Grant and Scheme Available to Queensland First Home Buyers in 2026
| “Between the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty abolished on new builds, and the Boost to Buy scheme, Queensland first home buyers in 2026 have access to the most comprehensive government support package in the state’s history.” |
Buying your first home in Queensland in 2026 is genuinely challenging. Prices are high, competition is fierce, and saving a deposit while paying rent can feel like running on a treadmill. But here is what many first home buyers don’t realise: there has never been more government support available to help you cross the line.
Between state and federal schemes, an eligible Queensland first home buyer purchasing a new build in 2026 could access more than $80,000 in combined savings and concessions. That is not a small amount — it can be the difference between buying now and waiting another three years.
Here is a complete, plain-English guide to every grant and scheme currently available.
State Government Support
| First Home Owner Grant $30,000 | Available for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home valued under $750,000. The grant is paid directly toward your purchase and does not need to be repaid. Extended until 30 June 2026 — if you are planning to build, time matters. Must be applied for through your lender at settlement. |
| Stamp Duty Exemption $0 stamp duty on new builds | From 1 May 2025, Queensland first home buyers pay zero stamp duty on new homes and vacant land. On a $650,000 new build, this saves approximately $12,350 in stamp duty that you would otherwise have to pay upfront. This is one of the most significant changes to the Queensland first home buyer landscape in years. |
| Boost to Buy Scheme From 2% deposit | The state government’s shared equity scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit. The government takes an equity stake of up to 25% in your home (up to 30% in regional areas), reducing the amount you need to borrow. Total funding doubled to $330 million, with 50% of places reserved for regional Queensland buyers. |
Federal Government Support
| First Home Guarantee 5% deposit — no LMI | The federal government guarantees up to 15% of your purchase price, allowing eligible buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. LMI can cost $10,000 to $25,000 depending on your loan size — this scheme eliminates that cost entirely. Expanded price caps and increased places from 1 October 2025. |
| Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee 5% deposit in regional areas | The same 5% deposit guarantee applies specifically to regional Queensland buyers. If you are purchasing in Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast hinterland, or other regional areas, this guarantee is available alongside the regional Boost to Buy scheme. |
| First Home Super Saver Scheme Save faster for your deposit | Allows eligible buyers to save for a first home deposit through their superannuation fund, where earnings are taxed at just 15% rather than your marginal income tax rate. You can contribute up to $15,000 per year (up to $50,000 total) and withdraw these voluntary contributions for your deposit. |
Can you combine these schemes?
In many cases, yes — and doing so can dramatically reduce your upfront costs. Here are the most common combinations:
| Scenario | Schemes Combined | Potential Savings |
| New build, metro QLD | FHOG $30,000 + Stamp Duty Exemption + First Home Guarantee | $42,000–$55,000+ |
| New build, regional QLD | FHOG $30,000 + Stamp Duty Exemption + Regional First Home Guarantee + Boost to Buy | $55,000–$75,000+ |
| Existing property, 5% deposit | First Home Guarantee (no LMI) + Boost to Buy (shared equity) | $15,000–$30,000+ |
| Super savings strategy | First Home Super Saver + First Home Guarantee | Accelerated deposit + no LMI |
What are the eligibility requirements?
Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria, but the common requirements across most of them include:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
- The property must be your principal place of residence — not an investment
- Income caps apply — for the First Home Guarantee, $125,000 for singles and $200,000 for couples
- Property price caps apply and vary by scheme and location
Always check the specific eligibility criteria for each scheme before applying. Your conveyancer or mortgage broker can help you confirm what you qualify for.
| DON’T LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE Most first home buyers qualify for more support than they realise — and many miss out simply because they didn’t know it existed. Book a free first home buyer consultation to find out exactly what you are entitled to. [CTA button] |