Some very welcome news for locals hoping to purchase their first home – the Queensland Government has announced a bigger boost to the First Home Owner’s Grant (FHOG). This increase will give more prospective first-time buyers an opportunity to get into the market sooner.
Despite being available since 2000, some Australians may not realise how powerful this grant can be – particularly when paired with other schemes. In this article, we will explain what the updated grant offers, who is eligible and how the boost could make a difference to your journey to becoming a first-time home owner.
What’s changed in the QLD First Home Owner’s Grant
The Queensland FHOG has increased from $15,000 to $30,000 for eligible buyers, with this considerable extra boost available until June 30th, 2026. This effectively doubles the grant, making it one of the most generous available in Australia.
The increased grant applies to new homes, including off-the-plan purchases, newly built homes or significant renovations.
Who qualifies – updated eligibility explained
To be eligible for the Queensland FHOG, you need to:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Not have owned any previous property in Australia
- Live in the purchased home as your principal place of residence for at least six months of the first year
- Buy or build a new home valued under the government’s price cap (currently $750,000).
QFHOG grant amounts compared
Scenario | Before 2025 | In 2025 (boosted) |
Property price | $500,000 | $500,000 |
FHOG amount | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Buyer’s savings | $25,000 | $25,000 |
Total deposit | $40,000 (8%) | $55,000 (11%) |
Loan required | $460,000 | $445,000 |
Estimated repayments | $2,760/month | $2,670/month |
As you can see, the increased Queensland First Home Owner’s Grant can make a big difference – especially if you’re on the verge of breaking into the property market but need a bit of help.
For example, based on a 30-year loan at 6% interest, if you were to purchase a $500,000 property the increased grant means your deposit jumps from 8% to 11%.
Not only does this reduce the amount you need to borrow, but consequently lowers your monthly mortgage repayments. Even this relatively small reduction in the overall home loan can add up to significant savings over the life of the mortgage.
How the grant impacts loan-to-value ratio
As well as reducing your monthly mortgage repayments, the boosted QFHOG grant also improves your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) – a key factor lenders use to assess risk.
Using the $500,000 property example explored previously, if you had a $55,000 deposit – consisting of your own $25,000 deposit and the $30,000 grant – your LVR would be reduced from 92% to 89%.
This may lower your lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) costs or, in some cases, remove the need for it entirely.
A lower LVR also strengthens your loan application and can help you to access better interest rates.
How the grant works with other schemes
As well as reducing your monthly mortgage repayments, the boosted QFHOG grant also improves your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) – a key factor lenders use to assess risk.
Using the $500,000 property example explored previously, if you had a $55,000 deposit – consisting of your own $25,000 deposit and the $30,000 grant – your LVR would be reduced from 92% to 89%.
This may lower your lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) costs or, in some cases, remove the need for it entirely. A lower LVR also strengthens your loan application and can help you to access better interest rates.
Tips to maximise your grant benefit
- Use the grant towards your deposit to lower your LVR and reduce interest rates
- Combine FHOG with other schemes like the FHLD Scheme and stamp duty concessions
- Speak with a mortgage broker to understand which lenders accept the grant at settlement and how to include it in your home loan application.
How Borro supports first-home buyers every step of the way
At Borro, we specialise in helping Queenslanders looking to buy their first home to make the most of government schemes such as the First Home Buyers Grant. Our brokers explain your options in simple terms, compare lenders and guide you through the paperwork – ensuring you don’t miss out on any valuable savings available.
Still unsure if the FHOG boost is right for you? Book an appointment with Borro today and let us help you take the first step towards home ownership.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate at the time of publishing and is provided as general advice only. It does not confirm eligibility for the First Home Owner’s Grant. Please check with your solicitor or relevant authority to confirm your eligibility.
From 2025, eligible first-home buyers in Queensland can access a boosted grant of $30,000, up from $15,000.
You need to be buying or building your first home in Queensland, meet certain residency requirements, and stay under the property price cap set by the government.
In most cases, the grant is for new builds or newly completed homes, but there are exceptions – we can check your eligibility for you.
It is usually paid at settlement (if buying) or when the first construction payment is due (if building). Your lender or broker can manage the application process.
Yes – you might also qualify for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme or stamp duty concessions. Combining them can make a big difference to your deposit and upfront costs.
Get in touch with Borro
Book a free chat with the Borro team today to find out if this strategy could work for you.
