The first home owner grant Victoria is a $10,000 payment for eligible first home buyers who buy or build a new home worth up to $750,000. At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or, for settlements from 26 November 2025, a New Zealand citizen), and someone must live in the home for at least 12 months.
The grant doesn’t apply to established homes. That’s where many buyers get caught out, because the separate stamp duty exemption does cover established homes.
Below we cover who qualifies, which homes count, how to apply, how the grant works with the duty exemption, and a worked comparison of three purchases.
Key takeaways
- The grant is $10,000 for a new home valued up to $750,000.
- The home must be new: not previously sold, occupied as a home, leased or used for short-term accommodation.
- Applicants must be at least 18 and individuals, not a company or trust.
- At least one applicant must live in the home for 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion.
- If you apply directly, lodge within 12 months of settlement or completion of the build.
What is the first home owner grant Victoria at a glance?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much? | $10,000 |
| Which homes? | New homes worth up to $750,000 (for off-the-plan, the contract price) |
| Contract date | Signed on or after 1 July 2013 |
| Who can apply? | Individuals aged 18 or over; at least one an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen for settlements from 26 November 2025 |
| Residence rule | Live in it for 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion |
| How to apply | Usually through your bank (an approved agent), or directly with the SRO within 12 months |
These details come from the State Revenue Office guide to the First Home Owner Grant.
Who qualifies for the first home owner grant in Victoria?
Everyone who will be on the title must be an applicant, and you must also include your spouse or partner’s details even if they won’t be on the title. All applicants must be natural persons (not a company or trust) and at least 18 at settlement or completion of construction.
You’re not eligible if you or your spouse or partner have already:
- received the First Home Owner Grant anywhere in Australia
- owned a home or other residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000
- lived for at least 6 continuous months in a home in Australia you owned or part-owned on or after 1 July 2000
If you bought a property on or after 1 July 2000 but never lived in it, for example a rental, you may still qualify.
Which homes count as new?
A new home can be a house, townhouse, apartment or unit. It must not have been previously sold, occupied as a home, leased out or used for short-term accommodation. Substantially renovated homes and homes built to replace a demolished one can count. It must be your principal place of residence.
Watch out
An established home doesn’t qualify for the grant, even if it’s your first. You may still qualify for the stamp duty exemption or concession, which covers new and established homes.
How do you apply for the grant?
According to the SRO application page, most people apply through the bank or credit union providing their loan, as long as it’s an approved agent. If you need the grant for settlement or your first progress payment, you must apply through an approved agent.
If you apply directly with the SRO:
- Check your eligibility.
- Gather 3 proof of identity documents per applicant and spouse or partner: citizenship or residency, identity, and evidence of living in Australia.
- Gather property documents such as the contract of sale, building contract or certificate of occupancy.
- Lodge within 12 months of settlement or completion. You can’t apply until the transaction is complete.
The SRO aims to review applications within 10 working days and pays the grant into your nominated account once approved.
What if you can’t live in the home for 12 months?
At least one applicant must live in the home as their principal place of residence for 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or construction finishing. If you can’t meet that, you must tell the SRO in writing within 14 days and repay the grant. Penalties and interest can apply. Permanent Australian Defence Force members enrolled to vote in Victoria are exempt from this requirement.
How does the grant work with first home buyer stamp duty?
The first home buyer duty exemption or concession is a separate benefit. For a home with a dutiable value up to $600,000 you pay no duty, and from $600,001 to $750,000 you pay reduced duty. It applies to new or established homes, or vacant land to build on. You can get both the grant and the duty benefit on an eligible new home.
Worked example: three first home purchases
The facts
Mia is a hypothetical first home buyer in Melbourne’s west. She’s an Australian citizen, has never owned property and will live in the home for at least 12 months. She’s comparing three options.
| Option | First Home Owner Grant | Stamp duty |
|---|---|---|
| New townhouse, $580,000 | $10,000 | Nil (value up to $600,000) |
| Established house, $580,000 | Nil (not a new home) | Nil (value up to $600,000) |
| New house and land, $760,000 | Nil (over $750,000) | Full duty (over $750,000, no first home benefit) |
The new townhouse comes out $10,000 ahead of the established house at the same price, purely because of the grant. Going above $750,000 loses both the grant and the duty benefit. Our guide to first home buyer stamp duty concessions explains the duty side in more detail.
Tip
Budget for loan repayments separately from the grant and duty savings. Our mortgage repayment calculator can help.
What mistakes cost first home buyers the grant?
- Buying an established home and expecting the grant.
- Forgetting that a spouse or partner’s past property ownership counts, even if they’re not on the title.
- Missing the 12-month window to start living in the home.
- Leasing the property out before meeting the residence requirement.
- Applying directly more than 12 months after settlement or completion.
If you’re buying interstate, compare our guides to stamp duty in QLD and stamp duty across Australia. Investors should also read about vacant land tax in Victoria.
FAQ about the first home owner grant Victoria
How much is the first home owner grant in Victoria?
The First Home Owner Grant in Victoria is $10,000 for an eligible new home valued up to $750,000.
Does an established home qualify for the grant?
No. The grant is only for new homes that have not been previously sold, occupied as a home, leased or used for short-term accommodation. An established home may still qualify for the first home buyer duty exemption or concession.
Can a New Zealand citizen get the Victorian first home owner grant?
For settlements on or after 26 November 2025, New Zealand citizens can apply whether or not they hold a special category visa. At least one applicant must still live in the home for 12 months.
Can I get the grant and the stamp duty exemption together?
Yes. An eligible first home buyer of a new home valued up to $600,000 can receive the $10,000 grant and pay no stamp duty. Between $600,001 and $750,000 a duty concession applies instead.
How long do I have to apply for the first home owner grant?
If an approved agent is not lodging for you, apply directly with the State Revenue Office within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
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Talk to a registered tax agent
Buying your first home and want to check the grant, duty and your tax position? Speak with a registered tax agent at Nanak Accountants & Associates on 1300 626 258, or book a consultation with our team. Our property tax advice covers first home buyers and investors across Victoria.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or tax advice. Information checked against State Revenue Office Victoria sources on 8 November 2026.
