First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) VIC: Eligibility Checklist

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) VIC: Eligibility Checklist

The Victorian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides $10,000 to eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home. It's designed to help you get into the property market by boosting your deposit or covering upfront costs like stamp duty (which may also have concessions). This calculator checks your eligibility based on the 2026 VIC state government rules.

FHOG VIC Eligibility Criteria (2026)

To qualify for the $10,000 grant in Victoria, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Property price cap: The property value must be $750,000 or less (including land and building). This is a hard ceiling—properties above $750,000 do not qualify, even if only slightly over.
• New home requirement: The property must be a "new" home—meaning it has never been lived in before. This includes newly built houses, townhouses, or apartments. Off-the-plan purchases qualify if the home is new upon settlement. Established/older homes do NOT qualify, even if renovated.
• First home buyer status: All applicants must be first home buyers. You (and your partner, if applying jointly) must not have owned or purchased a residential property in Australia before. This includes freehold, strata, or community title properties. If you've previously owned a home, you are ineligible—even if you sold it.
• Citizenship/residency: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident (PR). If you're on a temporary visa (e.g., work visa, student visa), you do not qualify. New Zealand citizens typically qualify under special provisions.
• Owner-occupier commitment: You must move into the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement and live there continuously for at least 12 months. FHOG is not for investment properties—flipping or renting out violates the condition and may require repayment.
• Minimum occupancy period: You must not have received any other Australian first home buyer grant (FHOG or equivalent) in any state/territory previously. The grant is a one-time benefit per person.

The $750k Cap: Why It Matters

The $750,000 property value cap is strict. It's inclusive of all costs—land price plus construction. In expensive suburbs of Melbourne (e.g., Toorak, Brighton, inner-city suburbs), many new homes and apartments exceed this threshold, pushing them out of FHOG eligibility. In regional Victoria and outer suburbs, you can still find new homes under $750k. If the property is slightly above the cap, you cannot reduce eligibility by putting extra deposit—the value itself disqualifies you. Always verify the contract of sale lists a total price ≤ $750,000.

New vs. Established: What Qualifies?

"New" means the home has never been occupied as a residence. Examples that qualify:

• Brand new house built by a developer
• Off-the-plan purchase where you're the first occupant upon completion
• Display home that was used for display only but never lived in (substantially new condition)
• Property that has undergone major renovation where the previous dwelling was demolished and replaced (must be effectively a new build)

Examples that do NOT qualify:

• Previously owned and occupied existing homes (even if updated/renovated)
• Properties that have been rented out previously (even if vacant now)
• Properties that have had previous owners living there, even briefly
• Second-hand properties of any kind

FHOG VIC Application Process

Applying for FHOG VIC is straightforward, but timing matters:

1. Before settlement: You can submit an application anytime, but it's best to apply once your contract is unconditional (finance approved, inspections passed). You'll need your contract of sale, identification documents, and evidence of eligibility.
2. Documents required: Completed application form (via Vic Roads or online), proof of identity (driver's license, passport), contract of sale, evidence of citizenship/PR (if applicable), and evidence that the property is new (developer's certificate or building contract). If joint applicants, both parties' details are needed.
3. Processing time: Typically 5–10 business days if all documents are in order. High volume periods (e.g., market booms) may take longer.
4. Grant payment: The $10,000 is paid directly to you (not to the vendor or your lender). You can choose to receive it by cheque or direct deposit. Many applicants have it paid into their bank account to boost their deposit or offset costs.
5. Post-settlement conditions: You must move in within 12 months and stay for at least 12 months. Vic Roads may request evidence (utility bills, council rates, lease agreements if you rent out a room, etc.). If you sell or rent out before 12 months without meeting exemptions, you may have to repay the grant.

Common Reasons for FHOG VIC Rejection

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Property value over $750,000: Even $1 over the cap disqualifies you. Negotiate the price down or find a different property.
• Buying an established home: No amount of renovation converts an existing home to "new" status. Only brand-new dwellings qualify.
• Previous property ownership: Even if you sold your previous home 10 years ago, you're not a first home buyer. The grant is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit per person.
• Not moving in within 12 months: If you intend to rent it out, you're not eligible. The grant requires owner-occupation.
• Incomplete documentation: Missing ID, contract, or proof of new build status delays or denies your claim.

Interaction with Other First Home Benefits

FHOG VIC can be combined with other first home buyer incentives:

• Stamp duty concessions: If you qualify for FHOG (new home under $750k), you likely qualify for full stamp duty exemption on new homes (or reduced duty on established homes under different criteria). These are separate programs but often overlap.
• First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS): The federal government's FHLDS allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without LMI. You can receive both FHOG and FHLDS simultaneously.
• First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): You can withdraw voluntary super contributions to use for your first home deposit. This can be used alongside FHOG.

These benefits stack. A typical first home buyer in VIC might receive: $10,000 FHOG + stamp duty exemption + FHLDS (waive LMI) + FHSSS (boost deposit). That's tens of thousands in savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I apply for FHOG VIC if I'm buying an apartment?

Yes, provided it's a brand-new apartment (never lived in) and the total price is ≤ $750,000. Off-the-plan apartments qualify. However, many new apartments in inner Melbourne exceed $750k, so check the price. Established apartments do not qualify, even if recently renovated.

Q2: What if my partner owned a home before but I haven't?

Ineligible. FHOG VIC requires that all applicants are first home buyers. If either joint applicant has previously owned property in Australia, the application is rejected. This rule applies to married, de facto, and other joint applicants.

Q3: Can I receive FHOG VIC and then immediately sell the property?

No, not without consequences. You must occupy the property as your principal residence for at least 12 months. If you sell or rent it out before 12 months (without meeting an exemption, such as relationship breakdown or financial hardship), you'll be required to repay the $10,000 grant in full. This condition is strictly enforced.

Q4: Do I need a builder's warranty insurance for FHOG?

That's separate. For new homes, the builder must provide a home warranty insurance (domestic building warranty) as required by law. This is unrelated to FHOG eligibility but is mandatory for new builds anyway. You should ensure the builder is licensed and insured.

Important: This FHOG VIC eligibility calculator is based on 2026 Victorian government rules. The criteria, grant amount, and property price caps are subject to change by the state government. This tool provides estimates for planning purposes only and does not guarantee grant approval. For official information and to apply, visit the Vic Roads website or consult the Victorian Revenue Office. Always verify eligibility before committing to a property purchase.