What support is there for regional first home buyers in 2026?

Regional first home buyers have historically had some dedicated support, and the way it is delivered changed in late 2025. Here is the current picture as at 2026, covering both the federal scheme and the kinds of state level support that can apply in regional areas.

The former regional guarantee

There used to be a separate Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee aimed specifically at buyers in regional areas. From 1 October 2025 that separate stream was absorbed into the main First Home Guarantee, simplifying the system so regional buyers now access the main scheme rather than a distinct one.

Regional buyers use the main scheme

Under the expanded First Home Guarantee, regional buyers can purchase with a deposit as low as 5 per cent without Lenders Mortgage Insurance, the same as other eligible first home buyers. With income caps and place limits removed from 1 October 2025, the main scheme is now broadly accessible, including in regional areas.

Higher caps reflect regional markets

The property price caps under the scheme vary by location, including specific caps for regional centres that differ from capital city caps. These were lifted as part of the expansion, so more regional properties fall within the cap than before. You should confirm the current cap for your specific regional area.

State based regional support

On top of the federal scheme, some states offer their own support that can benefit regional buyers, such as grants or stamp duty concessions, and in some cases additional amounts for regional or new home purchases. These vary considerably by state and change over time, so the support available depends heavily on where you are buying.

First Home Owner Grants

Many states offer a First Home Owner Grant, typically for new homes, which can apply to regional purchases as well as metropolitan ones. The amount and conditions differ by state, and these grants are administered by the relevant state revenue office, so the detail is state specific.

Combining support

Regional buyers can sometimes combine federal and state support, for example using the First Home Guarantee alongside a state grant or stamp duty concession, subject to each scheme rules. How these stack depends on the specific schemes and your eligibility, so it is worth mapping them together rather than in isolation.

Check what applies in your area

Because regional support combines a federal scheme with state specific grants and concessions that vary and change, the useful step is to check what currently applies in your exact area. A broker can help you map the federal and state support together, usually at no cost to you, and you should confirm the details with Housing Australia and your state revenue office. This is general information, not advice.