First Home Buyer | Victoria

VIC Grants, Schemes and Stamp Duty Concessions

Victoria offers balanced support for first home buyers with grants for new homes and stamp duty relief for both new and existing properties, perfectly complementing national guarantee schemes.

5% deposit with no LMI (HGS) $10k FHOG (new homes) Stamp duty exemption to $600k

What's available to you in Victoria

$10,000 Grant

For new homes under $750k

Zero Stamp Duty

Complete exemption up to $600k

New & Existing

Stamp duty relief for all property types

Victoria's advantage: Unlike most states, you get stamp duty relief whether you buy new OR existing - giving you way more choice in the market.

National schemes you can pair with VIC

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, forthcoming) 2%+ Low‑to‑middle income buyers Government equity lowers loan size and repayments
First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Savers building a deposit Tax‑advantaged savings via super

Victoria has enabling legislation for Help to Buy scheme. Check current income/price caps and availability with Housing Australia or your broker.

VIC Home Guarantee Scheme Property Price Caps

Capital city & regional centres: $950,000
Other areas: $650,000

Regional centres include Geelong. Updated October 2025.

Victoria programs

First Home Owner Grant (new homes)

  • Grant: $10,000 for new homes.
  • Property cap: Up to $750,000 value.
  • Includes: New builds and off-the-plan purchases.
  • Residency: Must occupy as principal place of residence.

Stamp duty relief

  • Full exemption: Up to $600,000 for new and existing homes.
  • Tapered concession: From $600,001 to $750,000.
  • Coverage: Both new and established properties qualify.
  • Off-the-plan: Extended concession until October 2026.

Victoria stamp duty savings examples

$500,000 property
First home buyer pays:
$0
Regular buyer: ~$26,070
$600,000 property
First home buyer pays:
$0
Regular buyer: ~$31,070
$700,000 property
First home buyer pays:
~$2,370
Regular buyer: ~$38,070 (saves ~$36k)

Stamp duty relief applies to both new and existing homes, giving you flexibility in property choice.

Your pathway to combining supports

How to stack Victoria's flexible benefits with national programs

1

Build your deposit faster

Use First Home Super Saver for tax-efficient savings. Target 5% for HGS or 2% if you're a single parent.

2

Get the government guarantee

Apply through your broker for Home Guarantee Scheme - avoid LMI with just 5% down.

3

Claim Victorian benefits

Buying new? Get the $10k grant. Either way, enjoy stamp duty relief on new OR existing homes.

Note: Victoria's flexibility means you have more property options. Work with a broker to time everything and maximise your benefits.

Victoria market insights

Melbourne metro opportunities

  • Stamp duty sweet spot: Properties up to $600k get full exemption
  • New developments: Off-the-plan buyers get extended concessions until Oct 2026
  • Growing corridors: Outer metro areas offer better value within caps
  • Apartment market: Strong new apartment supply with FHOG eligibility

Regional Victoria benefits

  • Regional HGS: Access to dedicated regional guarantee places
  • Better value: Higher chance of staying within stamp duty exemption thresholds
  • Growth areas: Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo offer strong prospects
  • Lifestyle benefits: Regional living with city accessibility via transport links

Important things to know

The details that matter for your Victoria application

You need to live there

Must be your main home for at least 12 months. Keep records to prove residency.

True first-timer only

Neither you nor your partner can have owned property anywhere in Australia before.

Property price caps

$10k grant only for new homes under $750k. Stamp duty relief caps at $750k for both new and existing.

Contract timing matters

Eligibility is determined when you sign the contract, not when you settle. Get advice first.

Help to Buy is coming

Victoria's shared equity scheme launches late 2025 - could be a game-changer for deposit requirements.

Ready for your Victorian strategy?

We'll help you navigate Victoria's programs, calculate your stamp duty savings, and coordinate all applications for maximum benefit.

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