Accessible Page Links

First home owner grant

Toolbox

Useful links

Breadcrumb

What could stop me from getting the grant?

Some circumstances may stop you from getting the grant. These are known as ‘disqualifying arrangements’.

Disqualifying arrangements can include:

  • buying or building your home with financial help from a related person (who is not eligible for the grant) who will also stay in the home often or live in the home for long periods of time
  • entering into an arrangement in which the main purpose is to get the grant, rather than to get a home.

You need to fill in the addendum to the application form so we can decide if you are able to get the grant.

If there is a disqualifying arrangement, we will not pay the grant. If the grant has already been paid, you will have to repay it.

Please note: If your application involves a disqualifying arrangement, it may take us more time to process.

Top call centre questions

My spouse has owned a home before. Am I eligible for the grant?

If your spouse has previously owned a home they have lived in, you will not be eligible for the grant. If your spouse has owned a home before 1 July 2000, you will not be eligible for the grant.

Does my partner have to be included on the application?

Yes. If you have a spouse, they must be included on the application.

Each person who owns any part of your home must also be an applicant.

I have owned or currently own an investment home. Am I eligible for the grant?

If you held an interest in residential property prior to 1 July 2000, regardless of how the property was used, you will not be eligible for the grant.

If you held or currently hold an interest in residential property after 1 July 2000 and the property was or is used solely for investment purposes, you may be eligible for the grant providing you give evidence showing you have not lived in it.

This evidence may include:

  • tenancy/lease agreements
  • current electricity/phone accounts
  • electoral roll enrolment details
  • tax return details.

We will review all documentation provided with the application. We will not make a determination without an application and supporting documentation.

I am not a permanent resident, however my spouse is an Australian citizen. Does this stop us getting the grant?

No. You may still be eligible. Australian citizens, permanent residents, or a joint applicant with an Australian citizen or permanent resident are eligible for the grant, providing other eligibility requirements are met.

I would like to rent out my home for a short period before moving into it. Am I still eligible for the grant?

You may rent out your home before moving in, however, you must move into your home within 12 months and live there for at least 6 months to be eligible for the grant. Note: Renting out your home before moving in may disqualify you from receiving the transfer duty home concession.

When do I have to move into my home?

You must move into your home within 12 months and you must live there for at least 6 months in order to keep the grant.

If I am applying with another joint applicant, do we both have to live in the home?

Yes. To be eligible for the grant, all applicants must live in the home.

What if my circumstances change and I am not able to move into my home, or I have to move out before I have lived there for 6 months?

You must tell us that you are unable to move into your home or have to move out of your home before you have lived there for 6 months.

Depending on the nature of the circumstances, you may have to pay back the grant since you are no longer eligible.

back to top

Information useful?

Did you find this information useful?

I want to ...

Helpful tools

Last reviewed 27 July 2009

Footer Links

Footer Search