Buying your first home in NSW can feel exciting, stressful, and wildly confusing all at once. Chances are you already know help is available, but you may not understand the specifics of what the First Home Buyer Grant and other schemes entail.
In NSW, eligible buyers can access more than $30,000 by stacking state and federal government support through the First Home Buyers Scheme, grants, transfer duty savings, and reduced upfront costs.
If you’re a first home buyer looking at homes, land, or house and land packages in NSW, we’re here to step you through the grants and schemes that may be available to you.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) NSW
The NSW First Home Buyer Grant provides eligible first home buyers with $10,000 towards newly built or substantially renovated homes.
To qualify for the First Buyer Grant in NSW, you must:
Be at least 18;
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
Live in the home as your principal place of residence.
Keep in mind, for a newly built home, the purchase price must not exceed $600,000, and for vacant land with a building contract, the combined value must not exceed $750,000. As the rules are tied to the property type, price, and occupancy, it’s important to check your eligibility before signing a contract.
First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS)
NSW’s First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme provides a partial or full transfer duty exemption for first home buyers in NSW.
Eligible buyers may be able to pay no transfer duty on a new or existing home valued at $800,000 or less, although a reduced rate may apply for homes valued between $800,000 and $1 million. You may also be able to qualify for a full exemption on vacant land up to $350,000 and a concession below $450,000.
For example, with this type of first home buyer stamp duty assistance, someone buying a new home in Box Hill for $750,000 would pay $0 in stamp duty if they met other scheme requirements. Compared with the standard NSW stamp duty, this is a saving of roughly $29,000.
Federal First Home Buyer Deposit Scheme
The Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme (formally known as the First Home Guarantee) helps eligible buyers purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit. As part of this scheme, Housing Australia guarantees a portion of the loan, meaning first home buyers can avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Since 1 October 2025, the scheme has had unlimited places, with no income cap and a higher property price cap. That said, there is a cap of $1.5 million for first time buyers in Sydney and regional centre areas.
Help to Buy (Shared Equity) & Other Federal Options
The federal Help to Buy program is a shared equity scheme. Eligible buyers may be able to purchase a property with as little as a 2% deposit, and the government contributes up to 40% of the price for a new home or 30% for an existing home. This can lower the amount you need to borrow, although it does mean the government shares in the future value of the property.
The Family Home Guarantee provides an opportunity for single parents or legal guardians with a low deposit to purchase a property and pay no LMI.
Why Box Hill Stacks Up for First Home Buyers
Box Hill is an increasingly attractive option for first home buyers, offering access to new homes in one of north-west Sydney’s fastest-growing communities. It’s particularly appealing for buyers looking to take advantage of available first home buyer benefits.
The area combines everyday convenience with long-term growth potential, with easy access to schools, parks, transport links, and a range of planned town centre amenities. From a lifestyle perspective, Box Hill offers the balance many buyers are looking for, from space and connectivity to a strong sense of community.
For buyers comparing house and land opportunities in the area, The Hills of Carmel presents a chance to join a growing new community while benefiting from schemes designed to make entering the property market more achievable.
Expert Tips from a Mortgage Advice Bureau Broker
According to Mortgage Advice Bureau broker Mark, one of the biggest mistakes first home buyers make is assuming they already know which grants and schemes they qualify for. “Check first, plan second,” he says, noting that eligibility rules differ across the First Home Guarantee, First Home Owners Grant, and the Help to Buy scheme.
Mark also warns buyers not to separate loan pre-approval from scheme applications. “The two need to happen in parallel, not sequentially,” he explains. Preparing early is critical, especially in 2026, when lenders are scrutinising spending habits more closely than ever. First home buyers should organise their credit file, income documentation, and expenses at least three to six months before purchasing.
One strategy gaining traction is “stacking” multiple schemes together. For eligible NSW buyers, combining the First Home Guarantee with the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme can significantly reduce upfront costs, while the First Home Super Saver Scheme may also help accelerate savings. However, Mark notes timing and eligibility are key, especially with newer initiatives like Help to Buy, where lender access remains limited.
“The one thing buyers consistently overlook is borrowing capacity,” Mark says. While many focus on saving a deposit, they often underestimate how lenders assess serviceability, especially in Sydney’s high-priced market.
With the 2026 expansion of the First Home Guarantee and the launch of Help to Buy, Mark says buyers have more pathways into the market, but strategy matters more than ever. “The buyers who have the smoothest experience are the ones who engage a broker months before they’re ready to buy, not the week they find a property.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim FHOG and the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme together?
Yes, you can often claim the First Home Owner grant and the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme together if you’re eligible for both.
What’s the maximum I can save as a first home buyer in NSW?
The maximum you can save as a first home buyer in NSW using the available first home buyer benefits depends on the property price, type, deposit, and schemes you qualify for. If you’re able to stack multiple benefits, you could save tens of thousands.
Do I have to live in the home? For how long?
In most cases, yes, you do need to live in the home under most first home buyer grants, schemes, and benefits in NSW. How long depends on the specific benefit you’re eligible for. Most require you to move into the home for 12 months, or keep it as your main principal place of residence for 12 continuous months.
Can I use these schemes for an investment property?
No, you cannot use the First Home Buyers Scheme, Grant, or Stamp Duty benefits to purchase an investment property. They are designed to help people buy a home to live in.
What Happens if my partner has owned property before?
If your partner has owned a property before, it may affect your ability to access first home buyer grants, schemes, and benefits in NSW. It’s worth discussing your options with your broker or lender.
Is stamp duty payable on a new build in Box Hill?
Whether stamp duty is payable on a new build in Box Hill depends on the purchase price and your eligibility for the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. Eligible recipients may pay no stamp duty on a new or existing home valued at $800,000 or less, with concessions available below $1 million.
Can I use my super (FHSSS) on top of these schemes?
Yes, eligible buyers may be able to use the First Home Super Saver Scheme alongside other first home buyer schemes. The FHSSS lets you make eligible voluntary contributions into super, then apply to release those amounts, plus associated earnings, to help you buy a home.
Ready to Take the First Step at The Hills of Carmel?
Your first home is more than just a purchase – it’s the beginning of a new chapter. With the right guidance, government support and a welcoming community, that chapter can start sooner than you think.
At The Hills of Carmel, we’re proud to support first home buyers with thoughtfully designed homes, connected neighbourhood spaces and a community built for long-term living.
Visit our Sales Centre or get in touch with our team today to explore available homes and learn how your first home journey can begin at The Hills of Carmel.