First Home Owners Grant SA: Grants, Stamp Duty Relief and Eligibility

Last checked: 13/10/2026

Buying your first home in South Australia is a huge milestone. But let’s face it, it can also feel overwhelming. From understanding government grants to navigating stamp duty exemptions, there is a lot to learn before you start house hunting.

The good news is that if you’re a first home buyer South Australia, there are several schemes and concessions designed to help you get into your first home sooner. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Grants, eligibility, stamp duty relief and more. You’ll have a clearer path to homeownership by the end.

Who Qualifies as a First Home Buyer in SA?

If you are purchasing or building a home in South Australia and have never owned residential property in Australia, you are considered a first home buyer. Whether you are buying alone, with a partner, jointly with friends, or purchasing a unit, you need to meet the following conditions to qualify for first home buyer assistance in SA:

• Be at least 18 years old
• At least one buyer must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or a New Zealand citizen living permanently in Australia on a Special Category visa)
• You, any co-buyers and your spouse or domestic partner must never have owned residential property in Australia
• You must move in within 12 months of settlement (or of the home being finished, if you are building) and live there as your main home for at least six continuous months

These rules apply to grants and stamp duty exemptions. It is important to confirm your eligibility early because programs like the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp duty exemptions are only available if you meet these criteria.

First Home Owner Grant SA: How Much Can You Get?

The First Home Owner Grant SA (FHOG) is a one-off payment of up to $15,000 for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new residential home. This includes off-the-plan apartments, units, and substantially renovated homes.

To qualify, the property must be a new home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence. There is no property value cap for contracts signed on or after 6 June 2024 (contracts signed between 15 June 2023 and 5 June 2024 had a $650,000 cap). Whether you are buying in Adelaide or a regional area, the FHOG gives you a valuable financial boost toward your first home.

Important things to note:

• If you apply through your lender (an approved agent), the grant is paid at settlement when you buy a new home, or with your first progress payment when you build
• If you apply directly to RevenueSA, the grant can be paid within 5 days of your application being approved
• You must apply within 12 months of settlement, or of the home being completed if you are building

This grant helps reduce your upfront costs but it is only one part of the assistance available to SA first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption SA First Home Buyers: How Much Can You Save?

Stamp duty is often one of the biggest upfront expenses when buying a home. However, eligible first home buyers South Australia can qualify for a full stamp duty exemption on new homes, off-the-plan purchases, units, and house-and-land packages.

Starting 15 June 2023, the SA Government abolished stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Since 13 February 2025, changes have tightened eligibility based on prior property ownership.

Here’s a quick overview of how it works:

• Applies to new homes, off-the-plan apartments, units, house-and-land packages, and vacant land for building
• There is no maximum property value threshold
• You must live in the home as your principal place of residence

Eligibility if you’ve owned property before

• Contracts dated on or after 13 February 2025: You are not eligible for the stamp duty exemption if you or your spouse/domestic partner have previously held a relevant interest in a residential property in Australia, regardless of whether you lived in it or not.
• Contracts dated between 15 June 2023 and 12 February 2025: You may still be eligible for the exemption even if you or your partner previously owned a residential property, provided you did not live in that property for six continuous months or longer.

For example, if you purchase a $600,000 new home or unit and meet the updated eligibility criteria, the exemption could save you more than $25,000 in upfront costs.

Use the Stamp Duty Calculator on the Revenue SA website to estimate exactly how much you could save based on your contract date and property price.

5% Deposit Scheme for SA First Home Buyers

The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme is another major support option for first home buyers South Australia. This scheme, administered by Housing Australia, allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5 percent deposit and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

For single parents or legal guardians, the scheme’s single parent offers similar benefits, allowing a deposit as low as 2 percent without needing LMI.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a first home buyer
• Be purchasing a property within the scheme’s price caps 

What Properties Qualify for First Home Buyer Assistance?

SA first home buyers can choose from several types of properties that are eligible for grants and stamp duty concessions.

Eligible property types include:

• Newly built homes that have never been lived in or sold previously
• Off-the-plan apartments and units that are yet to be completed
• Substantially renovated homes
• House-and-land packages
• Vacant land purchases for building a new home

Each property must meet South Australia’s local planning standards to qualify for grants and exemptions. Whether you prefer a townhouse in the suburbs, a unit, or an apartment in the CBD, these options give you flexibility while still accessing government assistance.

How to Apply for First Home Buyer Assistance in SA

The application process is straightforward once you know what steps to follow. Here is how you can access the First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty exemption, and other support schemes:

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria for SA first home buyers.
2. Gather your documents, including identification, residency proof, and property details.
3. Apply for the FHOG directly through RevenueSA or an approved lender.
4. Claim the stamp duty exemption, which your conveyancer will process during settlement.
5. For the 5% Deposit Scheme, apply through a participating lender or mortgage broker.

Make sure you communicate regularly with your conveyancer and lender to ensure all applications are processed correctly.

Budgeting and Planning Tips for SA First Home Buyers

Budgeting is a key step for anyone entering the property market for the first time. It helps you understand how much you can borrow and ensures you’re prepared for ongoing costs after settlement.

Helpful budgeting tips include:

• Consider upfront costs like your deposit, conveyancing fees, loan application fees, and moving costs
• Prepare for ongoing expenses such as mortgage repayments, council rates, home insurance, and utilities
• Make use of available grants and concessions to reduce your upfront costs
• Consult a mortgage broker to understand your borrowing capacity and loan options

A well-prepared budget makes it easier to find properties within your price range and helps you avoid financial stress after moving in.

Mistakes First Home Buyers Should Avoid

Many first home buyers in SA miss out on grants and exemptions because they assume all properties are eligible or forget to apply through the correct channels. Avoiding these mistakes can save you time and money.

Common mistakes to watch for:

• Not applying for the FHOG before settlement
• Assuming every new property or unit qualifies for stamp duty exemption without checking
• Making offers without having home loan pre-approval
• Overlooking hidden costs like inspection fees, legal costs, and post-settlement expenses
• Not budgeting for future maintenance and repair costs

By planning ahead and seeking professional advice, you can avoid these pitfalls and make your first home purchase a success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the First Home Owner Grant in SA?

Up to $15,000 for an eligible new home, including one bought off the plan. Check RevenueSA’s First Home Owner Grant page for the full eligibility rules.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in SA?

Eligible first home buyers of a new home, off-the-plan apartment, house-and-land package or vacant land to build on get stamp duty relief, with no property value threshold.

Can I use the 5% Deposit Scheme in SA?

Yes. Eligible first home buyers can buy with a 5% deposit (2% for single parents) without lenders mortgage insurance. There are no income caps, but price caps apply.

Key Takeaways

• First home buyers South Australia can access a $15,000 First Home Owner Grant when buying or building a new home.
• Stamp duty is abolished for eligible first home buyers purchasing new homes, off-the-plan apartments, units, or house-and-land packages.
• The 5% Deposit Scheme helps eligible buyers purchase with a smaller deposit and without LMI. For the national schemes and buying steps, see our first home buyers guide.
• Choosing the right property type and confirming eligibility are key to accessing available government assistance.
• Budgeting carefully and avoiding common mistakes will ensure a smoother, more affordable path to homeownership.