This article was last updated in October 2025 and all information is accurate as of this time.
Buying your first home is a huge milestone — but with rising property prices and changing lending conditions, it can feel a little out of reach for many South Australians. Fortunately, the SA First Home Buyers Grant helps make that first step easier.
Whether you’re building a new home in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, purchasing off the plan near Glenelg, or constructing your first home in regional SA, the grant offers a valuable financial boost that can help turn your plans into reality.
At QPF Finance, our mortgage brokers work with first home buyers across South Australia to help secure pre-approval, manage your FHOG paperwork, and compare home loan options from over 50 lenders — so you can focus on finding your dream home.
What Is the First Home Buyers Grant (SA)?
The South Australian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a $15,000 payment from the state government designed to help eligible first-time buyers 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 (apartments or townhouses)
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Owner-builder projects, once construction is complete
The property must be valued at $650,000 or less, including both the home and the land.
Example: If you buy a new townhouse in Adelaide for $640,000 or build a new home in Mount Barker for $610,000, you could receive the $15,000 grant to put toward your deposit or upfront costs.
The grant is not available for established homes, but it can apply to substantially renovated properties where most of the existing structure has been replaced.
You can find detailed eligibility and application information on the RevenueSA website.
Who Is Eligible for the SA First Home Buyers Grant?
To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia, applicants must meet several personal, property, and occupancy requirements designed to support genuine first-time buyers.
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 jointly with one.
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You and your spouse or partner must not have previously owned or occupied a home anywhere in Australia.
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The grant can only be received once per person or couple.
Property Requirements
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The property must be new — meaning it has never been lived in, rented, or sold before.
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It must be located within South Australia and have a total value (home and land) of $650,000 or less.
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Eligible property types include:
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New homes purchased from a builder or developer
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Homes built under a building contract or as an owner-builder project
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Off-the-plan apartments or townhouses
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Substantially renovated homes (where most of the original structure has been replaced)
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Occupancy Rules
You must live in the property as your principal place of residence for a minimum of six continuous months, starting within 12 months of settlement or construction completion.
Tip: Your mortgage broker can help confirm eligibility and ensure your grant application aligns with your home loan approval timeline — avoiding delays at settlement.
Property Value Limits and Eligible Homes
The South Australian First Home Owner Grant is designed to help buyers enter the market by purchasing or building a new residential property not an established one. To qualify, your home must meet the state’s property value limits and criteria for what’s considered “new.”
Property Value Cap
To be eligible for the FHOG in South Australia, the total value of the property (house and land) must be $650,000 or less.
This applies whether you are:
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Buying a newly built home from a builder or developer
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Purchasing off the plan
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Building on your own land under a construction contract
Eligible Property Types
The grant can apply to:
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Brand new homes that have never been lived in or sold
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Off-the-plan apartments or townhouses, where construction is new or recently completed
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Owner-builder homes, once construction is finished
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Substantially renovated homes, where most of the existing structure has been replaced (as certified by RevenueSA)
Ineligible Properties
You will not qualify for the grant if you are:
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Buying an existing or second-hand home
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Purchasing a holiday house or investment property
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Buying vacant land without a construction contract
Example: If you build a new home in Gawler valued at $630,000, you could receive the $15,000 grant. But if you purchase an established home of the same value, you wouldn’t qualify.
How to Apply for the SA First Home Buyers Grant
Applying for the South Australian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is simple, but accuracy matters — especially when you’re aligning it with your home loan application.
Most buyers apply through their lender or mortgage broker, who can submit your grant paperwork along with your loan documents. You can also apply directly through RevenueSA if preferred.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Check Your Eligibility
- Confirm that you meet the personal, property, and occupancy requirements before applying. Your broker can double-check this for you.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
- You’ll need proof of identity, your signed building or purchase contract, and evidence of settlement or construction progress.
3. Submit Your Application
- Through your lender or broker: Recommended — ensures faster processing and aligns with your home loan settlement.
- Directly to RevenueSA: Complete the online form at on the Revenue SA website.
4. Receive Your Grant
- For new homes — paid at settlement.
- For owner-builders — paid once construction is complete and occupancy approval is granted.
5. Move In and Meet Occupancy Requirements
- You must occupy the home as your main residence for at least six continuous months within 12 months of completion or settlement.
Tip: Applying through a QPF mortgage broker ensures your FHOG submission is handled alongside your loan approval, helping you avoid delays or missing eligibility deadlines.
Other Government Assistance for First Home Buyers in South Australia
Alongside the SA First Home Buyers Grant, there are a few national programs that can help you buy your first home sooner or reduce upfront costs:
- Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) – Allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit and pay no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Places are limited and available through participating lenders.
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) – Lets you save for your first home within your super fund, taking advantage of lower tax on contributions. You can withdraw up to $50,000 to use toward your deposit.
- Help to Buy (Coming Soon) – A shared-equity initiative launching nationally in 2026, where the government will co-invest in your property (up to 40% of new homes), reducing the size of your loan and deposit needed.
Tip: A QPF Finance mortgage broker can help you combine the South Australian FHOG with these national programs to maximise your savings and streamline the buying process.
Why Use a Mortgage Broker
Buying your first home in South Australia is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re juggling grant applications, lender comparisons, and deposit requirements. That’s where a mortgage broker can make the process simple and stress-free.
Our brokers work with first home buyers across Adelaide and regional SA to:
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Compare home loans from 50+ lenders to find the best rates and features
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Manage your First Home Buyers Grant paperwork from start to finish
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Check your eligibility for federal initiatives like the Home Guarantee Scheme or Super Saver Scheme
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Guide you from pre-approval through to settlement with expert advice every step of the way
- And our insurance team can also help secure Home & Contents Insurance for you!*
Unlike going directly to a bank, QPF brokers have access to a wide range of loan products — helping you save both time and money while ensuring your finance strategy fits your long-term goals.
With the right broker by your side, buying your first home in South Australia can be smoother, faster, and more affordable.
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
