Your Complete 2026 Guide to the First Home Owners Grant in South Australia
Your Path to Home Ownership
Buying your first home is a significant milestone. It marks personal achievement and provides real security. At Australian Building Company, we understand that the path to home ownership can be both thrilling and daunting.
Thankfully, the South Australian Government offers a valuable resource to assist you: the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). This guide covers everything you need to know about the FHOG, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and practical tips to maximise your benefits.
The South Australian Government has also abolished stamp duty for eligible first home buyers who build or buy a new home, meaning $0 stamp duty on new homes and vacant land with no property value cap for contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024. That's a major advantage over buying an established home.
Grants and paperwork can feel confusing, but Australian Building Company's Easy As process helps keep things simple so you can focus on the exciting part.
What is the First Home Owner Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant is a State Government initiative designed to assist first-time homebuyers to purchase or build their first home.
In South Australia, the grant provides a one-off payment of $15,000 to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home, easing the financial burden of getting into the property market.
Eligibility Criteria
To take advantage of the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
- First Home Buyer: For contracts signed on or after 13 February 2025, you are not eligible if you have ever owned residential property in Australia, even if you never lived in it. This applies to both you and your spouse or partner.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of making their application.
- Citizenship: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. New Zealand citizens permanently residing in Australia who hold a Special Category visa may also qualify.
- New Home: The property must be an eligible new home under RevenueSA's rules. This includes a home that has not been previously sold or occupied, an off-the-plan apartment, or a substantially renovated home that meets RevenueSA's criteria.
- Property Value: No property value cap applies where the contract was entered into on or after 6 June, 2024
- Knock-Down Rebuilds: Knock-down rebuild projects are not eligible for the $15,000 FHOG for contracts entered into on or after 13 February 2025.
- Residence Requirement: You must live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least six months within the first year after settlement or construction completion.
- Previous Grants: Neither you nor your spouse/partner should have received a First Home Owner Grant in any Australian state or territory.
- Trusts and Companies: The grant is available only to individuals, not trusts or companies.
How to Apply for the FHOG
Applying for the First Home Owners Grant can be straightforward (and as easy as ABC) if you follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Required Documentation
Before starting the application, ensure you have documents such as:
- Proof of Identity: For example, a birth certificate, passport, or driver's licence.
- Citizenship or Residency Proof: If you are a permanent resident, provide your residency documentation.
- Contract of Sale or Building Contract: A copy of whichever applies to your purchase.
- Building Contract: For those constructing a new home.
- Proof of Settlement or Completion: Settlement statement or certificate of occupancy.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Applications can be submitted through your lender or directly with RevenueSA. Forms are available on the RevenueSA website or from your lender.
Ensure the form is completed accurately with all necessary details.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit your completed form and required documents to your lender or RevenueSA.
If applying through a lender, they will lodge the application on your behalf.
Step 4: Await Approval
Processing times vary depending on RevenueSA or your lender. If approved, the grant will be paid directly to your lender or into your bank account if no loan is involved.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Double-Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all criteria before applying. Eligibility rules changed in February 2025, so check the current RevenueSA requirements before signing any contracts.
- Accurate Documentation: Provide complete and correct documents to avoid delays.
- Timely Submission: Apply as early as possible to meet any deadlines.
- Professional Advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor or mortgage broker for guidance.
Additional Benefits and Concessions
First-time homebuyers in South Australia can be eligible for additional benefits, including:
- Stamp Duty Abolition: Eligible first home buyers pay $0 stamp duty on new homes and vacant land, with no value cap for contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024.
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): Allows savings within superannuation for home deposits with tax benefits.
- SA Rent-to-Buy Affordable Housing Initiative (2025–26): Eligible participants can rent selected newly built homes at 75% of market rent for up to two years while saving a deposit, with the option to buy later. This is separate from the FHOG.
- Federal First Home Buyer Scheme Caps: From 1 October 2025, updated property price caps for the First Home Guarantee (the federal 5% deposit scheme) are $900,000 for Adelaide and $500,000 for the rest of South Australia. These work alongside or separately from the FHOG depending on your eligibility.
Ready to take the first step?
The First Home Owner Grant in South Australia is a valuable resource, offering financial support to help you achieve your homeownership dreams.
Australian Building Company is here to support you on this path. Grant rules can change, but our team can help you understand the paperwork as part of the Easy As process. For more information or assistance, visit the RevenueSA website or contact our expert advisors today.
Visit the RevenueSA website for detailed information and application forms. If you have questions, Australian Building Company is here to help. Reach out to our team for personalised guidance and support on your path to owning your first home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main grant is the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant for eligible buyers of new homes. You can also access the First Home Super Saver Scheme, federal first home buyer guarantee schemes, and the SA Rent-to-Buy Affordable Housing Initiative depending on your circumstances.
Eligible first home buyers pay $0 stamp duty on new homes and vacant land in South Australia. There is no property value cap for contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024.
The grant is a one-off payment of $15,000 for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home in South Australia.
This refers to shared equity schemes such as Help to Buy, where the government contributes a portion of the purchase price (up to 30% for an existing home or 40% for a new build) and holds an equivalent ownership share. It reduces the amount you need to borrow and your upfront costs, but the government retains its share until you buy it out or sell the property.
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