First Home Buyer Southern NSW

There’s more support out there than you might think. If you're a first-time home buyer, a few government schemes could make a big difference to your budget and repayments.

Here are some of the main ones available in New South Wales:

• First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS): This NSW government program offers exemptions or discounts on transfer duty (stamp duty) for eligible first home buyers. If your property value is under the threshold, you might pay no duty at all.
• First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) (FHOG): A one-off payment of $10,000 for eligible applicants buying or building a new home, townhouse, or house off the plan. The grant applies to homes that meet specific price caps.
• Help to Buy scheme: A shared equity scheme backed by the Australian Government where eligible buyers can purchase with as little as a 2% deposit. The government then contributes up to 40% of the home’s value.
• First Home Super Saver Scheme: Lets you save money for your first home through your super fund. You can withdraw voluntary contributions later to put toward your deposit.
• 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee): Backed by the Australian Government, this lets eligible first-time home buyers purchase a new or existing home with just a 5% deposit. No LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) required.

Each of these comes with its own eligibility criteria, price caps, and residence requirements. We always recommend chatting to a home loan specialist to check what applies to your financial situation.

To qualify for most first home buyer grants in New South Wales, you generally need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a first-time home buyer who hasn’t owned or co-owned residential property in Australia before
• Intend to live in the property as your principal place of residence
• Meet the property value or purchase price limits set out in each scheme
• Lodge an application form with all required supporting documents
• Satisfy any specific requirements under the scheme you’re applying for, such as income thresholds or months of settlement

You may also need to show that you’re on the electoral roll and meet shared equity or concessional rate loan conditions, depending on the scheme. Single parents, permanent Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and those building on vacant land may also qualify under tailored criteria.

Building your own home for the first time has never been easier with Metricon. Here's what you can expect:

1. Initial consultation: We begin by understanding your budget and preferences. From there, we help you choose a home design and confirm the build location.
2. Contract stage: At this point, you’ll sign the building contract. You’ll also receive a detailed overview of your house design, inclusions, and terms.
3. Customising your home design: This is where you bring personality to your new home. At Studio M, you’ll choose colours, materials, fixtures, and finishes with help from our interior design experts.
4. Approvals and permits: We handle the approvals from local councils and other authorities.
5. Construction phase: Our site team begins building your home. You’ll be kept in the loop with regular updates and site progress reports.
6. Final inspections and handover: Once the final inspections are done, you’ll receive your keys, and your new home is officially yours.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in New South Wales, there’s never been a better time. With the right builder and support, your dream is more attainable than ever.

Visit a Metricon display home in Southern NSW, browse our home designs, or chat with a home advisor today. We’re here to help first home buyers like you get started with confidence and clarity.

1. How much deposit do first home buyers need in NSW?

While the traditional 20% deposit can feel out of reach, most eligible first home buyers can now get started with just 5% thanks to government schemes like the First Home Guarantee.

2. How much can I borrow as a first time home buyer in Southern NSW?

That depends on your financial situation, including your income, debts, expenses, and deposit amount. Government schemes can also affect how much you need upfront, helping you borrow with a smaller deposit. You can use our home loan calculators to work out how much you can borrow and what the interest rates and repayments could look like.

3. How long does FHOG NSW take to process?

The processing time varies depending on how you apply. If you apply through an approved lender, it can take around 2 to 3 weeks. Applications submitted directly to Revenue NSW may take longer. Make sure your application form and supporting documents are accurate to avoid delays.

4. Do first home buyers have to pay stamp duty?

Not always. Thanks to the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme, eligible first-time home buyers in NSW may receive a full or partial exemption on transfer duty, depending on the property price and type. Revenue NSW sets the property price caps and eligibility criteria, so it’s worth checking where you stand before you buy.

5. Should I build new or buy an established home?

Both options have their pros and cons, but it depends on what matters most to you. Building new gives you more control over the layout, fixtures, and finishes. Buying an established home might get you into a specific area quicker, especially if vacant land is limited, but it can also mean more maintenance and fewer choices.

For eligible first home buyers in New South Wales, building new also often unlocks more government support. And with Metricon’s fixed-price packages and guidance, the process is easier than most expect.