First Home Owner Grant Victoria | VIC FHOG Guide 2026

First Home Owner Grant Victoria: Everything You Need to Know

Buying your first home in Victoria is a significant milestone, and the Victorian Government has several programs in place to make it more achievable. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Victoria, combined with stamp duty exemptions and concessions, can save eligible buyers tens of thousands of dollars. At Lagos Financial, we help first home buyers across Melbourne and regional Victoria navigate these schemes and structure the right home loan for their circumstances.

What Is the Victorian First Home Owner Grant?

The Victorian FHOG is a $10,000 one-off payment funded by the state government for eligible first home buyers who build or purchase a new home. The grant is designed to assist people entering the property market for the first time and is administered by the State Revenue Office of Victoria (SRO).

The grant applies to new homes only — this means newly built homes, off-the-plan apartments, substantially renovated homes, or house-and-land packages. It does not apply to established (second-hand) properties.

Victorian FHOG Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant in Victoria, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • You must be 18 years of age or older
  • You (and any co-applicants) must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • You must never have owned residential property in Australia, either individually or jointly, before 1 July 2000 — or owned a property that you lived in after that date
  • You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement or construction completion
  • You must live in the property continuously for at least 12 months
  • The property must be a new home and have a value of no more than $750,000

If you are purchasing with a partner or friend, all applicants must meet the citizenship and ownership history requirements, but only one applicant needs to be 18 or older.

Stamp Duty Exemptions and Concessions for Victorian First Home Buyers

In addition to the $10,000 grant, Victorian first home buyers may qualify for significant stamp duty (land transfer duty) savings. These concessions apply to both new and established properties — unlike the FHOG, which is limited to new homes.

Full Stamp Duty Exemption (Properties Up to $600,000)

First home buyers purchasing a property valued at up to $600,000 pay zero stamp duty in Victoria. On a $600,000 property, this represents a saving of approximately $31,070 compared to standard duty rates — a substantial reduction in the upfront cost of buying your first home.

Partial Stamp Duty Concession ($600,001 to $750,000)

For properties priced between $600,001 and $750,000, a sliding scale concession applies. The discount reduces proportionally as the purchase price increases toward $750,000. At $750,000, no concession applies and full stamp duty is payable.

Off-the-Plan Stamp Duty Concession

First home buyers purchasing an off-the-plan property (where construction has not yet started or is not yet complete) can claim the off-the-plan concession, which reduces the dutiable value of the property. This is calculated on the contract price minus the construction cost that occurs after the contract date, effectively lowering the stamp duty payable. When combined with the first home buyer concession, off-the-plan purchasers can achieve substantial savings.

How Much Can You Save in Victoria?

Combined, the FHOG and stamp duty concessions can provide significant relief. For example, a first home buyer purchasing a new home valued at $550,000 could receive:

  • $10,000 First Home Owner Grant
  • Full stamp duty exemption (saving approximately $26,070)
  • Total potential benefit: approximately $36,070

How to Apply for the Victorian FHOG

Most buyers apply for the FHOG through their lender (approved agent) at the time of loan settlement. Your bank or mortgage broker submits the application on your behalf, and the grant is typically credited to your account at settlement. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the State Revenue Office after settlement, but applying through an approved agent is faster and simpler.

If you are buying a property in Victoria for the first time, speak with your mortgage broker early in the process to ensure your grant application is lodged correctly and on time.

Frequently Asked Questions — Victorian FHOG

Can I use the Victorian FHOG to buy an established home?

No. The Victorian First Home Owner Grant is only available for new homes — newly built properties, off-the-plan apartments, house-and-land packages, or substantially renovated homes. If you are purchasing an established (previously lived-in) property, you will not qualify for the $10,000 grant, but you may still be eligible for the stamp duty exemption or concession.

What happens if I don’t live in the property for 12 months?

If you fail to occupy the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement, or if you leave the property before completing 12 months of continuous occupation, you may be required to repay the grant. The State Revenue Office can audit FHOG applications for several years after settlement.

Can couples where one partner has previously owned property apply?

No. If either you or your partner (or any co-applicant) has previously owned residential property in Australia and lived in it, neither of you will be eligible for the FHOG. However, in some circumstances where a co-purchaser does not occupy the property, different rules may apply — speak with your broker or the SRO for specific advice.

Is the Victorian FHOG taxable income?

No. The First Home Owner Grant is not considered taxable income and does not need to be declared in your tax return.

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About the Author
Victor Lagos is a licensed mortgage broker (ACL 546774) and founder of Lagos Financial, with close to 20 years of finance industry experience since beginning his career at Bluestone Mortgages in 2006. A member of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) since 2015 and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA — 98399), Victor helps Australians build wealth through tailored home loan and property investment strategies, working with 60+ lenders nationwide. Last reviewed: March 2026.

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