Most first-home buyers in Victoria leave money on the table. Not because the grants are hard to get — but because nobody explained them clearly. This guide changes that.
In 2026, eligible first-home buyers in Victoria can access more than $50,000 in combined government savings — through grants, stamp duty exemptions, and low-deposit schemes.
The challenge is not finding the money. The challenge is knowing which grants apply to your situation, which ones you can combine, and which ones cancel each other out.
Whether you are looking at a house and land package in Kalkallo, an established home in Craigieburn, or a new build in Mickleham, there is a grant strategy that works for you. This guide walks you through every option available in 2026 — in plain English.
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off, tax-free $10,000 payment from the Victorian Government. It does not need to be repaid, and it is paid directly at settlement.
Who qualifies?
What properties qualify?
What does not qualify?
Important for Melbourne’s north: New estates across Kalkallo, Mickleham, Donnybrook and Beveridge are full of house and land packages that sit comfortably under the $750,000 threshold — making the FHOG accessible to the vast majority of first-home buyers in the northern corridor.
How to apply: Through your lender (bank or mortgage broker) as part of your home loan application. The lender lodges on your behalf and the $10,000 is paid at settlement. You can also apply directly with the State Revenue Office (SRO) Victoria within 12 months of settlement.
This is often the largest single saving available to Victorian first-home buyers — and it applies to both new and established homes, making it more widely accessible than the FHOG.
How it works:
| Property Value | Stamp Duty Payable |
| Under $600,000 | $0 — full exemption |
| $600,001 – $750,000 | Sliding scale concession (reduced duty) |
| Over $750,000 | Full standard stamp duty applies |
Real examples:
Who qualifies?
Critical threshold to know: The difference between a $599,000 purchase and a $610,000 purchase is not just $11,000 in price. It can also trigger $15,000+ in stamp duty. Know exactly where the threshold sits before you make an offer.
How to apply: Through the State Revenue Office Victoria’s Digital Duties Form. Your conveyancer typically handles this as part of the settlement process.
The federal government’s First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with just a 5% deposit — with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) required.
Normally, buying with less than a 20% deposit means paying LMI — an upfront insurance cost that protects the lender, not you. On a $700,000 home, LMI can easily cost $15,000 to $20,000. The First Home Guarantee eliminates this cost entirely.
How it works: The government guarantees the remaining 15% of your loan to the lender. You borrow up to 95% of the property value with no LMI penalty.
2026 key details:
What it covers: New builds, established homes, house and land packages, off-the-plan purchases, and vacant land with a building contract.
Can you combine it with the FHOG and stamp duty exemption? Yes. The First Home Guarantee stacks with both the $10,000 FHOG (for new builds) and the stamp duty exemption. This is the most powerful combination available to Victorian first-home buyers in 2026.
How to apply: Through a participating lender — you cannot apply directly to Housing Australia. A mortgage broker will identify the right participating lender for your situation.
Launched in December 2025, Help to Buy is a federal shared equity scheme designed for buyers who need the lowest possible deposit.
How it works: The government co-purchases your home with you:
Eligibility:
Currently available through: Commonwealth Bank and Bank Australia. More lenders are expected to join during 2026.
The trade-off to understand clearly: The government owns a share of your home. When you eventually sell — or choose to buy out the government’s share — they receive their proportionate share of any capital gains. The less you borrow, the lower your repayments, but the more of your future growth you share.
Can you combine it with the FHOG and stamp duty exemption? Yes — Help to Buy can be combined with both the FHOG (for new builds) and the stamp duty exemption. However, you cannot use Help to Buy and the First Home Guarantee at the same time. You must choose one or the other.
The FHSSS allows you to make voluntary contributions to your superannuation fund and later withdraw those contributions — plus earnings — to use as your home deposit.
Why it helps: Voluntary super contributions are taxed at just 15%, compared to your marginal income tax rate (which may be 32.5% or higher). This means your deposit savings grow faster inside super than in a standard savings account.
Key details:
Who this suits: First-home buyers who are currently renting and have time to build super contributions before purchasing. It works best when started at least 12 months before you plan to buy.
If you are buying an apartment or townhouse off the plan, a temporary concession is available until 20 October 2026 — and it is especially valuable.
How it works: Stamp duty on off-the-plan purchases is calculated on the dutiable value of the land only at the time of contract, not the full finished value of the property. This can dramatically reduce your dutiable value — often enough to bring a $700,000+ off-the-plan purchase back under the $600,000 first-home buyer exemption threshold.
