First Home Buyer Grants in the ACT
The stamp duty concession and the federal schemes that ACT first home buyers can use in 2026, explained simply and shown as a single figure.
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What help can a first home buyer get in the ACT?
ACT first home buyers may be entitled to several forms of help. The ACT does not pay a cash grant, but eligible buyers may receive a full stamp duty concession under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, and they can also use the federal schemes such as the First Home Guarantee, Help to Buy and the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
How much is the First Home Owner Grant in the ACT?
The ACT does not offer a cash First Home Owner Grant. Instead, eligible first home buyers may receive a full stamp duty concession under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which is income tested and can apply to new and established homes.
| Feature | ACT |
|---|---|
| Grant amount | No cash grant |
| Property price cap | Not applicable |
| Administered by | ACT Revenue Office |
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in the ACT?
Under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, eligible first home buyers in the ACT may pay no stamp duty up to a high property value threshold, on a new or established home. The scheme is income tested on the combined income of all buyers.
Because the ACT replaced its cash grant with a stamp duty concession, the duty saving is the main first home buyer benefit, and it can be worth tens of thousands on an eligible purchase.
Federal schemes for the ACT first home buyers
On top of any state help, the ACT first home buyers can use the First Home Guarantee, which lets eligible buyers purchase with a 5 percent deposit and pay no lenders mortgage insurance, with a property price cap of $1,000,000 across the whole of the Australian Capital Territory. There is also Help to Buy shared equity and the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
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First home buyer grants in the ACT: top questions
How much is the first home buyer grant in the ACT?
The ACT does not pay a cash First Home Owner Grant. Instead eligible first home buyers may receive a full stamp duty concession under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which is income tested and can apply to new and established homes.
Is there a property price cap on the the ACT grant?
There is no grant cap because the ACT does not pay a cash grant. The help is a stamp duty concession under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which is income tested rather than capped by a single property price.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in the ACT?
Under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, eligible first home buyers in the ACT may pay no stamp duty up to a high property value threshold, on a new or established home. The scheme is income tested on the combined income of all buyers.
Can I get the grant on an established home in the ACT?
The ACT has no cash grant for any home. Its Home Buyer Concession Scheme, however, can apply to both new and established homes, so an established buyer in the ACT may still receive a full stamp duty concession if they meet the income test.
How does the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme work?
The Home Buyer Concession Scheme can remove stamp duty entirely for eligible ACT first home buyers up to a high property value threshold. It is income tested on the combined income of everyone buying, and applies to new and established homes.
Can first home buyers use the First Home Guarantee in the ACT?
Yes. The First Home Guarantee lets eligible buyers purchase with a 5 percent deposit and pay no lenders mortgage insurance. The the ACT price cap is $1,000,000 across the whole of the Australian Capital Territory.
Do I have to live in the home to receive the grant in the ACT?
Yes. First home owner grants are for owner occupiers, so at least one buyer must move in and live there as their main home for a continuous period, generally starting within 12 months of settlement or completion.
Who is eligible for the first home buyer grant in the ACT?
You generally must be a person rather than a company or trust, be at least 18, and at least one buyer must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You and your partner must not have owned residential property in Australia or received the grant before.
How do I apply for the grant in the ACT?
Most people apply through an approved agent, usually their lender, at the same time as the home loan, with the help arranged at settlement or the first construction payment. You can also apply directly to the ACT Revenue Office within the allowed time.
Can I combine the grant with other schemes in the ACT?
Often yes. A first home buyer building a new home in the ACT can frequently use the state help, the stamp duty rules and the federal First Home Guarantee at the same time. Some schemes are means tested or interact differently.
When is the first home buyer help paid in the ACT?
When you buy a completed new home the help is generally applied at settlement. When you have a building contract it is usually applied at the first construction progress payment. The timing depends on whether you are buying or building.
What counts as a new home for the the ACT grant?
A new home is one that has not previously been lived in or sold as a place of residence. That includes a brand new build, an off the plan apartment, and a house and land package. Established homes that have been lived in before do not qualify.
How does Help to Buy work for the ACT buyers?
Help to Buy is a federal shared equity scheme available in the ACT. The government contributes up to 40 percent of the price of a new home or 30 percent of an existing home for an equity share, which reduces your loan. Income and place limits apply.
Can I use the First Home Super Saver Scheme in the ACT?
Yes. The First Home Super Saver Scheme is federal and available in the ACT. You can withdraw up to $50,000 of eligible voluntary super contributions, plus earnings, towards your deposit, subject to the scheme rules.
Can I get the grant on an off the plan apartment in the ACT?
Yes. An off the plan apartment or townhouse counts as a new home, so it can qualify for the the ACT first home buyer help, as long as it has not been previously occupied and you meet the other criteria.
General information only. This page provides general information based on first home buyer settings current in 2026. It is not financial advice, a quote, or a guarantee, and your personal circumstances have not been considered. Grant amounts, caps, eligibility and scheme places change and vary by circumstance, and some help applies only to new homes. Always confirm current grants and your eligibility with the ACT Revenue Office, Housing Australia, or a licensed mortgage broker. Ross McFarlane (Credit Representative 526725) is an authorised Credit Representative of Australian Associated Advisers Pty Ltd t/a Keylend, Australian Credit Licence 392169.