First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes in Brisbane: Your 2026 Guide
Spring is the busiest time of year in the Brisbane property market, and if you are buying your first home, there has never been more help available. Between the federal 5% deposit scheme, the Queensland First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty savings and a tax-smart way to build your deposit, eligible first home buyers can save tens of thousands of dollars. The catch is that each scheme has its own rules, and getting the most out of them means knowing how they fit together.
At FinTax Partners in Greenslopes, we help first home buyers on both sides of the equation: the finance, through our affiliated finance company, and the tax, as a registered tax agent. Here is what is on offer in 2026 and how to make the most of it.
The First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit, No LMI)
The First Home Guarantee is a federal scheme run by Housing Australia that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a deposit of just 5% without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government guarantees part of your loan to the lender, which is what removes the LMI, a saving that can run into the tens of thousands.
The scheme became far more accessible from 1 October 2025, when the income caps and the annual limit on places were removed. In Queensland, the property price caps are now $1,000,000 across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, and $700,000 for the rest of the state. You still need to pass your lender’s serviceability assessment, and you apply through a participating lender or broker, not directly to Housing Australia.
There are two related options worth knowing: the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (the same 5% terms for eligible regional buyers) and the Family Home Guarantee (a 2% deposit option for eligible single parents and guardians).
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant
The Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a cash payment from the Queensland Government to eligible first home buyers, currently $30,000 for eligible new homes (including certain off-the-plan and substantially renovated homes that meet the rules). It is paid around settlement through the Queensland Revenue Office.
The grant amount and its end date are set by the Queensland Government and have changed before, so confirm the current terms and eligibility with the Queensland Revenue Office before you rely on them. It applies to new homes only, not established properties.
Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty) Savings
Stamp duty is usually one of the largest upfront costs of buying, so the Queensland concessions for first home buyers can make a real difference:
- New homes and vacant land: since 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers building or buying a new home, or buying vacant land to build their first home, can pay no transfer duty.
- Established homes: eligible first home buyers can access a full concession under $700,000 and a partial concession up to $800,000.
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (The Tax-Smart Option)
This is the one many first home buyers miss, and it is where a registered tax agent adds real value. The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme, run by the ATO, lets you make voluntary contributions to your super of up to $15,000 a year, and withdraw up to $50,000 in total (plus associated earnings) to put towards your first home. Because super contributions are generally taxed at a lower rate than your income, your deposit can grow faster inside super than in an ordinary savings account.
There are strict eligibility and timing rules, including that you must request the ATO’s determination before your property transfers. Whether the FHSS suits you is a tax question, which is exactly the kind of thing we help first home buyers plan.
How to Put It All Together
The real advantage comes from combining these schemes correctly, and making sure your finance and your tax strategy line up. Because FinTax Partners handles both, we can help you understand which schemes you qualify for, arrange your loan through our affiliated finance company, and plan the tax-smart side, so you get into your first home sooner and keep more money in your pocket.
Ready to Buy Your First Home in Brisbane?
Buying your first home is a big step, and the right advice can save you thousands and get you there sooner. FinTax Partners in Greenslopes helps first home buyers combine the available schemes, arrange finance through our affiliated finance company, and plan the tax-smart way to build a deposit. Book a consultation today.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial, credit or tax advice. Grant amounts, price caps, thresholds and scheme rules are set by government and can change. Confirm current details with the Queensland Revenue Office, Housing Australia and the ATO before acting. Credit assistance is provided through our affiliated finance company [insert Australian Credit Licence / Credit Representative number]. FinTax Partners is a registered tax agent based in Greenslopes, Brisbane.