First Home Buyer Grants in Australia: What Help Can You Get?

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make — and the good news is, the government wants to help you get there. There are grants, deposit schemes and stamp duty savings that could put tens of thousands of dollars back in your pocket. As a Darwin-based mortgage broker, I work with first home buyers every day to make sure they claim every dollar they are entitled to.

1. The 5% Deposit Scheme

Saving a 20% deposit can take years. With the 5% Deposit Scheme, eligible first home buyers can enter the market with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — saving you tens of thousands of dollars upfront. From October 2025, the scheme became even more accessible:

• No income cap

• Unlimited places — no more missing out

• Only 5% deposit needed

• No LMI payable

• Eligible single parents may only need a 2% deposit

For Darwin and the NT, the property price cap is $600,000.

2. Help to Buy Scheme

The Help to Buy scheme is a shared equity program where the government co-purchases a share of your property — reducing your loan size and your monthly repayments.

New home — Government contribution: Up to 40%

Existing home — Government contribution: Up to 30%

You may only need a 2% deposit and can avoid LMI entirely. Income limits apply: $100,000 for singles and $160,000 for couples.

Note: the government owns a share of the property until you buy them out or sell.

3. First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)

Did you know you can use your superannuation to build your deposit faster? Contributions made through super are taxed at a lower rate, which means your deposit grows more efficiently.

One person can withdraw up to $50,000. A couple combined can withdraw up to $100,000.

4. State and Territory First Home Owner Grants

Most states offer a cash grant when you build or buy a new home:

NSW — $10,000 (new homes only)

VIC — $10,000 (new homes only)

QLD — $30,000 (drops to $15,000 after 30 June 2026)

WA — $10,000 (new homes only)

SA — $15,000 (new homes only)

TAS — $30,000 (new homes only)

NT — $50,000 (HomeGrown Territory Grant — new homes)

ACT — $0 grant (stamp duty concession instead)

Darwin Spotlight: The $50,000 NT HomeGrown Territory Grant

This is one of the strongest first home buyer grants in Australia — and it is right here in the Northern Territory.

Eligible first home buyers building or buying a new home in the Territory can receive $50,000 with no property price cap.

Key conditions:

- You must live in the property for at least 12 months after settlement or completion

- Contracts must be signed between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2027

Quick First Home Buyer Checklist

Am I an Australian citizen or permanent resident? — Required for most grants and schemes

Is this my first home? — Most grants are for first home buyers only

Am I buying or building new? — Cash grants generally apply to new homes

Do I have at least 5% deposit? — May qualify for the 5% Deposit Scheme

Am I buying in the NT? — You may access the $50,000 HomeGrown Grant

Have I checked stamp duty? — Can be a major upfront cost

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

The right combination of grants, deposit schemes and stamp duty savings can genuinely change when — and whether — you buy your first home.

At Aussie Wealth Home Loans, Bibiyan Thapa helps Darwin first home buyers understand exactly which grants apply to their situation, compare lenders and make the most of every dollar available.

Book a free consultation at aussiewealthloans.com.au/appointment or call +61 450 979 095. The earlier you reach out, the better.

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