Queensland First Home Owner Grant Halves: $15,000 Drop Looms June 30, 2026

TL;DR: First home buyers in Queensland must act before June 30, 2026, to secure the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), as it is set to reduce to $15,000 for eligible contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2026. This represents a significant $15,000 saving for those buying or building a new home.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is currently $30,000 for eligible transactions.
• This $30,000 grant is a limited-time offer, expiring on June 30, 2026.
• From July 1, 2026, the grant amount will revert to $15,000.
• To qualify for the higher $30,000 grant, your contract to purchase or build a new home must be signed between November 20, 2023, and June 30, 2026.
• The grant applies to buying or building a new home valued at less than $750,000.
• RooLoans can help you compare construction loan options from 30+ lenders and connect you with specialist brokers to navigate this opportunity.

What is the Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a state government initiative that helps eligible first home buyers purchase or build a new home. It’s a one-off payment to help offset the costs of entering the property market. Currently, the grant offers a $30,000 boost for your first property venture, as confirmed by the Queensland Government (2023).

This grant is specifically for new properties. This includes brand new houses, units, townhouses, or substantially renovated homes that haven’t been occupied or sold as a residential premises before. It’s a non-repayable grant, meaning you don’t have to pay it back.

Why is the QLD FHOG amount changing on June 30, 2026?

The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is going back to its previous amount of $15,000 after June 30, 2026, because the current $30,000 grant was introduced as a temporary measure. This temporary boost aimed to stimulate the new housing market and support first home buyers. It was announced in November 2023 and is now ending, as detailed by the Queensland Office of State Revenue (2023).

This deadline means that for any eligible contract to purchase or build a new home signed on or after July 1, 2026, the grant amount will be halved. For first home buyers planning to build, this makes the QLD FHOG deadline especially important, because project timelines often extend beyond initial estimates.

Who is eligible for the Queensland FHOG?

To be eligible for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant, you must meet specific criteria set by the Queensland Government. These mostly concern your status as a first-time property owner and the type of property you’re buying. According to the Queensland Office of State Revenue (2024), here are the main eligibility requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or applying with someone who is).
• You (or your spouse) must not have previously owned property in Australia that was your main place of residence.
• You must be buying or building a new home in Queensland.
• The value of the new home, including the land, must be less than $750,000.
• You must move into the new home as your principal place of residence within 1 year of the completion of the transaction (settlement or construction completion) and live there continuously for at least 6 months.

For those specifically looking for a first home buyer grant QLD build, these criteria are especially important, because the property value limit of $750,000 includes both the land and the construction costs.

How does the FHOG work for building a new home in Queensland?

The Queensland FHOG for building a new home provides the grant funds at a specific stage of your construction loan. This usually happens after the first progress payment or at settlement if the builder is completing the home for you. If you’re undertaking a self-build or using a builder with a progress payment contract, the grant is typically paid directly to your nominated bank account or your solicitor at the first drawdown stage of your construction loan, which helps fund initial costs, according to the Queensland Office of State Revenue (2024).

This early access to funds can be a big advantage, and reduces the initial financial strain of construction.

You’ll need to understand the details of construction loan drawdowns as a first-time builder. RooLoans offers a Progress Drawdown Guide that explains the 5-stage payment process and what to expect at each milestone. This guide makes sure you know when funds, including your FHOG, will be available.

To apply for the FHOG for your new build, you’ll need to submit an application form, along with supporting documentation like your building contract and proof of identity, through an approved agent (often your lender or a solicitor). The grant is a fantastic opportunity for a new home grant Queensland residents can take advantage of, but timing is important due to the impending deadline.

What other costs should Queensland first home buyers consider?

Beyond the purchase price or build costs, Queensland first home buyers must budget for several other major expenses when buying their new home, as these can add tens of thousands to your total outlay. These additional costs include stamp duty, Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), legal fees, and various loan application charges. Understanding these expenses early can help you avoid nasty surprises.

Here’s a breakdown of common additional costs:

You need to factor in these costs for an accurate budget. Missing the QLD FHOG deadline will mean an extra $15,000 you need to cover yourself, which makes these additional costs even harder to swallow.

How can RooLoans help you secure your Queensland first home?

RooLoans offers an independent construction loan comparison platform for Australian homebuilders, with tools and expert connections to simplify your journey. We help you navigate the complexities of getting finance for your first home, which is especially important with the upcoming Queensland FHOG changes.

Our platform allows you to:

• Compare Lenders: Get a side-by-side comparison of construction loan rates, fees, and features from 30+ Australian lenders. This helps you find the best loan for your specific needs and maximise the impact of your queensland first home owner grant.
• Calculate Total Costs: Use our integrated calculators for Interest During Build, Stamp Duty, and LMI to get a clear picture of your total financial commitment, not just the grant amount.
• Connect with Specialists: Our Broker Connect service matches you with construction loan specialist brokers in your area at no cost. These experts can guide you through eligibility, help with your FHOG application, and make your loan process smoother to meet the QLD FHOG deadline.

By using RooLoans, you get the clarity and support you need to make informed decisions and act quickly to take advantage of the $30,000 grant before it halves. Want more on construction financing? Check out our guides on Construction Loans Explained and How to Get a Construction Loan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Queensland FHOG available for existing homes?

No, the Queensland First Home Owner Grant is only for buying or building new homes. It doesn’t apply to buying established or existing properties, as stated by the Queensland Office of State Revenue (2024).

What is the property value limit for the QLD FHOG?

The maximum property value for a new home to be eligible for the Queensland FHOG is $750,000. This limit applies to the total value of the home, including the land, according to the Queensland Government.

Can I get the FHOG if I’ve owned property before?

Generally, no. To be eligible for the Queensland FHOG, you (and your spouse) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia, whether as an owner-occupier or an investor. This ensures the grant only supports genuine first home buyers.

When will I receive the Queensland FHOG funds?

For those building a new home, the Queensland FHOG is typically paid at the first progress payment stage of your construction loan. If you’re purchasing a brand-new, completed home, the grant is usually paid at settlement.

Do I need to live in the home after receiving the grant?

Yes, a main condition of the Queensland FHOG is that you must move into the new home as your principal place of residence within 1 year of settlement or completion of construction. You must then live there continuously for at least 6 months.

Ready to compare construction loans and take advantage of the Queensland First Home Owner Grant before the June 30, 2026