First Home Owner Grant for Nurses

First Home Owner Grant Amounts for Nurses by State

The First Home Owner Grant is a government initiative that provides a one-off payment to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. For nurses and midwives, understanding what is available in your state is an important part of planning your purchase. The grant amount and eligibility conditions vary depending on where you live, so it pays to know the details before you apply.

At Nurse Loans, our Finance and Mortgage Brokers work exclusively with healthcare professionals and can help you determine whether you qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in your state. We also help you combine the grant with other government schemes, such as the Home Guarantee Scheme or the 5% Deposit Scheme for Nurses, to strengthen your position as a buyer. Getting the right advice early can make a significant difference to how much you need to save before purchasing.

First Home Owner Grant in QLD

In Queensland, the First Home Owner Grant provides eligible buyers with $30,000 toward the purchase or construction of a new home valued at up to $750,000. The $30,000 amount applies to eligible contracts and has been confirmed as an ongoing amount, though the conditions attached to it can change, so it is worth confirming the current rules with your broker before signing a contract. Queensland nurses and midwives looking to build or buy a brand new property could access this grant alongside other state and federal support measures.

The Queensland First Home Owner Grant is administered by the Queensland Revenue Office and must be applied for through an approved agent, which is typically your lender. Our Finance and Mortgage Brokers can help you prepare your application and ensure all documentation is in order. If you are considering building, our team can also walk you through construction loan options for nurses that work alongside the grant.

First Home Owner Grant in NSW

In New South Wales, the First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 to eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home. The grant applies to new home purchases valued up to $600,000, or up to $750,000 for a house and land package where the land and build are under separate contracts. New South Wales nurses purchasing a newly built property may be able to combine the First Home Owner Grant with stamp duty exemptions or concessions available to first home buyers in that state.

Our brokers work with nurses across New South Wales to identify the full range of support available, including the First Home Owner Grant, lenders mortgage insurance waivers, and low deposit loan options. Understanding how these measures work together is key to making the most of your purchasing power. You can also explore first home buyer loan options tailored specifically for nurses and midwives.

First Home Owner Grant in VIC

In Victoria, the First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 for the purchase or construction of a new home valued at up to $750,000. The grant is available to eligible first home buyers who intend to live in the property as their principal place of residence. Victorian nurses and midwives who meet the eligibility criteria can use this grant as part of their deposit strategy when buying a new property.

The Victorian First Home Owner Grant is managed by the State Revenue Office and is generally paid at settlement for purchases or at the first progress payment for construction loans. Our Finance and Mortgage Brokers can help you understand the timing of the grant payment and how it fits into your overall loan structure. If you are building in Victoria, we can also assist with house and land package loans that align with the grant conditions.

First Home Owner Grant in WA

In Western Australia, the First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 for the purchase or construction of a new home. The property value cap is $800,000 for homes located south of the 26th parallel, which covers Perth and the majority of the state's population centres, and $1,000,000 for homes located north of the 26th parallel. The grant is available to eligible applicants who have not previously owned a home in Australia and who intend to live in the property. Western Australian nurses and midwives purchasing a new property may also be eligible for additional state-based stamp duty concessions depending on the purchase price.

Our brokers help nurses in Western Australia assess their eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant and identify any additional support available through state or federal programs. Combining the grant with a low deposit home loan or an LMI waiver can significantly reduce the upfront costs of purchasing your first home. We work with a wide panel of lenders to find a loan structure that suits your circumstances as a healthcare professional.

How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant

The First Home Owner Grant is generally applied for through your lender at the time of your home loan application. Your Finance and Mortgage Broker will confirm your eligibility, gather the required documentation, and submit the application on your behalf through the appropriate state revenue authority. This process is coordinated alongside your formal loan application to avoid delays at settlement.

To be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in any state, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, be purchasing or building a new home, and not have previously owned a home in Australia. Additional conditions apply in each state, including property value caps and residency requirements. Our team at Nurse Loans will assess your full situation and help you understand exactly what you qualify for before you commit to a purchase.

