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NSW first home buyer grant and assistance checklist

NSW first home buyers may qualify for the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) and the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme administered by Revenue NSW. This checklist is for conveyancers assisting NSW first home buyers.

In short

This is a 12-step checklist for NSW first home buyer grant and First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme applications. It covers eligibility, documents, and lodgement.

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12-step checklist

The checklist

1

Check FHOG eligibility

Confirm client meets FHOG criteria — new home, under $750k value, Australian citizen/PR, 18+, first home.

First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Act 2000 (NSW)
2

Check FHBAS eligibility

Assess transfer duty exemption or concession under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.

Duties Act 1997 (NSW) ch 2 pt 8
3

Confirm purchase price thresholds

Confirm property price is within FHBAS thresholds — full exemption or partial concession.

Duties Act 1997 (NSW) s 80
4

Collect identity documents

Collect passports, birth certificates, Medicare cards, and residency evidence for all applicants.

5

Check residency requirement

Confirm applicant will live in the property for 6 continuous months within 12 months of settlement.

6

Check prior ownership

Confirm no applicant has owned residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000.

7

Complete FHOG application

Complete the FHOG application form and attach required evidence.

8

Prepare FHBAS declaration

Prepare the duty declaration with first home concession claimed through EDR.

9

Submit through lender or direct

Submit FHOG via approved agent (lender) or direct to Revenue NSW.

10

Confirm assessment

Confirm Revenue NSW has assessed the grant and concession prior to settlement.

11

Coordinate disbursement

Coordinate grant payment through the lender or Revenue NSW to be applied at settlement.

12

Advise client on residency obligation

Remind client of the 6 month occupancy requirement and consequences of non-compliance.

When to use

When this checklist applies

Use for any NSW conveyancing matter where the client may qualify as a first home buyer.

Common pitfalls

  • Missing the $750k value threshold for FHOG new home eligibility
  • Overlooking prior ownership by a partner or co-applicant
  • Residency requirement not communicated to client
  • FHBAS concession missed through wrong duty declaration
  • Grant timing not coordinated with settlement
Use with Quillio

Run this checklist on a real matter

Quillio can assess FHOG and FHBAS eligibility against the client file and prepare the applications. See /practice-areas/property-lawyers or start a free trial.

General guidance for NSW first home buyer schemes. Always check current Revenue NSW thresholds and criteria before lodging.

Use this checklist on your matter.

Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.

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