This article was last updated in October 2025 and all information is accurate as of this time.
Buying Your First Home in the Northern Territory
Buying your first home is a big milestone — and in the Northern Territory, where housing supply and costs can vary widely, every bit of help counts. The NT First Home Buyers Grant is designed to make that first step easier by giving eligible Territorians a financial boost toward their new home purchase.
Whether you’re building a new home in Palmerston, purchasing off the plan in Darwin, or constructing on your own land in a regional area, the grant can make a real difference in getting you started sooner.
At QPF Finance, our brokers work with first home buyers across the NT to help secure finance, manage your FHOG paperwork, and compare home loans from more than 80 trusted lenders — ensuring you get the right loan for your goals and budget.
What Is the First Home Buyers Grant (NT)?
Known in the Northern Territory as the HomeGrown Territory Grant, this First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 to eligible first home buyers who purchase or build a new residential property.
The grant applies to:
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Newly built homes (never lived in or sold)
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Off-the-plan purchases, such as new apartments or townhouses
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Owner-builder projects, once construction is complete
The FHOG can be used to boost your deposit or help cover upfront costs such as legal fees or settlement expenses — helping first-time buyers get into their homes faster.
Example: If you’re building a new home in Palmerston valued at $550,000 or buying a new apartment in Darwin for $600,000, you may be eligible for the full $10,000 grant.
The NT FHOG is only available for new homes and does not apply to established or previously occupied properties.
You can view full details and conditions on the NT Government’s FHOG page.
Who Is Eligible for the NT First Home Buyers Grant?
To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in the Northern Territory, applicants must meet several personal, property, and residency requirements. These ensure the grant supports genuine first home buyers purchasing or building new homes in the NT.
Personal Eligibility
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You must be at least 18 years old.
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You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or applying with someone who is.
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You (and your spouse or partner) must not have owned or occupied a home anywhere in Australia before.
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You can only receive the grant once per person or couple.
Property Requirements
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The property must be a new home, meaning it has never been lived in, rented, or sold before.
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Eligible property types include:
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Newly built homes purchased from a builder or developer
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Off-the-plan apartments or townhouses
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Homes built under a construction contract
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Owner-builder homes once construction is complete
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The home must be located within the Northern Territory.
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There is no property value cap, as long as the home meets the “new home” criteria.
Occupancy Rules
You must live in the property as your main residence for at least six continuous months, beginning within 12 months of the completion or settlement date.
If you’re building, the occupancy period starts once construction is finished and you’ve moved in.
Tip: A QPF mortgage broker can help confirm eligibility and manage your FHOG application as part of your loan approval — making sure your grant and finance are processed smoothly together.
Property Value Limits and Eligible Homes
The Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is designed to help genuine first-time buyers purchase or build new residential homes. Unlike many other states, the NT does not set a property value cap, giving buyers more flexibility to purchase or build in areas that suit their lifestyle and budget.
Eligible Property Types
You may qualify for the FHOG if you are:
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Building a new home under a construction contract or as an owner-builder
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Buying a newly completed home that has never been lived in or sold
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Purchasing off the plan, where construction is new or still underway
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Buying a house-and-land package that includes both land purchase and new build
To qualify as a new home, the property must:
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Have never been occupied, rented, or sold
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Be suitable for use as a principal place of residence immediately after completion
Ineligible Properties
You will not be eligible if you’re:
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Buying an established or second-hand home
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Purchasing a holiday house, investment, or rental property
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Acquiring vacant land without a building contract
Example: If you purchase a brand-new home in Darwin for $700,000 or build in Palmerston for $500,000, you may qualify for the full $10,000 grant, provided the home has never been lived in or sold.
How to Apply for the NT First Home Buyers Grant
Applying for the Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is straightforward — and most buyers choose to apply through their lender or mortgage broker so it can be processed alongside their home loan.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet all personal, property, and occupancy requirements. Your broker can review your application details and confirm whether your property qualifies as a “new home.”
2. Gather Your Documents
You’ll need to provide:
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Proof of identity (e.g. driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card)
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A copy of your building or purchase contract
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Evidence of completion or settlement
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Bank account details for grant payment
3. Submit Your Application
You can apply in one of two ways:
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Through your lender or mortgage broker – Recommended for most buyers, as it streamlines processing with your loan approval.
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Directly to the NT Department of Treasury and Finance – Complete the First Home Owner Grant application form and submit it with supporting documents.
4. Payment of the Grant
Once approved, payment is made directly to your lender or to you (depending on the situation):
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For new home purchases – Paid at settlement.
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For owner-builders – Paid when construction is complete and occupancy is approved.
5. Move In and Meet Occupancy Requirements
You must move in within 12 months of settlement or completion and live in the home for at least six continuous months as your main residence.
Tip: A QPF mortgage broker can manage your FHOG submission as part of your home loan process — helping you avoid paperwork delays and ensuring your grant is paid on time.
Other Government Assistance for First Home Buyers in the NT
In addition to the NT First Home Owner Grant, there are several national schemes that can make buying your first home more affordable. These programs can often be used alongside the FHOG to help reduce upfront costs and increase your borrowing power.
- Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) – The Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme allows eligible first home buyers to purchase a property with as little as a 5% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Places are limited each financial year, so it’s worth applying early through a participating lender. - First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) – The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets you save for your first home inside your superannuation fund, taking advantage of lower tax rates on contributions. You can withdraw up to $50,000 (combined total for couples) to use toward your deposit.
- Help to Buy (Coming Soon) – Expected to launch soon, Help to Buy is a shared equity program where the Australian Government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home (or 30% for existing homes), reducing the amount you need to borrow.
Tip: A QPF mortgage broker can help determine your eligibility for these programs and combine them with the NT First Home Owner Grant to maximise your savings and improve your buying position.
Why Use a Mortgage Broker
Buying your first home in the Northern Territory can be exciting — but navigating grants, loan options, and eligibility rules can be confusing. That’s where working with a mortgage broker makes a real difference.
A broker helps you:
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Compare loans from over 50 banks and lenders
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Check your eligibility for the NT First Home Owner Grant and other national schemes or initatives
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Secure competitive loan terms and interest rates
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Manage the entire process from pre-approval to settlement
- Our Insurance team can also help secure Home & Contents insurance for your new home!*
At QPF Finance, our brokers specialise in helping first home buyers take the stress out of the process. Whether you’re purchasing a home in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, or Alice Springs, we’ll guide you every step of the way — from understanding your borrowing power to handing over the keys.
🖐 Get in touch with QPF Finance or visit our First Home Buyers page for more information.
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
