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
Other
Can a company or trust apply for the Grant?
No, a company or trust is not eligible to receive the Grant, except where the application is made on behalf of a person with a legal disability.
Can I receive the Grant for an Investment property?
You cannot receive the Grant for an investment property. The property must be occupied as your principal place of residence to receive the Grant.
Are there any limits on the price of a property I must pay to get the Grant?
No, there are no limits, however, the maximum grant you can receive is the purchase price or $7000, whichever is the lower amount.
Can I purchase a percentage of a home with someone who has had a previous interest in a property?
No, all applicants receiving the Grant must have a combined 100% interest in the property they are purchasing and it must be the first home for all applicants. There is a limit of one Grant per application.
I wish to gift residential property to my son/daughter, is he/she eligible for the Grant?
No, the Grant is only given when there is consideration and a contract. The Grant is equal to the consideration i.e. if you pay $2500 for a property that is the amount you will receive for a grant.
Is each applicant entitled to the Grant?
No. Applicants are restricted to one application per eligible transaction. Grant payments will not be split.
Am I still eligible for the current Stamp Duty Concession?
Yes, if you fall into the relevant criteria set out in the Stamp Duties Act 1923, you can still receive the Stamp Duty Concession as well as the Grant.
Is there a means test on income or assets to qualify for the Grant?
No, personal income or wealth is not part of the eligibility criteria.
Can I receive the Grant if I want to purchase a Housing Trust Home?
Yes, if you did not have any interest in the property before 1 July 2000 and you meet all other eligibility criteria. If an you enter into a contract for your first progressive purchase on or after 1 July 2000, you can apply for the Grant. The full Grant will be paid at the settlement of the first progressive purchase. If the purchase price is less than $7000 you will receive the amount equal to the purchase price as payment of the Grant. The balance of the Grant will not carry over to any further purchase. i.e. if the purchase is $2500, you will receive the same amount and will not be entitled to the remaining $4500 on any further progressive purchase. If you have a progressive purchase contract before 1 July 2000 you will not receive the Grant.
No, providing that:-
- for eligible transactions entered into between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2004, you did occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of the date of settlement or completion of building; or
- for eligible transactions entered into on or after 1 January 2005, you did occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months of the date of settlement or completion of building.
Yes. In addition, substantial penalties can be applied if it is found that the applicant acted dishonestly. The penalties are as follows:
- A penalty of up to $20,000 or imprisonment for 2 years for making a false or misleading statement in or in connection with an application for a first home owner grant as specified in the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000.
- A penalty of up to 100 % of the Grant amount may be imposed by the Commissioner as a result of an applicant's dishonesty where an amount is paid by way of a first home owner grant, along with repayment of the Grant pursuant to the Act.
This page was last reviewed 22 October, 2008
