First home buyers across Queensland celebrated this week as the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) was officially extended for another year. Originally set to reduce back to $15,000 from July 1, 2025, the grant will now stay at the elevated $30K level until June 30, 2026.
But while the headline is great news, there’s a significant limitation that remains unchanged — to qualify for the $30K grant, the property must be priced at $750,000 or less.
And that’s where the challenge lies.
In the current market, especially in and around Brisbane, finding new home and land packages under $750K is becoming almost impossible. Prices are rising rapidly, and many popular suburbs no longer have stock within the FHOG limit.
So where can you still buy and qualify for the grant? And how can first home buyers take advantage of this opportunity before it’s out of reach?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the $30K First Home Buyers Grant and Who Is Eligible?
First Home Buyers Grant QLD 2025 Explained
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-time government payment designed to help first-time buyers get into the property market. In Queensland, it applies only to brand new homes — including new builds, off-the-plan purchases, and substantially renovated homes.
The grant amount was increased from $15,000 to $30,000 in late 2023 and has now been extended until June 30, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for the $30K Grant
To qualify for the grant in QLD:
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
You must be buying or building a brand-new home
You or your partner must not have previously owned property in Australia
The total value of the home and land must not exceed $750,000
You must live in the property as your principal place of residence for at least 6 months
You must be at least 18 years old
Where Can You Still Buy Under $750K in Brisbane & Surrounds?
The $750,000 cap presents a serious challenge, especially as most house and land packages now start in the $800K+ range in many suburbs.
Here’s a look at where it’s still just possible to find a qualifying property — and where it’s already too late.
North Brisbane Suburbs
In suburbs like Narangba, Burpengary, and Morayfield, once known for affordability, prices have surged. Today:
Most new packages start from $800K and go beyond $900K
Stock under $750K is virtually nonexistent
The only remaining options in this region that might fit under the cap are terrace homes or townhouses, and even those are limited
South Brisbane Suburbs
Areas like Logan Reserve, Park Ridge, and Yarrabilba were popular with first home buyers over the past few years, but now:
Packages start from the high $800Ks
Even smaller blocks with basic builds exceed the cap
The few remaining options under $750K may be in outer fringe areas, like:
Walloon
South Maclean
Plainland
Boonah or regional edges
These are often one-off opportunities, and they sell quickly.
Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast
Forget it. Most packages on the Gold Coast start well over $1 million, and the Sunshine Coast isn’t far behind.
What Happens If the Property Costs $755K?
Unfortunately, it’s an all-or-nothing rule. If your total contract price — land + build — exceeds $750,000, you don’t qualify for the grant at all.
This can be frustrating when your dream home comes in just slightly above the threshold. That extra $5K in contract value could cost you $30,000 in lost grant money.
Stamp Duty Exemption: A Huge Hidden Bonus
Here’s something most buyers don’t realise: you may still be eligible for a full stamp duty exemption, even on land for properties valued up to $1 million.
That means:
You could save $10K to $30K in transfer duty
This applies only to new builds or land — not to existing properties
No such concession exists for existing homes, even if you’re an owner-occupier
So even if the FHOG doesn’t apply, a new home and land package could still mean huge savings compared to buying an older home.
Should First Home Buyers Still Build in This Market?
The short answer is: Yes — but with strategy.
There are still smart reasons to go for a house and land package:
$30K grant (if under $750K)
No stamp duty on land
More control over the design and inclusions
Better depreciation benefits for investors
But the key is acting fast. Land prices continue to rise, and builder availability is tight. Waiting another 6–12 months could push more packages over the $750K cap.
How We Help First Home Buyers Succeed
At Rustik Realty, we don’t just send you links to listings.
We take time to understand your budget, needs, and lifestyle goals, then match you with realistic, high-value options that make the most of your eligibility — whether that’s:
$30K FHOG
Stamp duty savings
Custom builds
Shared equity strategies
In-house finance support
We work with developers and builders across QLD and can show you opportunities you may not find on your own.
Have questions about this topic?
We’re here to help with personalised advice based on your goals.