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Applying for a first home owner grant

How and when to apply

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 report being issued.
  • Owner–builder
    You must apply within 1 year of the new home being completed; for instance, the final inspection report 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.

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.

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 report, 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

Once your original application is submitted, we will process most applications within 10 working days of receiving all the required information. (Avoid delays—make sure 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:

  • the contract has been operating for one year
  • you have paid at least 10% of the purchase price or $20,000, whichever is greater
  • you are not in default of the contract
  • you have occupied the home as your principal place of residence

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 report

Building your home—owner–builder

When you have a final inspection report

In this guide:

  1. Check your eligibility
  2. Understand your obligations
  3. How and when to apply

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Last updated:
25 January 2018
Last reviewed:
11 December 2018