SA First Home Owner Grant

What Is the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia?

The South Australian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a $15,000 payment from the state government to help eligible first home buyers purchase or build a new home. Administered by RevenueSA, the grant has been a key part of South Australia's strategy to support home ownership and encourage new housing construction across the state.

South Australia's $15,000 grant is more generous than the $10,000 offered in NSW and WA, though below Queensland's $30,000 grant. However, when combined with South Australia's stamp duty exemption on new homes, the total benefit package is highly competitive and can save first home buyers over $40,000 on their purchase.

Adelaide's property market offers excellent value by national standards. With a median house price significantly lower than Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, and with no value cap on the grant or the new home duty exemption since June 2024, SA is one of the most accessible states for first home buyers looking to take advantage of government incentives.

SA FHOG Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the $15,000 South Australian First Home Owner Grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least one applicant if purchasing jointly)
• You must be aged 18 years or older at the date of the transaction
• You (or your spouse/de facto partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
• You (or your spouse/de facto partner) must not have previously received a first home owner grant in any Australian state or territory
• The home must be a new home, newly built, purchased off the plan, or substantially renovated
• You must occupy the property within 12 months and live there for a continuous period of at least six months
• The property must be in South Australia

There is no income test for the SA FHOG. Whether you are a single buyer on a modest income or a high-earning couple, the eligibility criteria are the same. This makes the grant accessible to all first home buyers who meet the property and ownership requirements.

No Property Value Cap Since June 2024

The South Australian FHOG used to apply only to new homes valued up to $650,000. That cap was removed in June 2024, so an eligible new home, off-the-plan purchase or owner-builder home qualifies for the $15,000 grant whatever its price.

The first home buyer stamp duty exemption on new homes and vacant land to build was uncapped at the same time. Established homes still get neither the grant nor a first home buyer duty concession.

New Homes vs Existing Homes in South Australia

The FHOG in South Australia is available only for new homes. RevenueSA defines a new home as:

• A home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence
• A newly constructed home purchased off the plan
• A substantially renovated home where the renovation is so extensive that the result is effectively a new dwelling
• A home built by an owner-builder on their own land

Existing (established) homes do not qualify for the FHOG. However, it is worth noting that while the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers on new homes is a standout benefit, buyers of existing homes can still access federal schemes such as the First Home Guarantee and the First Home Super Saver scheme. The overall incentive package for existing homes in SA is less generous than for new homes, which is a deliberate policy to encourage new housing construction.

SA Stamp Duty Exemption for First Home Buyers

One of South Australia's most significant first home buyer benefits is the stamp duty exemption on new homes. Eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty on a new home, an off-the-plan purchase or vacant land bought to build their first home, with no value cap since June 2024. This exemption, combined with the $15,000 FHOG, makes new homes in SA particularly attractive for first-time purchasers.

How Much Can You Save?

The stamp duty savings depend on the property value. Here are some examples of the combined FHOG and stamp duty savings on new homes in South Australia:

• $400,000 new home: $15,000 FHOG + approximately $14,830 stamp duty saving = approximately $29,830 total savings
• $500,000 new home: $15,000 FHOG + approximately $21,330 stamp duty saving = approximately $36,330 total savings
• $600,000 new home: $15,000 FHOG + approximately $26,830 stamp duty saving = approximately $41,830 total savings
• $650,000 new home: $15,000 FHOG + approximately $29,580 stamp duty saving = approximately $44,580 total savings

These are substantial savings that can dramatically reduce the upfront cost of home ownership. On a $650,000 new home, saving over $44,000 means you need significantly less deposit and have lower overall purchase costs compared to a non-first-home buyer.

Existing Homes and Stamp Duty

Unlike the exemption for new homes, first home buyers purchasing existing (established) homes in South Australia are generally subject to standard stamp duty rates. This creates a meaningful cost difference between buying new and buying established, which is worth factoring into your decision. On a $500,000 existing home, standard stamp duty would be approximately $21,330, whereas a $500,000 new home would attract zero duty for a first home buyer.

How to Apply for the SA First Home Owner Grant

There are two application methods for the South Australian FHOG:

Option 1: Through Your Lender (Most Common)

The most common and convenient approach is to apply through your lender or mortgage broker when you submit your home loan application. The FHOG application forms are completed alongside your loan documentation, and the $15,000 grant is credited at settlement. This means the grant is available precisely when you need it, reducing your settlement costs.

Option 2: Directly with RevenueSA

If you are not financing your purchase through a lender, or if you did not apply through your lender, you can apply directly to RevenueSA within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction. Applications can be submitted online through the RevenueSA website. You will need to provide proof of identity, your contract of sale or building contract, evidence that the home is new, and a statutory declaration confirming you meet all eligibility requirements.

For the stamp duty exemption, your conveyancer typically handles the application as part of the standard settlement process. Make sure your conveyancer is aware that you are a first home buyer purchasing a new home so they can apply for the exemption when lodging the transfer documents.

Other First Home Buyer Benefits Available in South Australia

First Home Guarantee (Federal Scheme)

The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase with just 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Property price caps in SA are $900,000 for Adelaide and $500,000 for the rest of the state. There is no income test; the previous income limits were removed in October 2025. Combined with the SA FHOG and stamp duty exemption, this scheme can make home ownership achievable with very modest savings.

First Home Super Saver Scheme

The FHSS scheme lets you withdraw up to $50,000 in voluntary super contributions for your first home deposit. With the concessional tax rate of 15% on super contributions, this scheme is particularly beneficial for medium to high income earners. Combined with the $15,000 FHOG, you could have up to $65,000 in grants and tax-advantaged savings to put towards your purchase.

HomeStart Finance

HomeStart Finance is a South Australian Government-backed lender that offers home loans designed for buyers who may face barriers with traditional lending. HomeStart offers low-deposit loans (from as little as $1,000 deposit for some products), graduate loans for recent university graduates, and shared equity options. These products can be used in conjunction with the FHOG to help buyers enter the market sooner.

Tips for Maximising Your First Home Buyer Benefits in SA

• Buy new: This is where the benefits are concentrated: the $15,000 FHOG plus no stamp duty, which on a $650,000 new home is worth over $44,000 combined.
• Explore Adelaide's growth areas: New house and land packages in Mount Barker, Gawler, Two Wells, Angle Vale, and the southern suburbs qualify for both the grant and the duty exemption.
• Consider regional South Australia: Lower property prices in towns like Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, and Victor Harbor mean your $15,000 grant and stamp duty savings go even further.
• Combine all available schemes: Use the FHOG, stamp duty exemption, First Home Guarantee, and FHSS scheme together for the strongest possible position.
• Look into HomeStart Finance: SA's government-backed lender offers unique low-deposit products that are not available through mainstream banks.
• Engage a mortgage broker: A broker can map out all your options across both state and federal schemes and ensure you do not miss any available benefits. The service is free to you.