Time’s Ticking on the $10k First Home Owner Grant

When it comes to buying your first home, a helping hand—or a leg-up—never goes astray. That’s where the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) comes in, offering eligible Victorians $10,000 towards a brand new home. But with this long-running scheme set to wrap up on 30 June 2025, the clock is ticking for those looking to take advantage.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re dreaming of building your first home in Melbourne, especially with Carlisle’s value-focused EasyLiving Series.

What is the First Home Owner Grant?

The FHOG is a $10,000 payment to help first-home buyers purchase or build a brand-new home in Victoria. To qualify, the property must be valued at $750,000 or less and must never have been lived in, sold as a place of residence, leased out, or used for short-stay accommodation.

If you’re building with Carlisle, the grant can provide a helpful financial boost—whether that goes towards construction costs, upgrades, landscaping, or furnishing your new home.

Who can apply for the FHOG?

The grant is for genuine first-home buyers purchasing or building a new home in Victoria. You’ll generally be eligible if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have never owned or lived in a home in Australia
• Have not previously received the FHOG

If you’re applying with a partner, their history is considered too. You may be ineligible if either of you has owned property, lived in a home you’ve owned for six months or more, or already received the grant—even if they aren’t listed on the application.

Why it’s a great match for EasyLiving buyers

Carlisle’s EasyLiving Series has always been about offering smarter, more accessible home solutions for first-home buyers. With house and land packages starting from under $600k, many family-focused designs fall comfortably within the FHOG’s price eligibility threshold.

But it’s not just about price. These thoughtfully designed homes come with quality finishes, innovative floorplans, and fixed pricing that gives buyers peace of mind. It’s a great way to start strong and move into a home that suits your life from day one.

More support is on the way

The FHOG is ending to make way for the federal government’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme. This initiative allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 2% deposit without incurring LMI. While conditions apply, it’s one of several government supports that will be available, along with existing first-home buyer stamp duty concessions worth exploring, so you can get into your first home sooner. 

There’s still time—but not much

With the grant ending on 30 June 2025, and subject to change at any time, now is the time to get serious. Available land is limited, and demand from other buyers is strong. Getting started now ensures you can secure an eligible package, maximise your $10,000 boost, and avoid missing out.

Make your move with Carlisle

The First Home Owner Grant can make a meaningful difference—adding to your deposit or easing your build costs just when you need it most. And with EasyLiving’s fixed-price house and land packages across Melbourne, Carlisle makes it easier to enter the property market confidently.