So you’re ready to buy your first home in New South Wales but worried about upfront costs? As a first-home buyer, you could be eligible for financial support from the NSW Government through the NSW First Home Buyers Grant. This $10,000 grant helps eligible buyers with the purchase or construction of a new home.
Below is our expert guide on eligibility, application tips, maximising benefits, and other schemes available for first-time homebuyers in NSW.
Overview Of The NSW First Home Buyers Grant Scheme
The FHOG scheme provides:
- A one-off grant of $10,000 for first home buyers
- Strictly for those building or buying new properties or carrying out substantial renovations
- Not applicable for established homes or investors
The grant helps ease some of the upfront expenses, alongside the stamp duty discounts that are also available (more below).
Below, we’ll cover exactly who qualifies and the steps to receiving your $10,000 first homeowners grant from the NSW Government.
Am I Eligible For The First Home Owners Grant In NSW?
As experienced mortgage brokers, we always double-check these key eligibility rules with first-time buyers. Here are the official qualifying criteria from Revenue NSW to be eligible:
Strict First Home Buyer Rules
The FHOG is strictly limited to genuine first-time buyers who are defined as follows:
- You or your partner have not previously owned residential property in Australia before July 2000
- You have never received a First Home Owner Grant in Australia previously
- Acting as private owner-occupiers, not buying as a company or trust
What if I owned a home after July 2000?
Previous property ownership after July 2000 excludes you unless it was for less than 6 continuous months. For example, if you received an inheritance property that was quickly sold, you can be eligible for the scheme.
Property Requirements
- New properties only – includes houses, townhouses, apartments, etc, under construction and not lived in previously.
- If substantially renovated, the home cannot have been occupied since work was completed.
- Total property value caps: $600,000 for homes (newly built or substantially renovated), $750,000 for vacant land plus construction costs
The total purchase price is key for finished properties, while the combined land plus estimated build expense applies if constructing a home from scratch.
Residency Rules After Purchasing
- As the property owner, you or another first home buyer must move in within 12 months following settlement.
- You must then reside in the home for a minimum of 6 continuous months as your principal place of residence.
Temporarily moving out for reasons like work doesn’t impact eligibility. But you must live in the property for at least 6 months as soon as practicable.
What about Australian Defence Force personnel?
If all buyers are registered on the NSW electoral roll, ADF members are exempt from standard residency rules and can rent the home out immediately if needed.
Given the eligibility guidelines are quite strict, we suggest that first home buyers in NSW check if they qualify before going too far down the home loan process.
The best way is to talk to an expert for advice aligned to your exact circumstances.
What Types Of Properties Qualify For The NSW First Home Owners Grant?
In our experience advising clients on FHOG applications, we recommend that you double-check that your chosen property meets Government criteria.
Key property requirements under the scheme rules include:
Brand New Homes
This covers properties never lived in previously – either newly constructed or still under construction. Common examples for first home buyers:
- House-and-land packages
- Apartments purchased off the plan
- Ownership during the build process
As long as construction is completed within 24 months, brand-new homes can access the full $10,000 grant amount
Substantial Renovations
To qualify under substantial renovations, the following guidelines generally apply:
- Most or all of the existing home has been rebuilt or replaced
- The current sale is the first since renovation work finished
- Property has been unoccupied since work completed
This aims to avoid investors or builders living in the home and then re-selling shortly after minor cosmetic fixes only.
Check with your solicitor or conveyancer that renovation evidence meets state revenue guidelines.
Knockdown Rebuild Projects
Demolishing an original dwelling before building a new one on the same land also qualifies on the basis that it becomes a completely new property.
The same residency and value caps apply for knockdown rebuilds when claiming the $10,000 first home owners grant.
Total Value Caps on Property
Remember, depending on your exact situation, total property prices under the scheme cannot exceed:
- Purchased Homes or Renovations– $600,000
- Vacant Land + construction – $750,000 combined
So, while you might purchase land for $300,000, your finished home and land value must stay under $750,000 based on final ‘as built’ valuations.
Carefully review price caps before signing contracts to avoid issues later on.
How Does The Application Process For The NSW First Home Buyers Grant Work?
Already found your perfect first home and are now worried about paperwork?
Here is an overview of submitting your First Home Owners Grant application with Revenue NSW.
Option 1 - Apply Through Your Broker
Major banks and financial providers can assist directly with forms and documents. Approved agents listed here lodge applications on your behalf.
Key steps usually involve:
- Discussing eligibility for the First Home Owners Grant with your mortgage broker or lender
- Getting pre-approval so they can manage the $10K grant at settlement
- Signing the application form with your lender
- The bank submits the completed application + ID documents to NSW Revenue
Liaising through an established financial provider can really simplify getting approval. But it does mean directing the grant payment towards your home loan balance owed.
Option 2 - Apply Yourself Directly to NSW Revenue
You can also access funds directly by applying online with NSW Revenue once the property becomes legally yours.
