Last updated: July 2026 · Reviewed by John Pierre Saliba, Director and Mortgage Broker, MFAA Accredited
What Is the FHOG?
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off $10,000 payment for eligible first home buyers in NSW purchasing or building a new home. It applies to new homes only, not established properties. In 2026, the amount and structure remain unchanged.
NSW FHOG Eligibility (2026)
- First home buyer: Never owned residential property in Australia
- New home only: Newly built, substantially renovated, or off-the-plan
- Price cap: $750,000 total (home + land); $600,000 home only
- Australian citizen or PR: At least one applicant
- Age 18+
- Residency: Move in within 12 months, stay 6 continuous months
Combining FHOG with Other Schemes
- Stamp duty exemption: Full exemption new homes under $800K, saving up to $40,885
- First Home Guarantee: 5% deposit, no LMI, up to $900K in NSW
- Family Home Guarantee: 2% deposit (single parents)
Combined example: New $720K house: FHOG ($10K) + stamp duty exemption (~$29K saving) + First Home Guarantee (no LMI ~$24K saving) = ~$63K total benefit.
How to Apply
Applications lodge through your lender (we handle this). Grant is credited at settlement for new builds, or at first drawdown for construction loans. Have ready: contract of sale or building contract, proof of identity, proof of citizenship or PR.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming established properties qualify, they don't
- Not checking price caps before signing
- Failing to meet the residency requirement
- Co-purchaser who previously owned property
- Applying after settlement deadlines
