First home buyers Brisbane.
Queensland\'s $30K First Home Owner Grant for new builds is the most generous in Australia. Stack it with QLD stamp duty exemption and federal Home Guarantee, and qualifying Brisbane first-buyers can get into a new home with less out-of-pocket than any other major capital. Plus Olympic-driven growth catalyst.
Four reasons Brisbane FHB is the best entry point.
QLD grants are the most generous, prices are most accessible, infrastructure tailwinds (Olympics) are the strongest. Brisbane is having a moment for first-buyers.
QLD First Home Owner Grant is $30K for new builds
Queensland increased the FHOG to $30,000 for new-build first-home purchases (current as at 2025). That's 3x the NSW grant and the most generous in Australia. For first home buyers willing to buy new build or off-the-plan, this is meaningful capital toward deposit or moving costs.
QLD stamp duty exemption + 2032 Olympics tailwind
Full first-home stamp duty exemption applies under $700K (concession to $800K). Combined with $30K FHOG for new builds and federal HGS for 5 percent deposit, QLD first-buyers have one of the cheapest entry pathways in Australia, into a market with Olympic-driven growth catalyst.
Brisbane median is the most accessible major capital
Brisbane median dwelling values are meaningfully lower than Sydney/Melbourne (CoreLogic Home Value Index). Entry-level Brisbane stock under $600K is achievable in suburbs with genuine growth profiles (north Brisbane, Logan corridor, Moreton Bay). Same scheme thresholds buy more.
Federal HGS works on Brisbane growth-corridor stock
The federal HGS Brisbane regional price cap accommodates most growth-corridor stock. Combined with QLD stamp duty exemption + FHOG, an eligible first-buyer can purchase a new-build Brisbane home with 5 percent deposit, zero stamp duty, and $30K grant — among the most efficient FHB structures in Australia.
From renter to owner, four phases.
Position + scheme eligibility
Income, savings, target Brisbane region. We map QLD + federal schemes you qualify for and which combination delivers best outcome.
Lender + structure
Lender selected for your scheme + property type. QLD-specific structure design.
Find the property
Buyers agent support optional. Brisbane new-build for $30K FHOG, or established stock if preferred. Contracts include cooling-off, finance condition, flood-overlay search.
Settle + 12-month review
Conveyancing, settlement, key handover. 12-month review.
Six schemes worth knowing.
Federal Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)
5% deposit, no LMI. Income caps ($125K single / $200K joint). Brisbane regional price cap applies. Limited annual allocations.
QLD First Home Owner Grant
$30K grant for new-build first-home purchases (off-the-plan or land-and-build under $750K). Increased from $15K in late 2023 / 2024. Among the most generous FHB grants in Australia.
QLD First Home stamp duty exemption
Full exemption under $700K (established or new). Partial concession $700K to $800K. Above $800K, no concession.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
Withdraw up to $50K of voluntary super contributions for deposit. Federal scheme, same in QLD as elsewhere. Tax-effective for PAYG salary sacrificers.
Family guarantor loan
Parent's property equity as additional security. Removes LMI, can let you in with 5% or zero deposit.
QLD Home Loan Repayment Buffer (where applicable)
Some QLD lenders offer interest-only or repayment buffer structures specifically for FHBs, easing cash flow during the first 2 to 3 years of ownership.
Scheme details from Queensland Office of State Revenue, QLD Department of Housing, federal Home Guarantee Scheme guidelines + ATO FHSSS guidance. Thresholds change periodically; we confirm at engagement.
What Brisbane first-buyers ask us most.
What's the cheapest way to buy a first home in Brisbane?
Federal HGS (5% deposit, no LMI) + QLD stamp duty exemption (under $700K) + QLD $30K FHOG (if you buy new build). On a $580K new-build Brisbane purchase, that's as low as $29K deposit minus $30K grant = potentially negative net cash needed at settlement (you receive money). Most efficient FHB pathway in Australia for new-build qualifying buyers.
Should I buy new build for the $30K QLD FHOG?
If $30K materially helps your deposit + you're happy with new-build characteristics (modern but smaller blocks, master-planned community, lower immediate maintenance), yes. Established Brisbane stock often has better long-term growth profile though, so consider hold horizon. We model both.
How does the federal HGS work in Brisbane?
Same as nationally — 5% deposit, no LMI for eligible first-buyers. Income caps and Brisbane regional price cap apply. Combine with QLD stamp duty exemption + FHOG (for new builds) for the lowest-friction Brisbane FHB pathway.
What if my Brisbane property is in flood overlay?
Some QLD lenders restrict lending on flood-overlay properties; some lend with adjusted LVR. We check overlay before submitting to ensure lender appetite matches your specific property. Avoid serious flood-zone properties for first home — resale and insurance are both compromised.
Can I use $30K QLD FHOG + federal HGS together?
Yes — they stack. FHOG is a state grant for new builds; HGS is a federal scheme for deposit guarantee. Both apply if you're eligible for each.
Can my first Brisbane home be an investment?
Yes — many FHB clients buy with both lenses. Live in for 6 to 12 months (minimum owner-occupier scheme period), then convert to investment and upgrade. Brisbane growth corridor stock often works as both.
How much do I need saved before approaching you?
For HGS purchase under $600K, around $30K to $40K cash covers 5% deposit + minor costs. Add $30K FHOG (for new builds) and your effective net cash need is meaningfully lower. For purchases $700K to $800K, you need closer to $50K to $70K.
What if I'm self-employed?
More restrictive but doable. 1 to 2 years tax returns typically required. BAS-based income works at higher rates. We match your file to the right lender.
Pair with finance + acquisition.
Buy your first Brisbane home with the most generous FHB schemes in Australia.
Book a 15-minute Brisbane FHB call. We will map scheme eligibility — including the $30K FHOG.