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Last Updated: 29th August, 2023

What Is The First Home Owners Grant NT?

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) in the Northern Territory is a one-time grant available to eligible first home buyers who want to purchase or build a new home on or after 7 May 2019.

The grant is not available for established homes.

The grant is administered by the Territory Revenue Office (TRO) in the Northern Territory.

How Much Is The FHOG In The Northern Territory?

Eligible first home buyers can apply for a $10,000 first home owners grant in the Northern Territory.

There are no income caps or property price thresholds.

The previous grant amount of $26,000 ceased on 6 May 2019.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria To Get The Grant?

If you’ve answered YES to the following statements, you might be eligible for the first home owners grant in the Northern Territory:

  • At least one applicant is 18 years or older.
  • You are applying as a natural person (not a company or trustee).
  • At least one applicant is an Australian citizen or a Permanent resident.
  • This is the first time you and your spouse/de facto partner will receive the FHOG in any state or territory in Australia.
  • You and/or your spouse/de facto partner never owned or held a relevant interest in residential property (either jointly, separately or with another person) before 1 July 2000 in any state or territory in Australia.
  • You and/or your spouse/de facto partner never occupied a residential property (either jointly, separately or with another person) in which you owned or acquired a relevant interest in on or after 1 July 2000 in any state or territory in Australia.
  • At least one applicant will be living in the home as a principal place of residence for a continuous period of six months (commencing within 12 months of an eligible transaction).

When Will The Grant Be Paid?

Depending on the type of contract and who you’ve applied with, the first home owners grant in the NT will be paid under the following circumstances:

Situation When will the grant be paid?
If you’re buying a new home If you applied with an approved agent, the grant will be received at settlement. If you applied through TRO, the grant will be received once your name is registered on the property title.
If you’re buying a home under a terms contract When you’re in possession of your home and instalments of at least $10,000 have been made (excluding deposit)
If you’re building a new home Once foundations are laid and progress payment of at least $10,000 have been made (excluding deposit)
If you’re an owner-builder Once the construction of the home is complete

How To Apply For The Grant In The NT?

  • Fill in the application form
  • Make sure to attach the required supporting documents.
  • You must include anyone who will be on the property’s title on the FHOG application. If your spouse (de facto partner) will not own any part of the home, you must still include their name as a non-applicant spouse.
  • If you are getting financial help to buy or build your home, lodge the application with the financial institution.

If you’re applying directly with TRO, you can mail or email to:

Territory Revenue Office

GPO Box 154

Darwin NT 0801

ntrevenue@nt.gov.au

What If The Property Is Substantially Renovated. Is It Considered A New Home?

A substantially renovated property can be considered a new home under the following circumstances:

  • The new home has not been previously occupied or sold since the renovation.
  • The renovation is substantial. Substantial renovations include the removing or replacing of foundations, external walls, interior supporting walls, floors or staircases.
  • Renovating a part of the house like kitchen or bathroom is not considered substantial renovation.

FAQs: FHOG NT

Can the FHOG be used as a deposit?

Yes, you can use the first home owners grant as a deposit.

However, it might not be enough on its own as you would need between 5% and 10% of the property price.

Also, when you’re building your home, the grant is not paid until construction starts.

A guarantor home loan is a good option for first home buyers who don’t have enough savings.

Is the grant available for established homes?

No, the grant is not available for established homes.

Since 13 May 2014, the first home owners grant in NT is only available for buying or building a new home.

Can New Zealand citizens also get FHOG?

Yes, New Zealand citizens also qualify for the first home owners grant.

Since the Australian Department of Immigration grants New Zealanders living in Australia with a Special Category Visa, they are considered permanent residents of Australia.

In most cases, the grant is only available if a NZ permanent resident is applying with an Australian spouse or partner.

Are You Ready To Apply For The FHOG In NT?

We’ve helped many first home buyers with their FHOG application and with buying their first home.

From first home buyer loans to an extensive first home buyer’s guide, we’ve got it covered.

Our mortgage brokers are experts at helping you with your first home loan. Call us on 1300 889 743 or complete our free assessment form.