Buying your first home can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, the First Home Buyers Scheme offers a helping hand for Australians ready to take that big step into homeownership.
Let’s unpack what the scheme involves, who qualifies and how choosing first home buyer house and land packages under the threshold can make the process even more rewarding.
What is the First Home Buyers Scheme?
The First Home Buyers Scheme (also known as the First Home Owner Grant and various state-based initiatives) is a government program designed to help first-time buyers purchase or build their first home. Each state and territory has its own version of the scheme, but all share the same goal: to make homeownership more accessible by reducing upfront costs.
The First Home Buyers Scheme for NSW in 2025 includes several benefits:
- Stamp duty exemptions or concessions for homes valued under certain thresholds
- One-off grants for eligible new builds or newly constructed homes
- Access to complementary national initiatives such as the First Home Super Saver Scheme, the 5% Deposit Scheme and the Help to Buy Scheme.
Who qualifies for the scheme?
Eligibility for the First Home Buyers Scheme varies slightly by state, but in NSW, the key requirements include:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or older.
- You or your partner must not have owned property in Australia before.
- You must live in the home for at least 12 months within 12 months of settlement or construction.
- The property must be below the set price threshold to qualify for stamp duty exemptions and grants.
As of 2025, the thresholds are:
- Up to $800,000 for a new home or house and land package to qualify for a full exemption from stamp duty.
- Up to $1 million for a partial concession.
If you’re purchasing land and building a new home, both components are considered together for these limits. Staying under the threshold keeps you eligible and maximises your savings.
Financial advantages of house and land packages for first home buyers
Choosing house and land packages for first home buyers offers unique financial benefits, especially when your total purchase value stays under the threshold. Here’s how:
1. Save on stamp duty
Stamp duty is one of the biggest upfront costs when buying property. Under the First Home Buyers Scheme for NSW in 2025, eligible buyers purchasing below $800,000 may pay no stamp duty at all, while those up to $1 million receive significant concessions.
2. Access to grants
Building a new home through an eligible builder could qualify you for the First Home Owner Grant. In NSW, this is a $10,000 grant that applies to newly built homes valued up to $600,000 or house and land packages up to $750,000.
3. Reduced construction and maintenance costs
A first home buyer house and land package often comes at a lower cost per square metre than buying an established home in the same area. You also get the benefit of modern design, new materials and warranty protection, meaning fewer repairs and lower maintenance expenses for years to come.
4. Tax-effective saving through the First Home Super Saver Scheme
The First Home Super Saver Scheme is another way to boost your deposit. It lets you save up to $15,000 per year and $50,000 total in voluntary super contributions, then withdraw those funds (plus earnings) to use toward your first home. Because super contributions are taxed at a lower rate, you can grow your savings faster while paying less tax.
5. Government support through low-deposit and shared-equity options
If you’re struggling to save a large deposit, you may qualify for additional help through:
- The 5% Deposit Scheme, which allows eligible first home buyers to get a home with as little as a 5% deposit, backed by a government guarantee and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
- The Help to Buy Scheme, launching soon, where the Australian Government contributes up to 40% of the property’s purchase price for new homes, helping to lower your loan and monthly repayments.
Why house and land packages make sense under the threshold
For many buyers, the idea of building a brand-new home feels out of reach. But under the First Home Buyers Scheme, it can actually be the smarter choice, since house and land packages for first home buyers are often designed with affordability and eligibility in mind.
Here’s why they’re such a good fit:
- Customisation — You can choose layouts, finishes and features that suit your lifestyle without paying a premium.
- Location flexibility — New estates are often in up-and-coming areas with growth potential, meaning your first home could also be a smart investment for the future.
- Sustainable, efficient design — New homes meet current energy standards, saving you money on utilities and future upgrades.
Buy your first home with Mellross Homes
Buying your first home doesn’t need to feel daunting. With the First Home Buyers Scheme, multiple federal initiatives and the right home-building partner, your goal can be closer than you think. By staying under the $800,000 or $1 million threshold, you can enjoy significant savings.
If you’re ready to explore first home buyer house and land packages that qualify under the scheme, Mellross Homes can help guide you through every step, from understanding your eligibility to finding a package that fits your budget and dreams. Find your eligible house and land package today with Mellross Homes. You can also get in touch with our team for tailored advice.