Government Grants and Incentives for New Builds in Regional QLD
The Queensland government offers grants and incentives to residents to achieve government objectives, stimulate the economy, and provide better public services and amenities. With the economic and housing crisis in Australia, the most notable government grants and incentives are for new home buyers and builds in QLD.
The available government grants provide financial assistance or subsidies to new home buyers to help purchase or build a new home in Queensland. Government incentives for new home builds are typically created through regulations, financial subsidies, or tax provisions to encourage the public to build new homes.
2025 Changes to Grants & Incentives
In line with the commitment to increase housing supply, the Queensland government created the ‘A Place to Call Home’ initiative which refers to different programs for housing. This initiative encourages Queenslanders to build in regional areas, like Darra, Eatons Hill, Goodna, Forest Lake, Camira, and Springfield.
The A Place to Call Home initiative received funding to support first-home builders by reducing costs, extending grants, and investing in infrastructure, like transport, water, and power, to get land ready for more homes.
Government grants and incentives for new builds in regional QLD
First Home Owner Grant
The First Home Owner Grant gives first-home buyers $15,000 to $30,000 towards buying or building a new home in Queensland. This grant is valid for all regional areas and major cities in Queensland, and is for contracts signed between the 20th of November 2023 and the 30th of June 2026. After the 30th of June 2026, the grant will revert to $15,000.
Eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant in QLD:
- The value of the new home or build must be less than $750,000
- You are aged 18 or older
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have not previously received a first home owner grant in any Australian state or territory.
- You must move into your new home within 1 year of purchasing and live there continuously for 6 months
The First Home Owner Grant can be applied for through an approved agent (such as a bank or lending institution) or to the Queensland Revenue Office. When applying for the grant, you must prove your identity by providing several documents. Depending on your citizenship or visa situation, documents may include an Australian birth certificate, an Australian citizenship certificate, a current Australian passport, an ImmiCard and visa, a medicare card, a current driver's licence, or bank statements.
Stamp Duty Concession
The Stamp Duty Concession reduces or abolishes the transfer (stamp) duty fee when eligible Queenslanders buy or acquire residential or vacant land in regional Queensland.
- The concession can be used in conjunction with other government grants and incentives for first home buyers, including the First Home Owner Grant.
- The Stamp Duty Concession is available for first home buyers entering into a contract to build a new home, apartment, or townhouse in regional Queensland.
- If eligible, buyers can apply for a full deduction of stamp duty.
Boost to Buy
The Boost to Buy home ownership scheme is part of the 2025 to 2026 Queensland Budget, helping to reduce the deposit gap for first-home buyers. The Boost to Buy scheme will provide an equity contribution of up to 30% for new homes and up to 25% for existing homes in regional Queensland and major cities in the state.
To be eligible for the Boost to Buy scheme:
- Individual buyers will have an income of up to $150,000
- Two buyers will earn up to $225,000
- Home buyers must provide a 2% deposit for the purchase price of the property valued up to $1 million
- Other eligibility requirements will be released once the scheme opens for applications
With or without a government grant, building a new home is a significant investment - one you want to feel confident in throughout the entire process. For over 20 years, Cougar Homes has been North Queensland’s most trusted home builder. We approach each project with empathy, trust, and expertise, ensuring we deliver high-quality finishes, innovative designs, and personalised customer service. If you are interested in building a new home in regional Queensland, contact our team today, and we’ll provide a free quote within 24 hours.