Step-by-step, this self-managed approach involves:
- Settling on your property purchase and becoming a registered owner
- Collating identity and purchase documents
- Creating a MyRevenueNSW account
- Completing the First Home Owners Grant application
- Uploading your supporting documents like contracts of sale and identification
- Receiving grant approval and payment details from Revenue NSW
We suggest lodging forms and paperwork within 12 months of your property settlement date. Applications after this timeframe may attract extra scrutiny and requests for more documentation.
Whether you apply directly or through an agent, providing complete, accurate information is crucial for fast assessment and payment.
What Paperwork and Documents are Required?
Expect to have the following documents ready when seeking approval for NSW’s $10K first home buyers grant:
Proof of Identity
Confirming details like your full legal name, date of birth and residency status using documents such as:
- Australian Birth Certificate / Passport
- Drivers License
- Medicare Card
- Utility bills showing current residential address
Uploading certified copies is recommended to streamline verification checks.
Evidence of Property Purchase
Documents confirming details of your first home contract and transaction like:
- Contract for sale with all signatures
- Title deeds in your name
- Receipts or bank records showing payment of deposit and other costs
For new constructions, you’ll also need paperwork covering contract dates, land value and ‘as built’ property worth from your builder.
Provide as much purchase evidence as possible to help substantiate granting the $10,000 First Home Owners Grant in NSW.
6 Key Tips For Fast Approval On Your First Home Buyers Grant Application
Through assisting thousands of first-timers, here are some of our expert tips when applying for the First Home Owners Grant in New South Wales:
- Double Check Eligibility First
Have all intended property owners confirm they meet the criteria before getting too far along with paperwork or deposits.
- Gather a Complete Paper Trail
Collate purchase contracts, title deeds, pre-approvals, tax invoices and statements showing grants are genuinely needed.
- Certify Supporting Documents Upfront
Getting copies certified by a JP or professional avoids delays in confirming identities down the track.
- Lodge Forms Within 12 Months of Settlement
Submitting your application soon after the purchase date helps avoid extra requests for more records later.
- Keep All Related Documents Handy
Having previous correspondence, reference codes, and other paperwork close by helps if the agency has queries about your application.
- Seek Help From Your Lender or Broker
We regularly handle applications, so talk to us for guidance or to manage submissions on your behalf.
Remember, approval for first home owner grants often takes less than 2 weeks once complete forms are lodged. So stay in touch with processing teams if your application exceeds standard timeframes.
Are There Special Conditions After Receiving Your First Home Buyers Grant in NSW?
A key consideration for first home buyers in NSW is usage rules on your new property after you move in.
For the First Home Owners Grant, you must continuously occupy the home as your principal place of residence for at least 6 months, beginning within 12 months of settlement.
For example, if you formalised the purchase on January 1, 2023, you must have moved in by January 1, 2024, and be living there 6 months later, on July 1, 2024, to satisfy the requirements.
This aims to avoid situations where investors falsely claim grants and then quickly rent their properties out.
If genuine unexpected reasons arise preventing occupation as intended, notify Revenue NSW immediately to discuss the impact on grant eligibility. Depending on the exact circumstances, you may be able to delay moving in or repay funds without further penalties.
But actively avoiding or ignoring residency rules without explanation can attract hefty fines of up to $11,000 – so take obligations seriously, even after receiving payment.
Are There Other First Home Buyer Benefits in NSW?
Together with the $10,000 First Home Owners Grant in NSW, first home buyers can also take advantage of the following grants and concessions:
Stamp Duty Discounts
- Duty exemptions or discounts for first home purchases under $800,000
- Worth up to $24,500+ in savings if fully exempt
Read more: Stamp Duty NSW
Low Deposit Loans
- Government-backed bank mortgages needing as little as 5% deposit
- Avoiding expensive lenders mortgage insurance premiums
- Read more: Can I get a home loan with no deposit?
Shared Equity Schemes
- Government co-owns up to 30-40% to help high-priority buyers.
- Read more: Help To Buy Scheme: A Comprehensive Guide For First Home Buyers.
So speak to an expert about maximising assistance when buying your first property within NSW. Combining multiple incentives can really accelerate entry into the market for eligible home owners.
Next Steps For First Home Buyers in NSW
We hope this guide has given you valuable insights into applying for and receiving the $10,000 First Home Buyers Grant in New South Wales.
If you require any specific advice, have questions, or need help taking the next steps to buy your dream home, please feel free to get in touch. Our team at Hunter Galloway is here to help you buy a home in Australia. Unlike other mortgage brokers, who are just one-person operations, we have an entire team of experts dedicated to making your home loan journey as simple as possible.
If you want to get started, please give us a call on 1300 088 065 or book a free assessment online to see how we can help.
This article contains general information only. Speak to a professional for advice tailored to your circumstances. Check Revenue NSW details for the latest program rules. Last updated July 2024.
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