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
- Other
Overview
What is FHOG?
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off grant of up to $7,000 payable to eligible first home owners on the purchase or construction of their first home.
Why has it been introduced?
FHOG is a Government initiative introduced to offset the impact of the GST and to provide assistance to people to purchase or build their first home.
Who is eligible to receive the Grant?
A first home buyer who fulfils the criteria below:
- An applicant for the grant must be at least 18 years of age.
- At least one of the applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency in Australia. New Zealand citizens permanently residing in Australia, who hold Special Category Visas, may also apply.
- For eligible transactions entered into between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2004, an applicant or their spouse/domestic partner cannot have purchased a property and occupied that property.
- For eligible transactions entered into on or after 1 January 2005, an applicant or their spouse/domestic partner cannot have purchased a property and occupied that property for 6 months or more.
- For eligible transactions entered into between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2004, applicants must occupy the home purchased or built as their principal place of residence within 12 months of the date of purchase or completion of construction.
- For eligible transactions entered into on or after 1 January 2005, applicants must occupy the home purchased or built, as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months commencing within 12 months after completion of the eligible transaction.
- Except in cases of legal disability applicants must be natural persons (that is, not a company).
- Everyone who on completion of the transaction will be an owner of the home is considered an applicant.
What kind of property can I purchase?
It can be a single dwelling, duplex, flat, townhouse etc. Any fixed dwelling that is suitable as a residence. The Grant is not available for renovations to an existing building or for the purchase of vacant land.
What can the money be used for?
An applicant can use the money for any legal purpose. There are no requirements as to how the money is to be used provided you are eligible to receive it.
How do I apply?
Applicants can complete and lodge an application form with either an approved FHOG Participant, which includes approved financial institutions, or RevenueSA.
You are only able to complete and lodge an application form with an approved FHOG Participant where you are borrowing funds from that Participant, as part of buying or building your home. You need to apply within twelve months of completing the transaction.
If you are purchasing an existing home you are required to submit your Contract of Sale with your application form. If you are building a new home, you are required to submit your Building Contract with your application form. If you are an owner builder, you are required to submit with your application form a Statutory Declaration which states that the home is completed and ready for occupancy.
If applying via an approved FHOG Participant, complete and submit the application form and supporting documents directly to the approved FHOG Participant. A complete list of approved FHOG Participants is available here. Alternatively, you can check with your local financial institution to see if they are an approved FHOG Participant.
If applying via RevenueSA, complete and submit the application form with relevant supporting documentation. If you are purchasing an existing home, you must also provide proof of lodgement for registration with the Land Titles Office. If you are entering into a comprehensive building contract, you must also provide proof of the first progress payment to the builder. You will need to provide photographic proof of identity.
When will the Grant be paid?
Applying through an approved FHOG Participant:
For the purchase of an existing dwelling, payment will be made at settlement. For a contract to build, payment will be made on the first progress payment to the builder. For an owner builder, payment will be made following receipt of a Statutory Declaration that states that the home is complete and ready for occupation as a place of residence.
Applying through RevenueSA:
For the purchase of an existing dwelling, payment will be made on proof of lodgement for registration at the Land Titles Office. For a contract to build payment will be made upon proof of the first progress payment to the builder. For an owner builder, payment will be made following receipt of a Statutory Declaration that states that the home is complete and ready for occupation as a place of residence.
This page was last reviewed 24 September, 2007
