What's available to you in the Northern Territory
$50,000 Grant
Highest in Australia for new homes
No Price Cap
Full $50k grant at any purchase or build price
5% Deposit Scheme
Darwin cap $750k; rest of NT $600k
Extended again: Eligible buyers now have until 30 September 2027 to sign a contract to buy or build (owner-builders: start building), with applications open until 30 September 2028. Note the $10,000 grant for established homes closed on 30 September 2025 - the $50k grant is for new homes only.
National schemes you can pair with NT
Nationwide| Scheme | Deposit | Who it suits | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Home Guarantee (HGS) | 5% | First home buyers (or not owned in 10 years) | Avoid LMI via government guarantee |
| Family Home Guarantee | 2% | Single parents/guardians with a dependent | No LMI; not restricted to first home |
| Help to Buy (shared equity). Try the calculator | 2%+ | Low‑to‑middle income buyers | Government equity lowers loan size and repayments |
| First Home Super Saver (FHSS) | N/A | Savers building a deposit | Tax‑advantaged savings via super |
The $50k grant makes the deposit requirement even easier to achieve.
NT 5% Deposit Scheme Property Price Caps
Darwin's separate cap took effect 1 July 2026. Reviewed July 2026.
See what this could mean in dollars: my free cost to complete calculator estimates NT stamp duty, first home buyer concessions and the total cash you may need to complete a purchase at your price point.
Northern Territory programs
HomeGrown Territory Grant (new homes)
- Grant: $50,000 for building or buying a new home - no price cap.
- Record holder: Highest first home buyer grant in Australia.
- Extended: Contracts signed 1 Oct 2024 - 30 Sep 2027; apply by 30 Sep 2028.
- Covers: New builds, off-the-plan, owner-builders and transportable homes (permanently fixed and approved).
Buying an established home?
- No NT grant: The $10,000 established-homes grant closed on 30 September 2025.
- Federal support still applies: The 5% Deposit Scheme covers established homes (Darwin cap $750k).
- Help to Buy: Up to 30% government equity on existing homes, subject to income caps and places.
- FreshStart note: The separate $30k FreshStart grant is for non-first-home buyers building or buying new.
How NT's grants compare nationally
| State/Territory | New Home Grant | Established Home Grant | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Territory | $50,000 | $0 (closed Sep 2025) | $50,000 |
| Queensland | $30,000* | $0 | $30,000 |
| South Australia | $15,000 | $0 | $15,000 |
| NSW, VIC, WA | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000 |
| Tasmania | $20,000** | $0 | $20,000 |
*QLD's $30k grant was continued from 1 July 2026 under the 2026 QLD Budget. **TAS FHOG is $20k for transactions commencing 1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027.
Maximising NT's record-breaking support
Go for the record grant
Target new home construction to access Australia's highest first home buyer grant - $50,000!
Add the 5% Deposit Scheme
The 5% Deposit Scheme covers all of NT (Darwin cap $750k, rest of NT $600k) - 5% deposit, no LMI through your broker.
Build your deposit faster
Use First Home Super Saver - with the $50k grant, you'll need less saved and can build emergency funds too.
Note: The $50k grant can cover most or all of your deposit on many properties. This reduces borrowing needs and opens opportunities for buyers with lower incomes.
Northern Territory opportunities
Darwin & surrounds
- New estates: Zuccoli, Johnston, Bellamack with modern amenities
- Established areas: Palmerston, Karama with community infrastructure
- Premium growth: Howard Springs, Noonamah offering lifestyle blocks
- Unit market: Darwin CBD and Casuarina with strong rental yields
Regional NT centres
- Alice Springs: Central Australia hub with tourism and services
- Katherine: Growing centre with agricultural and tourism base
- Tennant Creek: Mining town with development potential
- Nhulunbuy: Gove Peninsula mining community
$50k grant impact examples
The massive $50k grant significantly reduces borrowing requirements, making properties more accessible and reducing loan servicing costs.
Important things to know
The details that matter for your NT strategy
Program has an end date
Contracts must be signed by 30 September 2027 (extended from 2026), with applications accepted until 30 September 2028.
New homes only
The $50k is only for building or buying a home that has never been lived in or sold as a residence. The old $10k established-homes grant closed on 30 September 2025.
One grant per purchase
The HomeGrown Territory Grant can't be combined with the FreshStart New Home Grant, and all owners must meet the eligibility rules.
You need to live there
Must be your main residence for the required period. With grants this size, compliance is closely monitored.
Limited stamp duty relief
NT focuses on grants rather than stamp duty concessions - but with $50k grants, you may not need them!
Claim Australia's highest grant?
I'll help you access NT's record-breaking $50,000 grant and coordinate it with federal schemes for maximum benefit.
Still working it out? See how the process works, step by step, or start with the First Home Buyer Guide.