property overseas
- Previously received a first home grant in another state
- Buying for investment property purposes (always ineligible)
Not sure about your situation? Use the official QRO Eligibility Tester or book a free chat with our Gladstone team specialising in first home buyer loans.
What Counts as a ‘New Home’ in Queensland?
The queensland first home owner grant has strict rules about what qualifies as “new”. Here’s what counts:
✓ Eligible Properties
Brand new builds: Never been lived in or sold as a residence
- House and land packages
- Apartments off the plan
- Townhouses in new developments
- Custom builds on your own land
Substantial renovations: Where the home is basically rebuilt
- Must replace all (or substantially all) of the original home
- Requires council approval as a major renovation
Other eligible types:
- Granny flats (if they’re your main residence)
- Modular or transportable homes (permanently fixed)
- Kit homes you build yourself
If you’re planning to build, our construction loans team can help structure your finance to maximise the grant benefit.
✗ What Doesn’t Count
Established homes: Any existing home that’s been lived in
- Even if it’s only a few months old
- Even if the previous owner never moved in but owned it
- Renovated homes (unless meeting “substantial” criteria above)
Common myths busted:
- “Display homes are new” – Not if they’ve been sold before
- “Off-the-plan means new” – Yes, but only at first sale
- “Recently built means new” – Not if someone’s owned it
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your $30,000 Grant
Getting your first home owners grant qld doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s exactly what happens and when:
Timeline Overview
- Before settlement: Prepare documents, check eligibility
- At settlement (established new home): Can apply immediately
- During construction: Wait until build is complete
- After receiving keys/certificate: Submit application within 1 year
Detailed Application Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Documents (2-3 weeks before settlement)
Start collecting everything you’ll need – we’ve got a complete checklist in the next section.
Step 2: Complete the Application
- Fill out the online form at the QRO application portal
- Double-check every detail (mistakes = delays)
- Include all required supporting documents
Step 3: Submit and Wait
- Submit online or via your solicitor/conveyancer
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks
- You’ll receive confirmation via email
Step 4: Receive Your Grant
- For purchases: Paid at settlement (often offset against purchase price)
- For builds: Paid after final inspection certificate is issued
- Money goes to you or directly reduces what you owe
What AJ Home Loans Gladstone Can Do For You
As your local mortgage broker, we can:
- Review your eligibility before you commit
- Coordinate with your solicitor on grant applications
- Ensure your home loan structure maximises the grant benefit
- Help avoid common mistakes that delay payment
Required Documents Checklist (Print This!)
Missing documents = delayed grant. Here’s everything the revenue office needs:
Essential Documents
☐ Proof of identity (100 points)
- Driver’s licence or passport
- Birth certificate or citizenship certificate
- Medicare card or utility bill
☐ Property documents
- Contract of sale (signed by all parties)
- For builds: Building contract + final inspection certificate
- Evidence of property value (if close to $750,000 cap)
☐ Residency evidence
- Proof you’re an australian citizen or permanent resident
- Visa details if applicable
☐ Relationship proof (if buying with someone)
- Marriage certificate
- De facto relationship declaration
Pro Tips for Document Success
✓ Make copies: Keep originals safe, submit certified copies
✓ Check dates: All documents must be current (within 3 months for bills)
✓ Name consistency: Ensure your name matches exactly across all documents
✓ Missing something?: Don’t guess – contact QRO or ask us
Take a look at Our Free FHOG Document Checklist – Never miss a document again!
Mythbusting: Your Top Grant Questions Answered
Let’s tackle the questions every first home buyer in Gladstone asks:
“Can I use the First Home Owner Grant as a deposit?”
Short answer: Rarely, and only for construction loans.
Long answer: The first home owner grant is paid at settlement or completion, not upfront. However:
- Building a home: Some lenders accept the grant as part of your deposit for the construction portion only
- Buying established new: Cannot use as deposit – you need savings
- House and land packages: Land portion needs separate deposit
Our construction loan specialists can explain exactly how this works for your situation.
“Can I buy an established home?”
No. The grant only applies to new homes. An existing home that anyone has owned before (even if never lived in) doesn’t qualify. This catches out many buyers who think “nearly new” counts.
“What if my partner owned property before?”
Generally, you’re both ineligible. The government grants rules state that if either applicant has owned property before, neither can access the grant. Rare exceptions exist for separated spouses, but these are complex – get professional advice.
“Will this affect my stamp duty?”
Great news for 2025! From 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers pay zero stamp duty on new homes in Queensland. You can get both benefits:
- First Home Owner Grant: Up to $30,000
- Stamp duty exemption: Save thousands more
Use our Gladstone home loan calculator to see exactly how much you’ll save.
