Frequently asked questions about FHOG ACT
How much is the First Home Owners Grant ACT?
Up until 30 June 2019, the FHOG ACT is only available if you buy or build a newly home valued at $750,000 or below. The First Home Owner Grant in Canberra can also be used if you’re buying off-the-plan, or if you buy a substantially renovated home. ‘Substantial renovations’ mean all or most of the building has been removed or replaced. Renovations to just one part of the home such as a new kitchen or bathroom don’t count as substantial renovations.
It’s important to note that the FHOG scheme in the ACT will no longer be available from 1 July 2019. Instead, the FHOG ACT will be replaced with exemptions on stamp duty, which could add up to a lot more than the current $7,000 FHOG.
First Home Owners Grant ACT eligibility
There are a few rules to be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in ACT, these conditions are:
- You or your spouse/partner must not have previously received a FHOG in Australia
- You must live in the home you buy for at least 12 months within 12 months of settling on the
property (this is when the keys are handed to you) or from when the home is fully built - You must be aged 18 years or over and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Specific rules apply to having previously owned property. You may not be eligible to claim the FHOG in
the ACT if:
- You owned residential property anywhere in Australia before 1 July 2000, or
- You owned residential property in Australia between 1 July 2000 and 1 January 2004, and lived
there for any period of time, or - You owned residential property in Australia after 1 January 2004, which you lived in for six
months or more.
How to apply for First Home Owner Grant ACT
Applying for the First Home Owner Grant in the ACT is easy, and your Mortgage Choice broker can guide you through the paperwork. Simply fill out the form below and a local expert will be in contact with you shortly.
Are first home buyers in the ACT exempt from stamp duty?
From 1 July 2019, first home buyers in Canberra will no longer have to pay stamp duty on their properties. This includes both new and established homes and has no limit with regards to property prices, meaning that buyers will have more freedom to purchase the home that's right for them.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, first homeowners in the ACT must have a household income below $160,000. This number increases up to $176,650 depending on the number of children you may have.
How do you Buy Your First Home?
There are many different ways you can go about buying your first home. The best way is to get in touch with a Mortgage Broker, who can show you the State Grants that you're eligible for and can help with your home loan application. Check out our Steps to Buying your First Home for more information on how to buy your first home.
