The short answer: yes, in most cases
Many people assume that because they owned a home with their ex-partner, they have used up their First Home Owner Grant eligibility. That is not always the case. The FHOG rules focus on whether you personally have previously owned residential property, and the answer depends on the specifics of your situation and which state you are in. If you transferred your interest to your ex as part of the property settlement and you are now buying a new home for the first time in your own name, you may well qualify.
How the FHOG works after separation
The First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment from your state or territory government to help first home buyers purchase or build a new home. After separation, your eligibility is assessed as an individual, not as a couple.
The critical question is whether you have previously held an interest in residential property in Australia. If you jointly owned the family home with your ex, most states consider that you have held an interest in residential property, which would normally disqualify you.
However, the picture is more nuanced than that. If your name was on the title but you never lived in the property as your principal place of residence, or if you only ever held the property as an investment, some states may still consider you eligible. The rules differ between states, which is why it is worth checking your specific circumstances.
Where the FHOG most commonly applies after separation is when one partner never owned property during the relationship. If your ex owned the home before you got together, or if you rented throughout the relationship and are now buying for the first time after the split, you are likely a genuine first home buyer.
FHOG amounts by state (2026)
| State | Grant Amount | Property Type | Value Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $10,000 | New home | $750,000 |
| VIC | $10,000 | New home | $750,000 |
| QLD | $30,000 | New home | $750,000 |
| WA | $10,000 | New home | $750,000 |
| SA | $15,000 | New home | $650,000 |
| TAS | $30,000 | New home | $750,000 |
| ACT | Varies | New home | Varies by income |
| NT | $10,000 | New home | $750,000 |
Figures current as at June 2026. Grant amounts and value caps are subject to change. Check your state revenue office for the latest details.
When you qualify
You are most likely to qualify for the FHOG after separation if:
- You have never owned residential property in Australia. If you rented throughout your relationship and are buying for the first time after separation, you are a genuine first home buyer.
- You are purchasing or building a new home. In every state, the FHOG applies to new homes only. This includes newly constructed houses, townhouses, apartments bought off the plan, and owner-builder homes that have not been previously occupied.
- You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- You are at least 18 years of age.
- The property will be your principal place of residence. You must move into the home within 12 months of settlement (timeframes vary by state) and live there for a continuous period, usually 6 to 12 months.
- The property value is under the cap. Each state has a maximum property value threshold. If the purchase price exceeds the cap, the grant does not apply.
When you might NOT qualify
You are less likely to qualify if:
- You jointly owned the family home during your relationship. In most states, having held any interest in residential property in Australia disqualifies you, regardless of whether it was a joint tenancy or tenancy in common.
- You previously received the FHOG. The grant can only be claimed once per person, ever. If you received it when purchasing with your ex, you cannot claim it again.
- You are buying an established (existing) home. The FHOG is for new homes only in all states.
- You are purchasing the home as an investment. You must intend to live in the property as your principal place of residence.
- The property exceeds the value cap for your state.
Also worth knowing: the Family Home Guarantee
If you are a single parent (or eligible single legal guardian of at least one dependent), you may qualify for the Family Home Guarantee. This government scheme allows eligible single parents to buy a home with as little as a 2% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. It can be used alongside the FHOG if you are purchasing a new home, giving you two forms of government support on the same purchase.
How we help
Navigating FHOG eligibility after separation can be confusing, particularly when you previously owned property with your ex. We help by:
- Assessing your eligibility. We review your property ownership history and help you understand whether you qualify for the FHOG in your state.
- Identifying all available support. Beyond the FHOG, you may also be eligible for the Family Home Guarantee, stamp duty concessions for first home buyers, and other state-based incentives. We check everything.
- Finding the right lender. If you are buying on a single income or using non-standard income like child support or Centrelink payments, we know which lenders will approve your application and how to structure it.
- Managing the application. We coordinate the FHOG application with your loan application and settlement to make sure everything lands at the right time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the FHOG if I owned a home with my ex?
In most states, if you have previously owned a residential property in Australia, you are not eligible for the FHOG. However, some states make exceptions for people who owned property only as part of a relationship that has since ended, particularly if you did not live in the property as your home. The rules vary by state, so it is important to check your specific situation with us or your state revenue office.
Does my ex-partner's property ownership affect my eligibility?
Once you are separated, your eligibility is assessed on your own circumstances. If you personally have never owned a residential property, your ex-partner's property history does not disqualify you. However, if you are purchasing with a new partner, their ownership history will be considered as part of the application.
Can I combine the FHOG with the Family Home Guarantee?
Yes. The Family Home Guarantee and the FHOG are separate government schemes and can be used together. The Family Home Guarantee allows eligible single parents to purchase with as little as 2% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, and the FHOG provides a cash grant towards your new home purchase. Using both can significantly reduce the upfront cost of buying.
Do I need to be divorced to apply for the FHOG?
No. You do not need a divorce certificate to apply for the FHOG. You need to demonstrate that you are purchasing the property as an individual (not as part of the former couple), but formal divorce proceedings do not need to be finalised. A Separation Declaration or Consent Orders are sufficient.
Does the FHOG apply to established homes?
In every Australian state and territory, the FHOG currently applies only to new homes. This includes newly built houses, off-the-plan apartments, substantially renovated properties (in some states), and owner-builder homes that have not been previously occupied. It does not apply to established homes that have been previously lived in.