Buying your first home in Queensland in 2026 can still feel like a big leap, especially with property prices remaining competitive and lending criteria continuing to evolve. The good news is that eligible first home buyers may still be able to access the Queensland First Home Owner Grant to help reduce upfront costs.
If you’re planning to buy or build your first home on the Sunshine Coast or anywhere across Queensland, here’s what you need to know about how the grant works in 2026, who’s eligible, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The First Home Owner Grant is a Queensland Government initiative designed to support eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home.
$30,000 for eligible contracts signed, or foundations laid, between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026
The grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid, provided all eligibility and residency requirements are met.
The First Home Owner Grant is only available for new homes. Eligible property types include:
– Brand new houses, units or townhouses
– Off-the-plan purchases
– Substantially renovated homes that have not been lived in since renovation
– Contracts to build a new home
– Owner–builder projects
– Detached dwellings built on a relative’s land, such as a granny flat or tiny home
The total value of the home and land must be under $750,000, including any contract variations.
Established homes are not eligible for the First Home Owner Grant.
To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in Queensland, you and any co-applicants must meet all of the following conditions.
– Be 18 years or older
– Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
– Never have received a First Home Owner Grant in any Australian state or territory
– Never have owned residential property in Australia:
There are no income limits for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant in 2026.
You may still be eligible if:
– You owned residential property solely for investment purposes, and
You never lived in the property
You’ll need to provide evidence covering the full ownership period, such as:
– Lease agreements
– Utility accounts
– Tax returns showing rental income
Eligibility is assessed individually by the Queensland Revenue Office.
To keep the grant, you must:
– Move into the home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of completion
– Live in the property continuously for at least 6 months
You may rent the property out before moving in, but this can impact eligibility for other benefits such as stamp duty concessions.
If you’re unable to meet these requirements, you must notify the Queensland Revenue Office. Failure to do so may result in the grant needing to be repaid, along with penalties.
Even if you meet all eligibility criteria, you may not receive the grant if:
– The arrangement is designed primarily to obtain the grant
– A non-eligible related person provides financial assistance and occupies the home frequently or long-term
– The purchase is not genuinely for owner-occupation
The Queensland Revenue Office conducts detailed checks, including ownership history, council records, and supporting documentation.
The timing of the grant depends on how you purchase or build your home.
Buying a new home
– Usually paid at settlement when applying through an approved agent
Building under a contract
– Paid at the first progress payment, excluding the deposit
Owner–builder projects
– Paid once the final inspection certificate is issued
Applications must be submitted within 12 months of completing the eligible transaction.
Yes. The First Home Owner Grant is separate from:
– First Home Guarantee Scheme
– Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
– Queensland first home stamp duty concessions
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for more than one form of assistance.
Understanding the grant is one thing. Making sure it aligns with your loan structure, timing, and lender requirements is another.
At Fundli, we support first home buyers by:
– Checking eligibility early
– Structuring loans to align with grant payments
– Coordinating applications with lenders and solicitors
– Helping avoid costly delays or compliance issues
If you’re planning your first home purchase in Queensland and want to understand how the First Home Owner Grant fits into your overall strategy, we’re here to help.
Book a call with Fundli and let’s walk through your options with clarity and confidence.
