⚡ Quick Answer Australian first home buyers in 2026 can access four main government programs: the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI), the First Home Owner Grant (up to $30,000 cash in QLD), Help to Buy (2% deposit, shared equity), and the First Home Super Saver Scheme (up to $50,000 from super). Most buyers can stack multiple schemes. A mortgage broker in Australia identifies your eligibility, matches you to the right participating lender, and coordinates grant applications alongside your home loan—at no cost to you.
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. It’s also one of the most complex—especially when the government has more first home buyer support on the table in 2026 than at any point in recent years.
The problem isn’t a lack of support. It’s knowing what you’re entitled to, whether you qualify, and how to stack the right schemes together to unlock every dollar. That’s exactly what a mortgage broker in Australia does for you.
At Sando Finance, we’ve helped first home buyers across Queensland and Australia navigate this process from start to finish—at zero cost to our clients, because our service is funded by the banks.
Australia’s first home buyer support landscape has expanded significantly. There are now four main channels of government assistance, and many buyers are eligible for more than one.
The First Home Guarantee is a federal government program that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a deposit as low as 5%—without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
The government guarantees up to 15% of the loan to the lender. You still own 100% of your home. What you avoid is LMI—a lender-protection fee that, on a $700,000 property, typically costs $17,000–$22,000.
2026 Update As of October 2025, income caps were removed entirely and places are now unlimited. Any Australian citizen or permanent resident purchasing a home to live in can now apply—regardless of income.
You apply through a participating lender, not directly through the government. A mortgage broker will know which participating lenders best suit your circumstances.
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off cash payment from your state or territory government. It applies primarily to new builds or substantially renovated homes.
| State / Territory | Grant Amount | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | $30,000 | New builds, contracts before 30 June 2026 |
| Northern Territory | $50,000 | New builds, until 30 September 2026 |
| South Australia | $15,000 | New homes, no price cap |
| Victoria | $10,000 | New homes |
| New South Wales | $10,000 | New homes up to $600,000 |
| Western Australia | $10,000 | New builds |
| Tasmania | Stamp duty exemption | Properties up to $750,000 |
| ACT | Stamp duty exemption | Properties up to $1,000,000 |
Queensland Buyers — Act Before 30 June 2026 The $30,000 FHOG is one of the most generous state grants in the country—but it reverts to $15,000 after 30 June 2026. If you’re considering a new build in Queensland, timing your contract matters.
Australia’s newest federal housing program, Help to Buy, opened for applications on 5 December 2025.
The government co-purchases a share of your property—up to 40% for new homes or 30% for existing homes. You only need a 2% deposit and pay no LMI. You own the majority share and can buy back the government’s equity stake over time.
Help to Buy is income-tested and best suited to low-to-middle income earners who want to enter the market sooner.
The FHSS lets you build your home deposit inside your superannuation fund at a lower tax rate. You can contribute up to $15,000 per financial year and withdraw up to $50,000 toward your first home deposit.
On a salary of $100,000, this saves roughly $5,100 per year compared to saving the same amount in a bank account.
Most states offer stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers. In Queensland, eligible buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to $700,000. Savings on a $600,000 property can exceed $8,000.
Yes—and this is one of the most important things to understand.
Many first home buyers are eligible for more than one program simultaneously. The key is knowing which combinations are permitted and how to structure your application to access them all.
Example: Queensland first home buyer, $600,000 new build, 5% deposit
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant | $30,000 cash |
| Stamp duty concession | ~$8,750 saving |
| LMI waived via First Home Guarantee | ~$17,000 saving |
| Total combined benefit | ~$55,750 |
That’s nearly $56,000 in combined grants and savings on a single purchase—without a 20% deposit. Stacking schemes correctly is where home loan application support from a qualified mortgage broker makes a real difference.
A bank will help you access their products. A mortgage broker will help you access the best outcome available across 40+ lenders—at no cost to you.
Brokers are legislated to act in your best interests under the Best Interests Duty (BID) law and Responsible Lending guidelines. Our service is funded by the bank you end up with, not by you.
Eligibility rules are detailed, state-specific, and change regularly. We assess your income, purchase type, location, and personal circumstances to confirm exactly which grants and schemes apply—and which can be combined.
Not every lender participates in every scheme. The First Home Guarantee and Help to Buy are only available through approved participating lenders. We know which lenders move quickly, suit first home buyers, and are most likely to approve your application.
Grant applications have their own paperwork, conditions, and deadlines—and they must run in parallel with your home loan application. A missed condition can cost you an entire grant. We manage all of that coordination for you.
Every unsuccessful loan application leaves a mark on your credit file. We assess your position before any applications are lodged, so your first submission is your strongest one.
Eligibility varies by program, but most first home buyer schemes share these common requirements:
Note on Income Thresholds The First Home Guarantee no longer has income thresholds (removed October 2025). However, Help to Buy and some state-level programs still apply income tests. Don’t assume you don’t qualify—speak with us to confirm.
Getting your paperwork together early is the single fastest way to speed up your application.
Identity
Income and employment
Financial position
Property (once found)
Here’s how the process works when you engage Sando Finance:
Going direct to a single bank means seeing one set of products and navigating the grant process without a guide. Mortgage broking services give you access to 40+ lenders, independent grant eligibility advice, and coordinated application management—all funded by the lender you end up with.
Home loans can be secured in as little as 4 hours. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can confirm what you’re entitled to and get the process moving.
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Can a mortgage broker help me apply for the First Home Guarantee?
Yes. The First Home Guarantee is only accessible through approved participating lenders—you cannot apply directly to Housing Australia. A mortgage broker identifies which participating lenders best suit your circumstances and submits your application on your behalf.
Does using a mortgage broker cost me anything as a first home buyer?
No. Mortgage brokers in Australia are paid a commission by the lender after your loan settles. There is no fee to you for the advice, the loan comparison, or the application support. This is funded by the bank’s profits, not your pocket.
Can I use the First Home Guarantee and the First Home Owner Grant together?
Yes, in most cases. The First Home Guarantee (federal) and the FHOG (state) operate through different channels and can be combined on the same purchase, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each. A broker will confirm whether both apply to your situation.
What is the income limit for the First Home Guarantee in 2026?
There is no income limit. As of October 2025, the federal government removed all income caps. Any eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident can now apply, regardless of income.
Do I need a 20% deposit to buy my first home in Australia?
No. Through the First Home Guarantee, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying LMI. Through Help to Buy, eligible buyers may only need a 2% deposit. Your broker will advise which low-deposit option suits your circumstances.
What is the difference between a first home buyer grant and a guarantee?
A grant (like the FHOG) is a direct cash payment from the government. A guarantee (like the First Home Guarantee) is the government promising the lender it will cover a portion of the loan if you default—it removes LMI, saving thousands, but is not cash in hand.
Can I use the First Home Super Saver Scheme with other grants?
Yes. The FHSS is compatible with other programs including the First Home Guarantee and state-based grants. It can be combined with most other assistance programs, subject to your eligibility.
How long does it take to get a home loan approved with a mortgage broker?
Home loans can be approved in as little as 4 hours, though 2–5 business days is more typical. Your broker selects lenders with strong turnaround times for your situation.
What happens if I’m not eligible for any grants?
Not every buyer qualifies for every program. However, many buyers still qualify for stamp duty concessions, low-deposit options, or competitive rates that a broker can source across 40+ lenders. It’s always worth a conversation.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or credit advice. Grant conditions, eligibility criteria, and scheme availability are subject to change. Speak with a qualified mortgage broker for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Written by Jarrod Sanderson, Founder & Mortgage Broker, Sando Finance.