Who it applies to: All buyers — not just first-home buyers — on off-the-plan strata apartments and townhouses. Contracts must be signed between 21 October 2024 and 20 October 2026.
After October 2026: The standard off-the-plan concession (less generous) applies.
If you are considering an off-the-plan purchase in Thomastown, Lalor, Reservoir or inner-north suburbs, speak to your conveyancer about this concession before the October 2026 deadline.
This is where it gets powerful. Multiple grants can be used together — and in the right combination, the total savings are substantial.
| Grant / Scheme | Saving |
| First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 cash |
| Stamp Duty Concession (sliding scale at $620,000) | ~$14,000 saved |
| First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) | ~$16,000 LMI avoided |
| Total combined benefit | ~$40,000 |
| Grant / Scheme | Saving |
| First Home Owner Grant | $10,000 cash |
| Stamp Duty Exemption (full, under $600,000) | ~$29,000 saved |
| First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) | ~$14,000 LMI avoided |
| Total combined benefit | ~$53,000 |
| Grant / Scheme | Saving |
| First Home Owner Grant | Not eligible (established home) |
| Stamp Duty Concession (sliding scale at $700,000) | ~$12,357 saved |
| First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) | ~$18,000 LMI avoided |
| Total combined benefit | ~$30,357 |
Key takeaway: A new build under $600,000 delivers the maximum combined benefit. In Melbourne’s northern suburbs, suburbs like Kalkallo, Mickleham, Donnybrook and Beveridge all have new house and land packages that hit this sweet spot.
Not every scheme works together. Knowing the restrictions saves you from applying for the wrong combination.
Cannot be used together:
Can all be used together:
Use this checklist before speaking to a lender or mortgage broker:
If you ticked every box, you are in a strong position to access multiple grants. Book a free consultation with SKAD Real Estate to discuss your next steps.
SKAD Real Estate are your local real estate agents in Melbourne’s northern suburbs — operating across Craigieburn, Mickleham, Kalkallo, Wollert, Epping, Mernda, Donnybrook, Beveridge, Thomastown, Lalor, Reservoir and Yarrambat.
We work with first-home buyers every day. We understand which properties in Melbourne’s north hit the FHOG and stamp duty thresholds, which new estates are eligible for the maximum combined benefit, and how to structure your purchase to get the best possible outcome.
We do not just open doors. We help you walk through the right one — with every grant and concession you are entitled to firmly in hand.
Can I get the $10,000 FHOG on an established home in Craigieburn or Wollert?
No. The FHOG only applies to new homes, house and land packages, and off-the-plan purchases that have never been previously sold or occupied. For established homes, you can still access the stamp duty exemption and the First Home Guarantee.
Can I use the First Home Guarantee if I earn more than $100,000?
Yes. The First Home Guarantee has no income cap — anyone who qualifies and has not previously owned property in Australia can apply. Income caps only apply to the Help to Buy scheme ($100,000 for individuals, $160,000 for couples).
Can couples each claim the FHOG?
No. The FHOG is paid once per property, not per applicant. A couple buying together receives one $10,000 grant, not two.
Do I need to be buying in Melbourne’s north to access these grants?
No — the grants apply across all of Victoria. However, Melbourne’s northern suburbs including Craigieburn, Mickleham, Kalkallo and Wollert are particularly well-positioned because house and land packages in these areas regularly fall within the FHOG and stamp duty exemption thresholds.
What happens if I do not stay in the property for 12 months?
You must repay the FHOG, and the SRO may charge interest and penalties. You may also lose your stamp duty concession. The only exemption applies to Australian Defence Force personnel deployed on duty.
Is the Victorian Homebuyer Fund still available in 2026?
No. The Victorian Homebuyer Fund (the state-level shared equity scheme) closed to new applications in September 2025. The federal Help to Buy scheme launched in December 2025 as its replacement.
Can I use my superannuation (FHSSS) alongside the other grants?
Yes. The First Home Super Saver Scheme can be combined with the FHOG, stamp duty exemption, First Home Guarantee, and Help to Buy. It is purely a savings mechanism — it does not affect your eligibility for other grants.
Most first-home buyers do not know exactly which grants they qualify for until they sit down with someone who knows the rules inside out. That is what SKAD Real Estate is here for.
Our real estate agents in Craigieburn, Mickleham, Kalkallo, Wollert, Epping and across Melbourne’s northern suburbs can point you toward properties that maximise your grant eligibility — and connect you with the right mortgage broker to make sure no money is left on the table.
Book your free first-home buyer consultation with SKAD Real Estate today.
🌐 https://skadrealestate.com.au/
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