First home buyer grants and support schemes explained.
Understand the assistance that may be available.
Government support may reduce some first-home buying costs, depending on location, eligibility and current scheme rules. Bharat Finance helps clients identify the questions to check before relying on that support.
Start with the schemes relevant to the buyer and location.
Support differs by scheme, state or territory, property type and buyer circumstances. Eligibility should be checked before relying on an amount.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Eligible first-home buyers may purchase with a minimum 5% deposit through a participating lender, subject to property price caps, scheme rules and the lender's normal credit assessment.
State and territory grants
First-home owner grants commonly depend on where the property is located and whether it is new. Amounts and thresholds can change, so the relevant revenue authority should be checked.
Transfer duty assistance
Some buyers may qualify for a transfer duty exemption or concession. Purchase price, property type, residence requirements and previous ownership can affect eligibility.
Lending approval still applies
Government support does not guarantee loan approval. Income, expenses, debts, credit position, the property and lender policy remain part of the assessment.
Current information: Reviewed 12 September 2026. Scheme rules can change.
Reduce your buying costs with stamp duty relief.
Transfer duty rules are set by each state and territory and should be checked for the purchase location.
- Check the liability date: The rules that apply can depend on when the contract or transaction was entered into.
- Check the property value: Full exemptions and concessional rates may use different thresholds.
- Check property and occupancy rules: New homes, established homes and vacant land may be treated differently.
- Check every applicant: Previous property ownership, a spouse's position and residence requirements may affect eligibility.
NSW example: Revenue NSW currently publishes a full exemption for eligible new or existing homes valued at $800,000 or less and a concessional rate above $800,000 and below $1 million. Buyers elsewhere should use their own revenue authority.
Withdraw superannuation to boost deposit.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme allows you to withdraw contributions from super to fund your first home deposit.
How it works
Eligible voluntary concessional or non-concessional contributions, together with associated earnings calculated by the ATO, may be released for an eligible first-home purchase.
Contribution limits
The ATO currently applies a $15,000 eligible-contribution limit for any one financial year and a $50,000 overall limit for each individual.
Tax benefit
Tax treatment differs between concessional and non-concessional contributions and released amounts. Personal tax advice is important before contributing or requesting a release.
Eligibility
The scheme has rules concerning previous property ownership, eligible contributions, the type of property and an intention to occupy the home.
Timeline
A determination and release request involve important timing rules around signing a contract and the transfer of ownership. The steps should be checked before committing.
Bring the available support into the bigger picture.
Different forms of support can interact with deposit timing, purchase costs and lender requirements.
A useful preparation checklist
- Confirm the buyer's citizenship or residency status and previous property ownership.
- Identify the relevant location-specific price caps and duty thresholds.
- Separate genuine savings, gifts, FHSS amounts and other deposit sources.
- Allow for legal, inspection, moving and settlement costs—not only the deposit.
- Check scheme eligibility alongside the participating lender's credit policy.
- Reconfirm the rules before signing a contract.
Bharat Finance can help organise these questions, while the relevant government authority, lender and qualified advisers confirm final eligibility and advice.
Understand the first home buyer support available to you.
Bharat Finance can help clients understand how eligible support may interact with their deposit and lending position. Scheme details should be confirmed before making a purchase decision.