First Home Owner Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
The Frequently Asked Questions have been divided into seven categories to make it easier for you to find the answer you are looking for. Just click on the desired category to view a list of questions and answers.
- Overview
- Occupying the Home
- Owner Builders
- Spouses/Domestic Partners
- Previous Ownerships
- Timing
- First Home Owners Boost
- Other
First Home Owners Boost
What is the First Home Owners Boost Scheme?
The First Home Owners Boost Scheme is an Australian Government initiative to assist people to purchase or build their first home. On 12 May 2009, the Australian Government extended the Boost in its current form from 30 June 2009 to 30 September 2009. The Boost will then be halved from 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2009.
How much is a First Home Owners Boost Scheme benefit?
Established Home - An extra $7000 is available to first home buyers purchasing an established home where the contract is entered into between 14 October 2008 and 30 September 2009. Where the contract is entered into between 1 October 2009 and 31 December 2009, the Boost will be halved to $3500.
New Home - An extra $14 000 is available to first home buyers purchasing or building a new home where the contract is entered into between 14 October 2008 and 30 September 2009. Where the contract is entered into between 1 October 2009 and 31 December 2009, the Boost will be halved to $7000.
These amounts are in addition to the existing $7000 First Home Owner Grant and the First Home Bonus Grant of up to $4000.
What is a new home?
A new home is a home that has not previously been sold or occupied as a place of residence, including occupation by the builder, a tenant or other occupant.
When does the First Home Owners Boost Scheme apply from?
The First Home Owners Boost Scheme applies to contracts entered into between 14 October 2008 and 31 December 2009 (inclusive). For owner builders construction must have commenced between those dates.
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If my contract is dated before 14 October 2008, do I qualify for the First Home Owners Boost Scheme?
No. To be eligible for the First Home Owners Boost Scheme, contracts must have been entered into (signed and dated) between 14 October 2008 and 31 December 2009 (inclusive).
Can I rescind my contract and enter into a new contract dated on or after 14 October 2008 to purchase or build the same home?
The First Home Owners Boost Scheme will not apply to a contract which replaces a rescinded contract made before 14 October 2008 to purchase or to build the same or a substantially similar home.
Who is eligible for the First Home Owners Boost Scheme?
To be eligible for the First Home Owners Boost Scheme, first home buyers must satisfy the requirements of the existing $7 000 First Home Owner Grant and the additional First Home Owners Boost Scheme requirements detailed in the First Home Owner Boost fact sheet.
How do I apply for the First Home Owners Boost Scheme?
To apply for the $7 000 First Home Owners Boost Scheme benefit for an established home, first home buyers only need to complete the First Home Owner Grant application form.
To apply for the $14 000 First Home Owners Boost Scheme benefit for building a new home or purchasing a newly constructed home, first home buyers need to complete the First Home Owner Grant application form and the Addendum to the First Home Owner Grant Application - Application to claim the First Home Owners Boost for New Homes.
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Does a substantially renovated home qualify as a new home?
Yes. A residence that undergoes substantial renovation may qualify as a new home where it has not been occupied or sold as a place of residence since being substantially renovated and the sale of the property is treated by a vendor as a taxable supply of a new residential premises as defined in A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999.
Does the price of the home need to be under a limit for the first home buyers to receive the First Home Owners Boost Scheme benefit?
No, there is no limit on the price of the home. However the amount of the benefit payable can not exceed the consideration paid to buy or build the home.
Is the First Home Owners Boost Scheme means tested?
No, the First Home Owners Boost Scheme is not means tested.
Can I receive a FHOG, Bonus Grant and Boost?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The maximum assistance available to first home buyers (including the First Home Owner Grant, the First Home Owners Boost and the First Home Bonus Grant) is:
| Period | New Home | Existing Home |
| From 14 October 2008 to 30 September 2009 | Up to $25 000 | Up to $18 000 |
| From 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2009 | Up to $18 000 | Up to $14 500 |
| From 1 January 2010 | Up to $11 000 | |
This page was last reviewed 25 June, 2009
