Applying for a first home owner grant
How and when to apply
Scanned applications will be accepted
From Monday 6 April, during the COVID-19 health alert we will also accept scanned applications.
Your application must be:
- complete
- signed and witnessed
- clearly legible.
You must apply for the grant within the following timeframes.
- Buying your home
You must apply within 1 year of taking possession of the new home and your title being registered. - Contract to build
You must apply within 1 year of the new home being completed; for instance, the final inspection certificate being issued. - Owner–builder
You must apply within 1 year of the new home being completed; for instance, the final inspection certificate being issued.
In some special cases, this period may be extended. If you are applying outside the application period, you need to include in your application a written statement explaining your circumstances.
Using the grant as a deposit
The grant is paid at different times depending on how and when you apply, and on the type of property that you are building or buying. For this reason, it’s best not to count on using the grant as a deposit.
You do not need a deposit to apply for the grant itself.
The grant is paid per new home and not to each of the applicants for the same home.
Ways to apply
There are two ways to submit an application for the Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant:
- through an approved bank or lending institution
- with the Office of State Revenue.
Applying through banks and lending institutions
If you need the grant funds for settlement or want to receive it as soon as possible, apply through an approved agent (e.g. bank or lending institution). Take your completed, original application form and all supporting documentation (which must include the signed contract to buy or build your first home, if applicable) to the agent to process the grant.
Your agent can also accept scanned applications, as long as these are:
- complete
- signed and witnessed
- clearly legible.
They will confirm your eligibility and submit your application to the Office of State Revenue, who may contact you for more information.
There are penalties for giving false or misleading information.
Payment
If approved, the timeframe for payment is generally:
- at settlement, for buying a home (including off-the-plan purchases)
- on the first drawdown of funds, for contracts to build your home
- on receipt of a final inspection certificate, for building your home as an owner–builder.
Applying to the Office of State Revenue
Post your completed, original application form and all supporting documentation (which must include the signed contract to buy or build your first home, if applicable) to:
Office of State Revenue
GPO Box 953
Brisbane Qld 4001
We will also accept scanned applications, as long as these are:
- complete
- signed and witnessed
- clearly legible.
Email your application to fhogadmin@treasury.qld.gov.au.
Once your application is submitted, we will process most applications within 10 working days of receiving all the required information. (Avoid delays—make sure you provide supporting documentation by using the form’s checklist.) If you apply through an approved bank or financial institution, you may get the grant sooner.
We may contact you for more information to confirm your eligibility for the grant.
There are penalties for giving false or misleading information.
Payment
These are the general timeframes for payment for approved applications lodged directly with the Office of State Revenue.
Type of transaction | Payment of grant made |
|---|---|
Buying your home—off the plan | When you have a registration confirmation statement showing your name on the title of the property |
Buying your home—instalment purchase contracts | When all the following are fulfilled:
|
Buying your home—vendor finance contracts | When you own the home under the contract |
Buying your home—all other contracts | When you have a registration confirmation statement showing your name on the title of the property |
Building your home—building contract | When you have a final inspection certificate |
Building your home—owner–builder | When you have a final inspection certificate |
In this guide:
- Previous ( https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/financial-help-concessions/qld-first-home-grant/apply-first-home-grant/understand-your-obligations )