🏡 First Home Buyers in Queensland Get a Major Boost with New 2025 Deposit and Stamp Duty Reforms

Buying your first home in Queensland just became easier.
Thanks to a wave of new government reforms — including the Boost to Buy shared equity scheme, stamp duty exemptions, and an extended $30,000 First Home Owner Grant — Queenslanders now have unprecedented support to step onto the property ladder sooner.

These 2025 updates position Queensland as the most generous state in Australia for first home buyers, removing long-standing barriers like high deposits and upfront costs.


đź’ˇ What Is the Boost to Buy Scheme?

The Boost to Buy program is Queensland’s nation-leading shared equity initiative, designed to help first home buyers purchase a property with as little as a 2% deposit.

Under the scheme, the Queensland Government will contribute up to 30% equity toward new homes and up to 25% equity for existing homes, dramatically reducing the amount first-time buyers need to borrow.

âś… Boost to Buy Key Details (2025)

  • Deposit requirement: As little as 2%
  • Government equity contribution:
    • Up to 30% for new homes
    • Up to 25% for existing homes
  • Maximum property value: $1 million
  • Income limits:
    • Singles: up to $150,000 per year
    • Couples/households: up to $225,000 combined income
  • Initial program funding: $165 million — supporting around 1,000 home purchases statewide
  • Expressions of Interest Open: 1 July 2025

Example

A buyer with a $15,000 deposit could purchase a $750,000 new home under Boost to Buy, with the Queensland Government contributing up to $225,000 in equity — making this one of the most accessible and generous home ownership programs in Australia.


đź’° New Stamp Duty Exemptions for First Home Buyers (2025 Update)

From 1 May 2025, the Queensland Government has introduced full stamp duty exemptions for eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land to build their first residence.

This means buyers can save tens of thousands of dollars in upfront costs, further reducing the financial barriers to home ownership.

Stamp Duty Highlights

  • Full exemption for first home buyers on new homes and land purchased after 1 May 2025
  • Applies alongside the First Home Owner Grant and Boost to Buy
  • Encourages new housing supply and supports Queensland’s housing affordability strategy

🏠 $30,000 First Home Owner Grant Extended Until 2026

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) has been extended to 30 June 2026 and remains at a record-high $30,000.

Eligible buyers building or purchasing a new home valued under $750,000 can claim the grant — and it can be combined with Boost to Buy and stamp duty exemptions for maximum savings.

Example:

  • Boost to Buy = Up to 30% equity support
  • FHOG = $30,000 grant
  • Stamp Duty = $0 (new builds)
    Together, these can save Queensland first home buyers well over $100,000 in upfront costs.

🏡 Why These Reforms Are a Game Changer

Queensland’s home ownership rate has dropped to 63.5% — the lowest in Australia.
The new housing reforms are designed to reverse this trend by helping everyday Queenslanders — not just those with family wealth — achieve the dream of home ownership.

Benefits at a Glance

  • Lower deposit requirements (2%)
  • Reduced loan sizes thanks to government equity
  • No stamp duty on new homes
  • $30,000 grant for new builds
  • Wider property eligibility (up to $1 million)
  • Support for singles and couples with moderate incomes

These combined incentives make Queensland the most supportive state for first-time buyers in 2025.



⚙️ How to Apply for Boost to Buy and Related Schemes

  1. Check your eligibility
    Visit the Queensland Treasury or “A Place to Call Home” website to confirm you meet the income and residency criteria.
  2. Gather your documents
    Proof of income, savings, and identification are required for pre-approval.
  3. Register your interest
    Expressions of Interest open 1 July 2025 — spots are limited to around 1,000 participants in the first round.
  4. Combine supports
    Ask your mortgage broker or financial advisor how to combine the Boost to Buy, FHOG, and stamp duty exemption to maximise your savings.
  5. Secure your home
    Once approved, you can purchase an eligible new or existing property up to $1 million in value.

đź§­ Final Takeaway: A Fairer, Easier Path to Home Ownership

The combination of the Boost to Buy shared equity program, stamp duty exemptions, and the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant, has created a more accessible first home buyer framework in Australia.

If you’re a first-time buyer in Queensland in 2025, this is your moment to act.
Start preparing your finances now — because when expressions of interest open on 1 July 2025, demand is expected to be high.


🏡 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Talk to your mortgage broker or financial advisor today about:

  • Eligibility for Boost to Buy
  • Applying for the First Home Owner Grant
  • Claiming your stamp duty exemption

With these powerful new incentives, owning your first home in Queensland has never been more achievable.