Buying your first home in Queensland in 2025–2026? There’s a lot on offer right now that can materially change your up-front costs and borrowing needs. Below is an up-to-date, practical guide to the main incentives – who they apply to, the deadlines and caps you must know, and how Loan Studio can help you use these incentives to get mortgage ready.
– Amount: $30,000 for eligible purchases of new homes (houses, townhouses, units or off-the-plan) that meet the criteria – until 30 June 2026, when the grant is expected to return to $15,000. If you are planning to build or buy a ew home, claiming the $30K while it’s available can materially reduce your required cash.
– Eligibility basics: Usually you must be a first-time-buyer (or eligible under the specific definition), the home must be new (not an established property), and the total value of the home plus land must be below the $750,000 cap. Residency and timing rules also apply (e.g., moving in within a set period). Always check the official eligibility tester before you apply.
– How to apply: Applications are lodged through the Queensland Revenue Office or via your conveyancer/settlement agent – the official guidance and application forms are published by the state.
Why it matters: A $30K grant reduces the amount of cash you need at settlement or to cover building costs. It can be the difference between needing LMI or not, or between postponing and proceeding with your build.
– What Changed? From 1 May 2025, Queensland introduced a stamp duty reform that can give First Home Buyers of new homes a full transfer duty exemption (no stamp duty payable) where eligibility criteria are met. This is seperate from the FHOG and can be stacked with the grant for eligible buyers.
– No value cap on exemption: The Government’s exemption removes the previous upper price caps in many scenarios for new homes – meaning a broader range of new properties can qualify for the exemption (subject to the new rules).
Stamp duty is often the largest one-off cost when buying property. Removing it for eligible first buyers of new homes can save tens of thousands and reduce the immediate deposit required at settlement.
– Boost to Buy shared-equity scheme: The 2025 Queensland budget introduced a shared-equity Boost to Buy program to help eligible buyers purchase homes with smaller deposits and government equity contributions (up to 30% for new homes and 25% for existing homes in some streams). The scheme includes relatively high income thresholds compared with other states and targets buyers who struggle with deposit constraints
Shared equity can let you buy sooner with a smaller deposit, though you’ll share future capital growth (and loss) with the government partner.
The federal government has expanded or accelerated access to schemes that allow eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Changes in 2025–2026 increased caps, removed the numeric limits in some programs, and broadened eligibility — meaning more buyers can benefit from lower-deposit entry options. Check the specific price caps and eligibility relevant to your purchase date and state.
Low-deposit schemes reduce the headline savings required to enter the market — but the loan structure, interest rate, and future equity split (if shared equity) must be weighed carefully.
Yes — they can be used together for eligible purchases of new homes, potentially delivering a substantial combined saving. Always confirm eligibility and timing.
Typically: newly built or substantially renovated homes, newly constructed townhouses/units, and off-the-plan purchases — not generally established resale properties. Check the Queensland Revenue Office guidance for the precise legal test.
No — the $30k uplift is time-limited; after 30 June 2026 the grant amount is expected to revert to $15,000 unless extended again by the government. If you’re on the fence, this is an important deadline to factor into planning.
Eligibility often includes residency and first-home buyer definitions; some components require you to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and to meet move-in requirements. Check the official criteria or discuss with Loan Studio so we can assess your specific situation.
Yes — if you’re building a brand-new home on vacant land that you own (and meet the eligibility and contract timing criteria), you can still apply for the $30,000 FHOG. The total combined value of the land and completed home must not exceed $750,000, and construction must start within the required timeframe.
In most cases, yes. The state and federal incentives operate independently, meaning eligible buyers can stack the FHOG, stamp duty exemption, and a 5% deposit under the First Home Guarantee (without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance). A broker can confirm your eligibility and help coordinate timing and documentation so you don’t miss out.
Contracts signed after 30 June 2026 are expected to fall under the standard $15,000 FHOG, unless the government extends the boosted amount. That’s why buyers considering a build or off-the-plan purchase should aim to finalise contracts before the cut-off to lock in the $30K benefit.
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Loan Studio is committed to working for you and our clients’ best interests, ensuring you not only receive the best products in market, but ultimately enjoy the experience of working with a professional broker.
Loan Studio is committed to working for you and our clients’ best interests, ensuring you not only receive the best products in market, but ultimately enjoy the experience of working with a professional broker.
Loan Studio is committed to working for you and our clients’ best interests, ensuring you not only receive the best products in market, but ultimately enjoy the experience of working with a professional broker.
