First home buyer guides

First Home Owner Grant Geelong: What Can You Actually Claim?

By Victoria Whittaker, Buyer’s Advocate · Last reviewed 16 October 2026

Eligible first home buyers in Geelong can apply for Victoria’s $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for a qualifying new home valued at $750,000 or less. Established homes may qualify for other assistance, even when the grant does not apply.

Buying your first home comes with plenty of questions. One I hear regularly is: “What help can I actually get?”

There are several forms of assistance, but they do different jobs. Understanding the difference will help you set a realistic budget before you start inspecting.

What is the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria?

The Victorian First Home Owner Grant is a $10,000 payment for eligible buyers purchasing or building a qualifying new home valued at $750,000 or less.

It can apply to a house, townhouse, apartment or unit. The important part is whether the property meets the State Revenue Office’s definition of a new home, along with the applicant and occupancy requirements.

An ordinary established home does not qualify just because it is your first purchase. A fresh coat of paint or a renovated kitchen does not automatically make it a new home for grant purposes.

Is there a bigger grant for regional Victoria?

There is no separate higher regional grant currently available. The former $20,000 regional grant was a time-limited measure. The current Victorian grant is $10,000 for eligible purchases, including Geelong and regional Victoria.

Be careful with older articles that still advertise the higher amount.

Can established homes receive any assistance?

Yes. Eligible first home buyers can receive Victorian stamp duty relief on established homes. The federal 5% Deposit Scheme can also support eligible established-home purchases.

Each benefit has its own rules. Missing out on the grant does not automatically mean you miss out on everything else.

Should you buy new to get the grant?

I would look at the complete purchase first: location, layout, condition, total cost and how the home will suit you over the next few years.

A $10,000 grant is useful, but it should not make the decision for you. An established home in a location that suits your life may still be the better purchase.