First Home Owner Grant support for nurses from Nurse Loans

How We Help Nurses Access the First Home Owner Grant

Our brokers manage every step of the process on your behalf, from your first conversation through to settlement and beyond. Here is what that looks like in practice.

Initial Consultation

Your first step is a conversation about your property goals, whether you are purchasing a new home, building, or exploring what government grants and schemes you may be eligible for. Our Finance and Mortgage Brokers explain the overall loan application process, assess your financial position, and begin identifying suitable loan options from a wide panel of banks and lenders across Australia. We also confirm at this stage whether you qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in your state.

Financial Assessment

Your broker conducts a detailed review of your finances, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and savings. They determine your borrowing capacity and explain key terms such as loan-to-value ratio (LVR), lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), and any government grants or schemes you may be eligible for, including the First Home Owner Grant. This assessment gives you a clear picture of where you stand before you start looking at properties.

Loan Comparison and Selection

With a clear understanding of your financial situation, our Finance and Mortgage Brokers research and compare a range of loan options. These may include fixed or variable interest rate loans, products with offset accounts, or flexible repayment features suited to nurses working across shifts and varied pay structures. Our brokers help you weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can choose the loan that aligns with your needs and the requirements of the First Home Owner Grant.

Loan Pre-Approval

Securing loan pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow and strengthens your position when making an offer. Your broker prepares and submits the required documents, such as payslips, tax returns, and bank statements, to the lender for assessment. Pre-approval also confirms that your planned purchase will be compatible with the First Home Owner Grant conditions in your state.

Formal Loan Application

Once you have chosen your preferred loan, your broker completes and submits the formal application to the lender. They manage all required documentation, respond to any queries from the lender, and keep you informed throughout the process. Your broker also coordinates the First Home Owner Grant application through the appropriate state revenue authority at this stage.

Loan Approval and Settlement Preparation

After your loan is formally approved, our brokers review the loan agreement with you and confirm that all terms, including interest rate, fees, and repayment schedule, are clear and understood. They also help you set up your loan account and arrange any necessary insurance. The timing of your First Home Owner Grant payment, whether at settlement or at the first construction progress payment, is confirmed and coordinated at this point.

Settlement and Ongoing Support

At settlement, the lender advances the funds and ownership of the property is transferred to you. Our brokers coordinate with your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure everything proceeds as planned. After settlement, our Finance and Mortgage Brokers remain available for ongoing support, whether that involves managing repayments, exploring refinancing options, or assisting with future property plans such as buying an investment property.

What Nurses Say About Nurse Loans

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Shaun Cunningham

As a founder, getting a mortgage requires a couple more hoops to jump through, which is why I couldn't recommend Nick O'Sullivan and the Azura team more highly. Not only were they able to offer a seamless process, but Nick was also patient with us as we changed our minds about when to buy (over a period of years!). The truth is anyone can approach a bank and get a mortgage, but when things don't go perfectly (e.g. abrupt government changes), that's when you want a pro on your team like Nick.

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Van Tran

Nick and the team at Azura Financial exceeded our expectations at every step. Their guidance was clear, their expertise was evident, and they handled every financial detail with care — giving us complete peace of mind throughout the process. We couldn't have asked for a better team by our side. Thank you very much, V&V.

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sarah ander

As a first home buyer, Carl and the team at Azura were incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. They made everything feel straightforward and were always there to answer any questions along the way. I’ve already recommended them to friends and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to get a mortgage!

AP

Alannah Paige

I am a first home buyer and had Carl as my mortgage broker. He worked diligently to follow up any issues or questions I had and made the process as smooth as it could. I highly recommend! Thank you Carl.

PW

Philip Woods

Carl and team were absolutely impressive with their attentiveness to answering questions no matter how stupid they were. The urgency they put into attending to timelines and requests was superb. I would recommend them without hesitation.

めめん

Nick was amazing to work with. He's easygoing, quick to reply, and genuinely a very competent broker. He made my loan possible and secured a great deal for me. Highly recommend:)

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Carina

Nick O’Sullivan helped me with my first investment property purchase last year. As it was my first time, I had plenty of questions, but he was always happy to help and made the whole process seamless. I recently used Nick again to refinance my loan and secure a great interest rate, and once again everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend Nick and his team and look forward to working with them again in the future.

