Buying your first home in Brisbane or wider Queensland is getting increasingly difficult.
High prices, a growing savings deposit gap, and paying stamp duty make the dream of home ownership harder for many first-time buyers.
But thanks to new changes just announced by the Australian Government, things will get easier.
From 1 October 2025, the rules for first home buyers will shift in a big way – and that's good news for anyone planning to buy their first new home, an existing home, or even planning a contract to build.
Before reading on: If you have any questions, please just contact our expert Brisbane mortgage brokers here, or call us today at (07) 3461 6499 for a free consultation - we can help make all of the below really easy.
A Quick Guide To The First Home Buyers Scheme In Queensland
The Home Guarantee Scheme is designed to help eligible Australians, including singles, couples, and even public housing tenants, move into home ownership.
Here's what's changing from 1 October 2025:
- Unlimited places for first home buyers, so there is no more missing out on the support schemes.
- Higher Property Value caps and more homes now qualify. In Brisbane, you can now buy a home that's valued up to $1 Million, up from $700K.
- A 5% deposit option for all first-home buyers, backed by a government equity contribution, so no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
This sits alongside related programs such as the First Home Guarantee, the Family Home Guarantee, and the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, which support both metro and regional areas of Queensland.
If you are looking for a full guide on first home loans, please just see our: First Home Loan Grant QLD: The Simple 2025 Guide.
What Are The New 2025 FHB Property Price Caps in Queensland?
For the first time, more Queensland properties will fall within the scheme's eligibility criteria to make it easier to find the home you want, in an area you want.
Here are the changes:
- In Brisbane, the property value cap rises to $1,000,000.
- This $1,000,000 property value cap also covers Springfield, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and more (just ask us here).
- In regional areas, the cap rises to $700,000.
How Much Could You Save Under The First Home Buyers Scheme?
Much of the scheme will stay in place, so let's look at the numbers to help you get an idea of what you can borrow for your first home loan:
- Buying a property valued at $800,000 in Brisbane would normally require a 20% deposit of $160,000.
- With the new scheme, you only need 5% ($40,000).
- No LMI – saving you $30,000–$40,000 instantly.
- On top of this, eligible Australians may also access the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) or First Home Owners' Grant, which can add a grant amount of up to $30,000 depending on the property type and build.
These savings close the deposit gap and bring home ownership schemes within reach faster.
What Are The Other Queensland First Home Buyer Benefits?
Alongside the national scheme, the Queensland Government continues to provide support through the Boost to Buy scheme, Boost to Buy, and transfer (stamp) duty concessions - sometimes called stamp duty relief.
Here is a quick breakdown:
- Transfer Duty (or Stamp Duty) savings apply when purchasing new homes, established homes, or land to build.
- The Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) manages the application process for these concessions and grants, supported by QRO announcements and practice directions.
- Buyers will still to provide documents such as a Home Buyer Declaration, Notice of Assessment, and, in some cases, a final inspection certificate when applying.
The team here at Zest can help with every step, but this means the application process for home ownership support now ties together state and federal help, with streamlined support services via the Housing Service Centre and Housing help and advice portals.
Who's Eligible For The First Home Buyers Scheme In Queensland?
The eligibility criteria cover a broad group of first-time home buyers, to help you get into a new home, whether you're single, a couple or a family.
Here are the basic First Home Buyers Scheme requirements:
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must stay under the income thresholds (also called the Income cap).
- Must apply for an owner-occupier home loan – not for purely interest-only loans or investment purposes.
- Must apply through a Participating Lender as part of the loan application process.
These rules help ensure the scheme supports people buying or building a new home, not investors only chasing returns.
However, the scheme also recognises investment property markets as part of the broader housing market, giving flexibility where appropriate.
Planning to buy your first home in Queensland? If you have any questions, please just contact our expert Brisbane mortgage brokers here, or call us today at (07) 3461 6499 for a free consultation - we can help make all of the below really easy.
How Does The First Home Buyers Scheme In Queensland Boost Queensland's Property Market
These changes are expected to boost the Queensland property market:
- More buyers are able to afford new homes and build their own property projects.
- A lift in demand for building and maintenance services, building companies and trades like electrical and plumbing services.
- Increased work on infrastructure projects to support growth.
It also ties into broader government policies, including the Queensland Budget, public and community housing expansions, tenancy management, and even initiatives like OpenHome - Queensland's Housing Dashboard, which tracks progress in the housing sector.
What Are Our Final Thoughts On The First Home Buyers Scheme In Brisbane & Queensland?
First home buyers in Queensland can now buy a property valued up to $1,000,000 in Brisbane or $700,000 in regional areas, with just a 5% deposit, stamp duty concessions, and no LMI – supported by both the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
For anyone asking, "Am I ready to buy my first home?", the path is now easier. With boost to buy schemes, First Home Owner Grants, and the Home Guarantee Scheme working together, plus concessions on stamp duty and help for eligible Australians, home ownership in Queensland is closer than ever.
If you're a first-time buyer in Brisbane or regional Queensland, October 2025 is the perfect time to take the leap. With the right loan application, the right participating lender, and the help of the Queensland Revenue Office, you could soon join thousands of other Queenslanders stepping into their first home.
Planning to buy your first home in Queensland? If you have any questions, please just contact our expert Brisbane mortgage brokers here, or call us today at (07) 3461 6499 for a free consultation - we can help make all of the below really easy.
