How much deposit do I need as a first home buyer?

Typically 5% of the total package price ($25K-$30K for a $500K package). Some lenders and guarantor arrangements allow lower deposits. You'll also need to pay stamp duty on the land.

Can I use the FHOG as my deposit?

Not directly as the deposit (you need funds upfront), but many lenders will factor it into your borrowing capacity, and it can be used for progress payments during construction.

How long until I can move in?

From signing contracts, expect 12-18 months: land settlement (1-6 months if not titled), then construction (8-12 months). Plan your current living situation accordingly.

Researching·Find a Builder Cost Tracker

First Home Buyer

First Home Buyer H&L Guide

Name: BuildPilot
Address: Adelaide, SA, 5000, AU
Telephone: 1300 885 919
Price range: Free Consultation

Maximise grants and buy smart

Happy first home buyers with keys to their new home

FHOG Available

Up to $15,000 grant

House and land packages are popular with first home buyers for good reason: you get a new home, access to grants, and stamp duty savings. But you need to navigate it carefully. Here's everything first home buyers should know.

First Home Buyer Grants & Concessions (SA 2025)

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

$15,000

Eligibility: New home valued under $650,000 (dwelling only, not land). Must be your first home. Australian citizen or PR. Must live in the home for 6+ months.

Applies to the building contract value, not land. Most house and land packages qualify.

Stamp Duty Concession

Up to $15,500 saving

Eligibility: First home buyers pay no stamp duty on land up to $350,000. Reduced duty on land $350K-$550K.

You only pay stamp duty on land value in H&L packages, not the build.

HomeBuilder Grant

Closed

Eligibility: This federal grant has ended but some contracts signed during its operation are still being processed.

No longer available for new contracts.

Stamp Duty Savings Example

Buying Established Home

Purchase Price: $550,000

Stamp Duty: ~$21,000

House & Land Package

Land: $200,000

Build: $350,000

Total: $550,000

Stamp Duty: $0 (first home concession)

$21,000 in stamp duty savings

First Home Buyer Budgets

$450,000 - $500,000

Deposit: ~$25,000 - $30,000 (5%)

Land: $150K - $180K

Build: $280K - $320K

Location: Outer north or south suburbs

Home: 3-bed single storey, standard inclusions

$500,000 - $600,000

Deposit: ~$30,000 - $35,000 (5%)

Land: $180K - $230K

Build: $320K - $370K

Location: Mid-ring suburbs, some Hills

Home: 4-bed single or small double, good inclusions

$500K Budget Guide →$600K Budget Guide →

Tips for First Home Buyers

Apply for FHOG Early

Apply for the First Home Owner Grant as soon as you sign your building contract. It can take weeks to process, and you'll want it ready for when progress payments are due.

Budget for Everything

First home buyers often underestimate total costs. Beyond the land and build, you'll need money for site costs, landscaping, fencing, moving costs, and initial furniture.

Don't Max Out Your Borrowing

Just because the bank will lend you $600K doesn't mean you should borrow it all. Leave room in your budget for unexpected costs and interest rate rises.

Consider Location Carefully

Cheaper outer suburbs mean longer commutes and potentially less infrastructure. Balance affordability with lifestyle needs.

Get Pre-Approval First

Know exactly what you can borrow before looking at packages. Nothing worse than falling in love with something you can't afford.

Understand Construction Loans

House and land uses a construction loan that draws down in stages. You'll pay interest only on drawn amounts during construction, then switch to principal and interest.

Common First Home Buyer Mistakes

Focusing only on advertised price, not total move-in cost
Not budgeting for stamp duty on land (even though it's lower)
Forgetting about landscaping and fencing deadlines in estates
Assuming grants cover everything (they help but don't pay for everything)
Not reading estate covenants before buying
Choosing the cheapest option without comparing inclusions
Underestimating site costs on the 'cheap' block

First Home Buyer FAQs

You likely qualify if: you're 18+, Australian citizen or PR, never owned property in Australia, the new home is valued under $650K, and you'll live in it for at least 6 months within 12 months of completion.

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Get independent guidance tailored to first home buyers.

1300 885 919

Pricing Disclaimer: All prices, grant amounts, and budget estimates on this page are indicative only and based on information available at the time of publishing (February 2026). Government grants and concessions are subject to eligibility criteria and may change. Always verify current grant amounts and eligibility with Revenue SA and consult with financial advisors before making purchasing decisions.