How Does the First Home Owner Grant Work?

While buying your first home is an exciting milestone, it can also be overwhelming.  That’s especially when you’re trying to understand and acquire various government incentives available to first-time home buyers. One such grant is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), which can provide significant financial assistance and make homeownership more affordable. Don’t fret, as we’ve got your back. Today, we’ll answer the question: how does the First Home Owner Grant work? We’ll show you how it can benefit you as a first-time homebuyer and how to apply for it.

First Things First, What Is the First Home Owner Grant?

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a government incentive designed to support first-time home buyers in achieving their homeownership dreams. Offered by state or territory governments across Australia, this grant provides a one-time payment to eligible individuals or couples purchasing their first residential property.

The primary objective of the FHOG is to assist first-time home buyers with the initial costs of buying a property, making it more accessible and affordable. It offsets the effect of GST on your first home purchase. The grant amount and specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the state or territory in which you plan to purchase your home.

Who Is Eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?

Eligibility for the FHOG depends on several factors, including your age, residency status and intention to live in the property. While the basic eligibility requirements are similar across states and territories, it’s essential to understand the specific criteria applicable in your area. Generally, to be eligible for the FHOG, you must:

• Be a permanent resident or Australian citizen.
• Be over 18 years old.
• Be a first-time homebuyer.
• Intend to live in the purchased property as your primary place of residence for a certain period.

Note that eligibility criteria, grant amounts and additional conditions may differ between states or territories. Planning to buy your first home in Hobart? To ensure accuracy and determine your eligibility for FHOG, you must consult with a reputable mortgage broker like Deltos Finance that offers first-home buyer assistance in Hobart.

So How Does the First Home Owner Grant Work?

Accessing the First Home Owner Grant involves several steps, from application to grant payment. Once you’ve identified your eligibility, you can proceed with the following:

• Research and Gather Documentation: Start by researching the specific requirements and documentation needed for the FHOG application in your state or territory. Common documents include proof of identity, residency status and evidence of your first home purchase like a contract to build your new home or buy an off-the-plan dwelling. 
• Lodge the Application: Complete the FHOG application form, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date. Submit the application form to the relevant government department within the specified timeframe.
• Assessment and Approval: Once your application is received, it will undergo a thorough assessment process. The government will review your eligibility and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the criteria for the grant. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your successful application.
• Grant Payment: The timing and method of grant payment can vary between states and territories. In some cases, the grant may be available at settlement, providing a boost towards your deposit or reducing your upfront costs. Typically, the grant is paid directly to you or your nominated financial institution.

Is There Any Other Government Assistance for First-Home Buyers?

Besides the First Home Owner Grant, various other government incentives and concessions exist to support first-time home buyers. These include:

• Stamp Duty Exemptions or Reductions: Some states or territories offer exemptions or reduced rates of stamp duty for eligible first-time home buyers, lightening the financial burden associated with property transactions.
• First Home Loan Deposit Scheme: It is an initiative aimed at helping first-time home buyers secure a home loan with a deposit as low as 5% without having to pay for lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) may guarantee up to 15% of the property value if you acquire the home loan from a participating lender. 

Navigating the landscape of government incentives can be complex, as each program has specific requirements and limitations. Seeking advice from a knowledgeable mortgage broker like us is crucial to understanding the full range of incentives available and maximising the benefits specific to your situation.

Deltos Finance Is Here to Help

Government grants and incentives can allow you to buy your first home much sooner while making the home-buying process more affordable and convenient. For instance, the maximum FHOG on offer in Tasmania is $30,000. But with all the different government grants available for first-home buyers, it may be hard to keep track and know which ones you’re eligible for. This is where Deltos Finance steps in.

Our team will assess your situation to advise which grants you’re potentially eligible for and then help you apply for them. And if you need a first-home buyer loan, our brokers can help save you time and effort. We can shortlist the best lenders who can approve your loan. More importantly, we can help complete your application from submission to settlement. Contact us to get started.