What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

The FHOG is a one-off payment made by the Victorian Government to eligible first-time home buyers. Its primary purpose is to assist people in purchasing or building their first new home, stimulating the construction industry and making homeownership more accessible.

For new homes located in metropolitan Melbourne, the grant amount is $10,000.

Key Eligibility Criteria:-

To be eligible for the FHOG in Victoria in 2025, you generally need to meet several conditions. These criteria are subject to change, so always verify with official sources or a professional:

• New Home Requirement: The grant is only available for the purchase or construction of a *NEW* home. This means a home that has not been previously sold as a place of residence or used for residential purposes. This includes:
  • A newly built home.
  • An off-the-plan purchase of a new apartment, unit, or townhouse.
  • A substantially renovated home that has been sold as a new home.
• Value Cap: The contract price for the new home must not exceed a certain value. For homes located in Victoria, this cap is generally set at $750,000.
• Principal Place Of Residency: At least one applicant must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
• Age Requirement: All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Previous Ownership: Neither you nor your spouse/partner can have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in any Australian state or territory. You also must not have owned residential property in Australia, either jointly or separately, before 1 July 2000. If you owned property on or after 1 July 2000, you might still be eligible if you have not lived in that property.
• Australian Citizenship/Permanent Residency: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident at the time of settlement or completion of construction. New Zealand citizens holding a special category visa are also generally eligible.

🔍 2025 Overview: Are You Eligible?

If you tick all boxes, you’re very likely eligible for the $10,000 grant.

How to Apply

• Apply through your lender (bank/credit union) or an approved agent—they will typically lodge for you.

• If applying yourself, use the SRO’s online portal after your eligible transaction completes. You must lodge within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction of your home.

• Gather your documents: identity, citizenship/permanent residency proof, contract/building completion, and partner information.

Important Considerations

• Stamp Duty Concessions: The FHOG is separate from stamp duty concessions. First-time buyers may also be eligible for stamp duty exemptions or concessions, particularly for properties below certain value thresholds.
• Professional Advice: Given the complexities of property law and financial regulations, it is highly recommended to seek advice from a qualified financial advisor, conveyancer, or solicitor before making any decisions.
• Official Sources: Always refer to the official State Revenue Office (SRO) Victoria website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the FHOG, as rules and amounts can change.

Conclusion

For many first‑time buyers in Victoria, the FHOG provides a major financial boost—potentially saving tens of thousands with grant and stamp duty breaks. Confirm your eligibility, gather documentation, and consult your mortgage broker or lender to secure this valuable support.

Want to Learn More?

• Visit the State Revenue Office website for official forms and criteria.

• Talk to your lender or broker about stacking the grant with federal schemes like the First Home Guarantee.

www.sro.vic.gov.au/first-home-owner

 onvested.com.au