“What if I need to move out early?”
Warning: The 6-month rule is strict. If you don’t live in your principal place of residence for at least 6 continuous months, QRO can claw back the entire grant plus penalties. Valid exceptions include:
- Defence force deployment
- Serious illness requiring extended hospital care
- Natural disasters making the home uninhabitable
Common Pitfalls: Mistakes First Home Buyers Make (and How We Help You Avoid Them)
Most people lose out on the First Home Owner Grant because of avoidable errors. Here are the issues we see most often, and how we keep our clients out of trouble:
The “Not Actually New” Property Trap
Some buyers sign contracts on a property they think qualifies as new—like an apartment that’s never been lived in, but was previously owned by a developer or another party.
Result: Grant is rejected after settlement because the property is not considered “new” for grant purposes.
How we help: We always double-check the property title history to confirm true eligibility before you commit.
The Partner or Spouse Catch
Applicants sometimes don’t realise that if their partner (even from a previous relationship) has ever owned any share in a property in Australia, both become ineligible for the grant.
Result: Full rejection, often after an application is submitted and documents are reviewed.
How we help: We check both applicants’ property history, including inherited shares, to avoid nasty surprises.
Misjudging Renovations or “Substantial Rebuild”
Some buyers think a renovated home will count as “new,” or they assume their planned renos will qualify.
Result: The grant is denied because the property doesn’t meet the substantial rebuild criteria.
How we help: We clarify renovation rules and only proceed if the property ticks every box under the law.
Missed Deadlines and Missing Documents
People often start the application late or don’t provide the right documents—wrong ID, outdated paperwork, or missing signatures.
Result: Delayed or denied grant payment, sometimes missing out entirely due to the 1-year deadline.
How we help: We use a proven checklist and handle the application process as part of your home loan to ensure nothing is missed.
Not Moving In On Time or Renting Too Soon
Some buyers don’t move in within 12 months or try to rent out the property (even a single room) during the first 6 months.
Result: The grant is clawed back, and penalties apply.
How we help: We remind you of all occupancy rules and check in with you so there are no accidental breaches.
Bottom line:
Every grant applicant’s situation is different. That’s why we check all the fine print and confirm every detail with you before you commit. One simple mistake can cost you $30,000—so it’s worth getting it right the first time.
Red Flags: What Gets You Disqualified or Clawed Back
The queensland first home owner grant has strict rules. Here are the top ways applicants lose their grant:
Top 5 Disqualification Triggers
- Not moving in on time
- You MUST occupy within 12 months
- Extensions only for extreme circumstances
- Turning it into a rental
- No renting out rooms in first 6 months
- No Airbnb or short-term lets
- Must be your main residence
- Wrong property type
- Bought established by mistake
- Property valued over $750,000
- Commercial or mixed-use properties
- Document disasters
- Incorrect information on application
- Missing deadlines (1 year to apply)
- Name mismatches across documents
- Eligibility changes
- Getting married to someone who owned property
- Discovered previous property ownership
- Not actually being a permanent resident
How to Protect Your Grant
✓ Keep evidence: Utility bills showing you live there
✓ Understand the rules: Read the fine print before signing
✓ Ask questions: When in doubt, ask QRO or your broker
✓ Be honest: Fraud charges aren’t worth $30,000
FHOG vs Other Grants: What Else Can You Get?
The first home owner grant isn’t your only option. Here’s how Queensland’s support schemes compare:
| Scheme | What You Get | Eligibility | Can Combine? |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant | $30,000 (until June 2026) | New homes under $750k | Yes with others |
| Stamp Duty Concession | $0 stamp duty from May 2025 | First home buyers, new homes | Yes with FHOG |
| First Home Guarantee | Buy with 5% deposit | Income limits apply | Yes with FHOG |
| Regional Home Guarantee | 5% deposit regional areas | Gladstone qualifies! | Yes with FHOG |
| Family Home Guarantee | Purchase a home with a deposit as low as 2% of the property value | Open to single parents or single legal guardians with at least one dependent child | Yes with FHOG |
Maximising Your Benefits
Smart Gladstone buyers often combine:
- First Home Owner Grant: $30,000 cash
- Stamp duty exemption: Save ~$15,000
- Regional Home Guarantee: Need only 5% deposit
Total benefit: Up to $45,000 in savings plus lower deposit requirements!
Already own a home? You might benefit from our home loan refinancing or equity release options instead.
