Australia's most complete 2026 guide to first home buyer grants, government schemes, and low-deposit home loans - plus a free, no-obligation broker consultation to map your fastest path into homeownership.
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What's possible for first home buyers in 2026
Five major government-backed pathways exist in 2026. Here's exactly how each one works, who qualifies, and what it means for your deposit.
| Scheme | Min. Deposit | How the Govt Helps | Who Qualifies | Sydney Cap | Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Home Guarantee (FHG) Formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme | 5% | Government guarantees up to 15% of property value — you own 100% from day one | All eligible FHBs — income caps removed October 2025 | $1,500,000 | Unlimited Places |
Help to Buy Shared equity — government co-owns your home | 2–5% | Govt takes a 30–40% equity stake — lower loan, lower repayments, smaller deposit needed | Singles <$90K income / Couples <$120K income | $950,000 | 10,000 places/yr |
Family Home Guarantee For single parents & legal guardians | 2% | Govt guarantees up to 18% — single parents buy with just 2% deposit, no LMI | Single parents or legal guardians with 1+ dependent child | $1,500,000 | Single Parents Only |
First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Use super contributions for your deposit | Varies | Withdraw voluntary super contributions (taxed at 15%) to boost deposit savings faster | Any FHB who has made voluntary super contributions | No cap | Stack with FHG |
State First Home Owner Grants State-administered cash grants | Cash Grant | Direct cash grants from $10,000 to $30,000 — stackable with federal schemes | Varies by state — generally new or off-the-plan builds | State-specific | See Grants Below |
Answer 4 quick questions. We'll tell you exactly which grants and schemes you qualify for - and how much support you could receive.
Based on your answers, here are the pathways most likely open to you in 2026:
These results are indicative only. Final eligibility is confirmed by a participating lender.
Book My Free Broker Consultation →While standard First Home Buyer schemes may not apply, you may still qualify for competitive owner-occupier loans or state-specific programs.
These results are indicative only.
Book My Free Broker Consultation →Adjust the sliders to estimate your borrowing capacity and monthly repayments in seconds.
Grant amounts and eligibility criteria vary by state. Select your state to see exactly what's available to you right now.
Available for newly built homes valued at $600,000 or less. First home buyers purchasing a new home in NSW receive a $10,000 cash grant at settlement.
Check my eligibilityFull exemption for properties up to $800,000, with concessions available up to $1,000,000. Applies to both new and existing homes.
Calculate my savingsFor newly built homes valued at $750,000 or less. Victoria also offers additional support for regional buyers.
Check my eligibilityFull stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000. Concessions apply for homes $600,001–$750,000.
Calculate my savingsThe highest grant in Australia — $30,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000. Stackable with the FHG.
Check my eligibilityConcessions available for homes up to $500,000, with partial concessions to $550,000.
Calculate my savingsAvailable for new residential properties south of the 26th parallel with a value up to $750,000. Owner-builders also receive an additional $2,000 HomeBuilder Bonus.
Check my eligibilityFull exemption on first homes valued up to $430,000. Concession available up to $530,000.
Calculate my savingsAvailable for new homes only, with no property value cap in SA — one of the most flexible grant structures in the country.
Check my eligibilitySA offers concessional stamp duty rates for first home buyers purchasing off-the-plan.
Check SA concessionsAvailable for new homes only with no property value cap in Tasmania.
Check my eligibility50% stamp duty concession for first home buyers of established properties valued at $600,000 or less.
Calculate my savingsI had no idea I qualified for both the First Home Guarantee AND the QLD $30K grant. The broker found me a rate 0.6% lower than what my bank offered. Settled in 8 weeks. I honestly can't believe I'm a homeowner.
As a single mum I thought buying a house was years away. The Family Home Guarantee meant I only needed $12,000 deposit. My daughter and I have our own home now — I cried at settlement.
Self-employed for 3 years and banks kept knocking me back. These guys knew exactly which lenders would assess my tax returns favourably. Approved in 6 days. Extraordinary service.
Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute call with a specialist first home buyer broker. We'll review your situation, confirm which schemes you qualify for, and show you exactly what your repayments would look like.
A specialist broker will call you within 2 business hours.
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Everything you need to know - answered honestly and clearly.
In 2026, there are five main support mechanisms: the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI), the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, the Family Home Guarantee (2% deposit for single parents), the First Home Super Saver Scheme, and state-based First Home Owner Grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
Yes - since October 2025, income caps were completely removed from the First Home Guarantee. The scheme now has no income limit, meaning all eligible first home buyers can access the 5% deposit, no LMI pathway.
The FHG lets you buy with 5% deposit - you own 100% from day one. Help to Buy has the government co-purchasing 30–40% of the price. FHG is available to all eligible FHBs; Help to Buy has income limits.
Under the FHG, you need just 5% of the purchase price plus costs. On a $600,000 home that's $30,000 deposit, plus approximately $20,000–$35,000 in stamp duty and legal fees. Single parents need only 2%.
Potentially yes. On a $500,000–$550,000 property, $30,000 represents approximately 5–6%. Combined with the FHG, this could be sufficient (subject to lender assessment). You'll also need funds for costs.
No. An initial broker consultation requires no credit check and has absolutely no impact on your credit score. Only a formal loan application triggers a credit enquiry.
Yes - you can stack the FHG + state FHOG + FHSS. In QLD, combining all three could save over $50,000 compared to an unassisted purchase.
Pre-approval typically takes 3–10 business days. From pre-approval to settlement usually takes 4–8 weeks. Some have settled in as little as 3 weeks.
Still have questions? Our specialist brokers answer them all - free.
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