In Queensland, the short answer is no. The First Home Owner Grant is only available for new homes, so buying an existing home from a previous owner will not qualify. First home buyers of an existing home can still save thousands through the first home concession on transfer duty.
Why Existing Homes Do Not Qualify for the Grant
The grant is designed to support new housing. In Queensland, a new home is one that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence. That includes:
- a newly built home bought from a builder or developer, including off the plan
- a house and land package
- a home you build yourself, including as an owner-builder
- in limited cases, a substantially renovated home bought from the renovator before anyone has lived in it
How Much Is the Grant and Who Can Get It?
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is $30,000 for contracts signed on or after 20 November 2023. To be eligible, the home (including land) must be valued under $750,000, and you must move in within a year of completion and live there for at least six continuous months. The grant is administered by the Queensland Revenue Office.
What Help Is Available for an Existing Home?
If you are buying an established home, look at these instead:
- First home concession on transfer duty: for contracts signed on or after 9 June 2024, no transfer duty is payable on a home valued at $700,000 or less, with a reduced amount up to $800,000. For contracts from 1 August 2026, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or specified foreign retiree.
- 5% Deposit Scheme: the Australian Government scheme lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance, subject to property price caps.
- First Home Super Saver Scheme: you may be able to save for a deposit through voluntary super contributions and withdraw them for your first home.
Also read: Stamp Duty Concession QLD: What Property Buyers Should Know
Buying Outside Queensland?
Each state and territory runs its own grant with its own amounts and rules, and most also limit it to new homes. If you are buying interstate, check the rules with that state’s revenue office before you sign.
How CJC Law Can Help
Our conveyancers help first home buyers check which grants and concessions apply before they sign, and make sure the paperwork is lodged correctly. Contact us for a fixed-fee quote.
