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
Occupying the Home
If it is an established home, when do I have to occupy?
The applicant(s) must occupy the home within 12 months of them being entitled to possession of the home under the contract and have taken the necessary steps to obtain registration.
If I am building a new home through a builder, when do I have to occupy?
Where building work commences between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2004, you must occupy the home within 12 months of the home being ready for occupation.
Where building work commences on or after 1 January 2005, you must occupy the home for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months after the home is ready for occupation.
In the case of multiple applicants, is every party required to move into the property purchased?
Yes, the eligibility criteria states that for eligible transactions entered into between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2004, an applicant must occupy the relevant home within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction, as their "principal place of residence".
For eligible transactions entered into on or after 1 January 2005, an applicant must occupy the relevant home for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months after completion of the eligible transaction, as their principal place of residence.
In the case of multiple applicants, the Commissioner has the power to exempt additional applicants if at least one applicant meets the principal place of residence requirement, and there is a good reason why the other applicants will not meet this requirement. This will be assessed on a case by case basis upon application to RevenueSA, in writing, from the applicant(s) who will not meet this requirement.
What if I rent the home out before I move in?
For eligible transactions entered into between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2004, providing you occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction, you are still eligible for the Grant.
For eligible transactions entered into on or after 1 January 2005, providing you occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction, you are still eligible for the Grant.
No, A person is not eligible if they or their spouse (including domestic partner) have previously owned a home before 1 July 2000 in Australia, whether they have lived in it or not.
This page was last reviewed 22 October, 2008
