This article was last updated in October 2025 and all information is accurate as of this time.
Buying your first home in New South Wales is an exciting step — but with property prices among the highest in the country, it can also feel like an uphill climb. For many first home buyers, the challenge isn’t finding the right home — it’s saving enough to get started.
That’s where the NSW First Home Buyers Grant comes in. Designed to make entering the market easier, the grant helps eligible buyers purchase or build a brand-new home by providing a $10,000 boost toward upfront costs.
Whether you’re buying an apartment in Sydney, building in Newcastle, or settling in regional NSW, understanding how this grant works — and how it fits with other government schemes — can make a huge difference to your buying power.
At QPF Finance, our mortgage brokers help first-time buyers across New South Wales navigate these programs, compare lenders, and secure finance with confidence.
What Is the First Home Buyers Grant (NSW)?
The First Home Buyers Grant (also known as the First Home Owner (New Homes) Grant) is a $10,000 payment from the NSW Government to help first home buyers purchase or build a new residential property.
The grant applies to:
-
Newly built homes valued up to $600,000, or
-
House and land packages (including building contracts) valued up to $750,000 in total.
Eligible properties can include new houses, apartments, townhouses, or homes built by an owner-builder, as long as they’ve never been lived in or sold before.
Example: If you purchase a new off-the-plan apartment in Western Sydney worth $590,000, you may be eligible for the $10,000 grant — which can go toward your deposit or upfront costs.
The grant is only available for new or substantially renovated properties — not established homes.
You can review full details on the Revenue NSW website, but we’ve also broken down the key eligibility criteria in simple terms below.
Who Is Eligible for the NSW First Home Buyers Grant?
To qualify for the First Home Buyers Grant in New South Wales, applicants need to meet a few straightforward personal and property criteria.
Here’s what you need to know:
Personal Eligibility
-
You must be at least 18 years old.
-
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or applying jointly with one).
-
You and your spouse or partner must not have previously owned or co-owned residential property in Australia.
-
You can only receive the grant once — it’s a one-time benefit for first-time buyers.
Property Requirements
-
The property must be brand new. This includes:
-
Newly built homes that have never been occupied or sold
-
Off-the-plan apartments or townhouses
-
Homes built under a building contract
-
Owner-builder constructions, once completed and approved for occupancy
-
-
The home must be valued at no more than $600,000.
-
For house and land packages or new builds, the combined land and construction cost must not exceed $750,000.
Occupancy Requirements
-
You must move into the home within 12 months of settlement or completion.
-
You must live there continuously for at least six months as your main residence.
The grant is designed for owner-occupiers, so investment properties or second homes aren’t eligible.
Tip: Even if you’re building on your own land, you may still qualify for the grant — provided the home hasn’t been lived in and meets the price cap.
Property Price Limits and Eligible Homes
The First Home Buyers Grant in NSW is designed to support those purchasing or building a new home. To be eligible, the property must fall within specific price caps set by the NSW Government.
If you’re buying a newly built home, the total value of the property must be $600,000 or less. For house and land packages (or when building on your own land) the combined value of the land and construction contract must not exceed $750,000.
These limits apply whether you’re buying an off-the-plan apartment in the city or building a family home in regional NSW.
The property must also meet the following criteria:
-
It’s brand new, meaning it has never been lived in or sold before.
-
It can be a new house, townhouse, apartment, or a home built by an owner-builder (after final approval).
-
The property must be intended as your main place of residence.
Example: If you purchase a newly built townhouse in Penrith for $590,000 or build a home-and-land package in Dubbo worth $740,000, you may be eligible for the $10,000 grant to help cover your upfront costs.
The grant cannot be used for existing homes, investment properties, or renovations that don’t meet the state’s “substantially renovated” definition.
How to Apply for the First Home Buyers Grant in New South Wales
Applying for the NSW First Home Buyers Grant is relatively simple, but getting the details right will help you avoid delays or missed payments. Here’s how the process works:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure both you and the property meet the grant requirements:
-
You’re over 18 and an Australian citizen or permanent resident
-
You’ve never owned property in Australia
-
You’re buying or building a brand-new home valued under the relevant price cap
-
You plan to move in within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months
You can confirm full details on the Revenue NSW website.
2. Apply Through Your Lender or Mortgage Broker
The easiest way to apply is through your lender or mortgage broker when you’re arranging your home loan. They’ll lodge the grant application on your behalf with Revenue NSW, and the payment is usually made at settlement (for completed homes) or once construction is finished (for new builds).
Tip: QPF Finance brokers handle your grant application alongside your home loan — saving you time and ensuring every document is submitted correctly.
3. Gather Your Documents
You’ll generally need:
-
Proof of identity (passport, driver’s licence, or birth certificate)
-
Copy of your signed contract of sale or building contract
-
Proof of completion or occupancy (for new builds)
-
Evidence of land ownership (if building on your own land)
4. Submit and Wait for Assessment
Once your broker or lender submits the application, Revenue NSW will assess it and process the payment — typically within 10 to 15 business days. If you’ve applied directly, you’ll be notified by email or post when the outcome is confirmed.
Other Government Assistance for First Home Buyers in NSW
Alongside the NSW First Home Buyers Grant, there are several national programs designed to help first-time buyers enter the market sooner:
-
Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) – Buy a home with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
-
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) – Save your deposit through voluntary super contributions, which can offer tax advantages.
-
Help to Buy (Coming Soon) – A shared-equity scheme where the government co-invests in your property, reducing the amount you need to borrow.
Tip: A QPF Finance broker can check your eligibility across multiple programs and help you combine them with the NSW grant for maximum savings.
Why Use a Mortgage Broker
Buying your first home in New South Wales can feel overwhelming especially when you’re trying to make sense of grants, lenders, and ever-changing property prices. That’s where a mortgage broker can make all the difference.
At QPF Finance, our property finance team help first home buyers across Sydney and regional NSW:
-
Compare 50+ lenders to find the most competitive rates and products
-
Handle your First Home Buyers Grant paperwork and apply through the right channels
-
Check your eligibility for other schemes like the Home Guarantee or Super Saver programs
-
Guide you from pre-approval to settlement, saving you time and stress
- And our insurance brokers can help sort out your Home & Contents insurance!*
Unlike going directly to one bank, we search the market to find the loan that truly fits your goals.
With the right broker by your side, buying your first home doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll help you understand your options, access the right support, and take the next step toward owning your first home in NSW.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute financial or insurance advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial or insurance product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.
*Costs may apply. Contact a QPF insurance broker for more details