Latest Policy Updates for 2025
Stay current with these recent changes to the queensland first home owner grant:
Current Grant Status (July 2025)
✓ Extended deadline: $30,000 grant extended to 30 June 2026
✓ Stamp duty abolished: New homes stamp duty-free from 1 May 2025
✓ No changes to eligibility: Same rules apply as 2024
What’s Coming
- After 30 June 2026: Grant reduces to standard $15,000
- Review pending: Government considering permanent increase
- Construction times: Some COVID-era extensions ending
Last updated: July 2025 | Check QRO for latest updates
Your Complete FHOG FAQ
General Eligibility Questions
Q: Can I get the grant if I owned property overseas?
A: Yes, but only if you’ve never owned property in Australia.
Q: What if I’m under 18?
A: You must be 18+ to apply. No exceptions for minors.
Q: Can I apply if I’m not an Australian citizen yet?
A: You must be an australian citizen or permanent resident at application time.
Property-Specific Questions
Q: Do granny flats qualify?
A: Yes, if it’s your principal place of residence and meets building standards.
Q: What about tiny homes?
A: Yes, if permanently fixed to land you own and council-approved.
Q: Can I buy vacant land now and build later?
A: The grant applies when you build, not when you buy land. Our construction loan experts can help you plan this properly.
Application Process Questions
Q: How long does approval take?
A: Typically 2-4 weeks if all documents are correct.
Q: Can I apply before settlement?
A: No, apply after settlement or receiving your final inspection certificate.
Q: What if I’m knocked back?
A: You have appeal rights. Contact QRO within 30 days.
Financial Questions
Q: Is the grant taxable?
A: No, the FHOG is tax-free money.
Q: Can I use it for renovations?
A: Only if renovations are “substantial” (basically rebuilding).
Q: What if my build goes over $750,000?
A: You’re ineligible if the total contract exceeds $750,000.
Gladstone Market Insights: Making Your Grant Go Further
As Gladstone’s dedicated mortgage broker, we know exactly how the first home owner grant impacts our local market:
Gladstone’s New Home Landscape
Current median prices (July 2025):
- New house and land packages: $580,000-$650,000
- New units/townhouses: $420,000-$480,000
- Custom builds: $550,000-$700,000
Your $30,000 grant represents roughly 5% of a typical Gladstone new home – that’s significant buying power!
Gladstone-Specific Considerations
Land availability: New estates in Tannum Sands, Kirkwood, and Glen Eden
Build times: Currently 8-12 months (factor this into your plans)
Regional benefits: Qualify for Regional Home Guarantee too
Market growth: New homes holding value well in Gladstone
Make Your Grant Work Harder
In Gladstone’s market, your $30,000 can:
- Cover most stamp duty on land (before May 2025)
- Fund upgrades to your new build
- Reduce your loan amount by $30,000 (save ~$65,000 in interest over 30 years)
- Help you hit that crucial 20% deposit to avoid LMI
Calculate your exact savings with our Gladstone home loan calculator.
Want specific advice for your Gladstone home purchase? Book a free consultation with our team.
Take Action: Your Next Steps to $30,000
Ready to claim your queensland first home owner grant? Here’s your action plan:
This Week
☐ Check your eligibility using our checklist above
☐ Use the QRO eligibility tester
☐ Start gathering identity documents
Before You Buy
☐ Confirm the property is truly “new”
☐ Get pre-approval for your first home buyer loan
☐ Factor the grant into your budget
Get Expert Help
Our AJ Home Loans Gladstone team helps first home buyers navigate the grant process every week. We’ll:
- Verify your eligibility before you commit
- Structure your loan to maximise benefits
- Coordinate with solicitors on your application
- Ensure you don’t miss out on any entitlements
📞 Book Your Free First Home Buyer Consultation
📥 Use our FHOG Checklist & Guide
Final Thoughts from Your Local Gladstone Broker
The first home owner grant represents a genuine opportunity for Gladstone buyers to enter the property market sooner. With $30,000 on the table until June 2026, plus stamp duty savings from May 2025, there’s never been a better time to buy new.
But remember – the grant comes with strict rules. One mistake can cost you thousands. That’s why working with a local mortgage broker who knows the system inside out makes sense.
Whether you’re looking at house and land packages in Tannum Sands or a new townhouse closer to town, AJ Home Loans Gladstone is here to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
Ready to turn your first home dreams into reality? Let’s chat about how the First Home Owner Grant can work for you.
Sources and References
- Queensland Revenue Office – First Home Owner Grant
- Queensland Government – First Home Owner Grant Overview
- A Place to Call Home – Grant Extension Announcement
- A Place to Call Home – Stamp Duty Concession
- National Home Guarantee Scheme
- Your Mortgage – Queensland Grant Extension News
This article was written by the team at AJ Home Loans Gladstone and last updated in July 2025. Information is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal circumstances. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