JS

Joey Shatari

The ONLY broker i will use in the future is Carl Elsass. That is all.

MH

Menefrida Horbino

Nick made the entire mortgage process seamless and stress-free. He was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and took the time to explain every step clearly. We always felt supported and confident in our decisions thanks to his guidance. Highly recommend Nick to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy mortgage broker

First Home Owner Grant FAQs for Nurses

Can nurses buy a home with less than a 20% deposit?

Nurses often have several pathways to buy with less than 20%. With an LMI waiver from a participating lender, eligible nurses can purchase with a 10% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, nurses can buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI. Single parents and single legal guardians may be able to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit under the same scheme. Eligibility depends on your income, employment type, and the specific lender or scheme criteria.

Which nursing roles are eligible for an LMI waiver?

Eligible roles typically include Registered Nurses, Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Most lenders require a minimum annual income of $90,000 to qualify. Enrolled Nurses are generally not eligible for the LMI waiver, but they may be able to avoid LMI by purchasing through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme instead. Criteria vary between lenders, and we can confirm which options apply to your role and income during a consultation.

Do lenders count overtime and penalty rates when assessing how much I can borrow?

It depends on the lender. Some lenders assess 100% of your overtime, shift allowances, and penalty rates as income, provided you have been with the same employer for a minimum of 6 months. Other lenders will discount this income by 20% or more, or exclude it entirely. The difference in how a lender treats your non-base income can affect your borrowing capacity by $50,000 to $60,000 or more. Because we work with over 70 lenders, we can identify which ones will give you full credit for the income you actually earn.

Can I get an LMI waiver if my partner is not a nurse?

At most lenders, the LMI waiver can apply to the full loan as long as one applicant meets the professional and income criteria and holds a significant share of the application. Your partner does not typically need to work in healthcare, though each lender has its own requirements around how income and equity are split across applicants.

How is casual or agency nursing income assessed?

Casual and agency nursing income is treated differently depending on the lender. Some require a minimum of 12 months in the same role, while others accept 6 months with consistent hours. Certain lenders calculate casual income over a rolling 52-week period, which can work in your favour if your shifts have been steady. We deal with this regularly and can place your application with a lender that takes the most favourable view of your income structure.

Can self-employed nurses access the same home loan products?

At some lenders, self-employed nurses borrowing under their own name may be able to access the same products and rates as salaried nurses. Maximum loan limits and additional documentation requirements typically apply, so it is worth confirming your eligibility before you apply.

What is the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme?

The scheme, formerly known as the Home Guarantee Scheme, allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying LMI. The government backs the gap between your deposit and the 20% lenders normally require. From 1 October 2025, there are no income caps, no waitlists, and no limit on the number of places available. The scheme has supported over 240,000 Australians since it launched in 2020. Eligibility criteria and property price caps apply, and we can confirm whether your purchase qualifies.

How much can I save by avoiding LMI?

On a $600,000 property with a 10% deposit, LMI would typically cost between $15,000 and $20,000. On properties closer to $900,000, the cost can exceed $30,000. Nurses who qualify for an LMI waiver or purchase through a government scheme may not need to pay any of this, though savings depend on the property value, deposit size, and lender.

How long does the process take from pre-approval to settlement?

The entire process typically takes 8 to 14 weeks, depending on the property type, the lender, and whether you are using a government scheme. Government-backed purchases sometimes involve additional paperwork, and we manage that process to reduce delays.

Am I eligible for the First Home Owner Grant as a nurse?

The First Home Owner Grant is not profession-specific. Any eligible first home buyer purchasing or building a new home may be able to apply. Grant amounts vary by state, ranging from $10,000 in New South Wales and Victoria up to $50,000 in the Northern Territory. The grant generally applies only to new or substantially renovated properties that you intend to live in as your principal place of residence. We can confirm the current amount and eligibility rules in your state.