These are two separate NSW schemes with different rules: FHBAS reduces or removes stamp duty on new and existing homes, while FHOG is a $10,000 cash grant for brand new homes only. Many first home buyers qualify for one, the other, or both.
First home buyers researching NSW government support quickly run into two acronyms that sound similar but work very differently: the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) and the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). Confusing the two is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes we see.
The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme reduces or removes transfer duty (stamp duty) on your purchase. As at 2026, eligible buyers pay no duty on homes valued up to $800,000, with a sliding concessional rate applying between $800,001 and $1,000,000. It applies to both new and established properties, including vacant land, which carries its own lower thresholds ($350,000 full exemption, concession to $450,000).
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off $10,000 cash payment, but it's restricted to brand new homes, newly built, off-the-plan, or substantially renovated properties that have never been lived in. The value cap is $600,000 for a purchase, or $750,000 for a house-and-land building contract. There's no income test for either scheme.
Sydney's median dwelling price sits well above both grant caps, so many first home buyers, especially anywhere near the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches or Inner West, won't qualify for the FHOG at all, simply because typical purchase prices exceed $600,000–$750,000. The FHBAS is usually the more realistic saving, though its own $1,000,000 upper limit still rules out many established houses in these areas; it's more commonly available on apartments and units within that bracket.
Yes, if your new home falls under both sets of caps, you can receive the $10,000 FHOG and pay reduced or no stamp duty under the FHBAS at the same time. Both can also be combined with federal schemes such as the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI) and the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
Your conveyancer typically lodges the FHBAS application as part of settlement, while the FHOG is usually lodged by your lender or an approved agent, most buyers don't need to apply to Revenue NSW directly.
Both schemes generally look at your spouse or de facto partner's property history too, if they've ever owned residential property in Australia, it can affect your eligibility even if they're not on the title.
Both schemes require you to move in within 12 months and meet a minimum residency period. Failing to do so can mean repaying the grant and any stamp duty savings, plus penalties.
FHBAS and FHOG solve different problems, one lowers the tax on your purchase, the other helps with a new build, and plenty of buyers are eligible for neither, one, or both, depending on price and property type. Check your numbers against both sets of thresholds before you assume you're covered.
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This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Scheme thresholds and eligibility rules are set by Revenue NSW and may change, always confirm current details before relying on them, and get in touch for advice on your specific circumstances.