Queensland First Home Buyers Guide

Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. From saving a deposit and securing finance to understanding government assistance and selecting the right home design, there are many decisions to make along the way. Whether you're still researching your options or preparing to start your building journey, this guide has been created to help Queensland First Home Buyers navigate the process with greater confidence. You'll find practical information, helpful insights and an overview of the support available to help make home ownership more achievable.
 
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Queensland First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes

There may be a range of government grants, concessions and support schemes available to help eligible Queensland first home buyers take their first step into home ownership. These programs can change over time, and eligibility often depends on your personal circumstances, where you are building, the type of property you are building and the value of your home or land. Before making a decision, it is important to review the latest Queensland Government information or speak with a lending specialist. Explore the first home buyer support options that may be relevant when building in Queensland.

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What is a First Home Buyer?

A first home buyer is someone purchasing or building their first residential property. For many people, it is the moment they move from planning and saving into creating a home that supports the life they want to build.

In Queensland, first home buyers may be entering the market for different reasons. Whether you’re moving out of your family home and becoming independent, looking for more space to grow your family or you’re simply sick of paying rent!

As a first home buyer you may also be eligible for certain grants, concessions or government support programs. These may help with upfront costs, deposit requirements or overall affordability, depending on your situation.

Understanding what support is available is an important early step. From the First Home Owner Grant to broader first home buyer schemes, knowing your options can help you plan with greater confidence before you choose your home, land or finance pathway. 

What are the Steps in Buying a First Home?

Get Clear on Your Budget

Before choosing a home, take time to understand what you can comfortably afford. Your budget will shape many of your decisions, from where you build to the type of home design you choose.

Consider your savings, deposit, everyday expenses, borrowing power and any upfront costs that may apply. A clear budget gives you a stronger starting point and helps you focus on homes that suit your financial position.

Look Into Grants and Support

Queensland first home buyers may be eligible for government grants, concessions or support schemes that can help reduce upfront costs.

It is worth reviewing what may apply before you make major decisions. Understanding your eligibility early can help you plan your deposit, finance and building timeline with greater confidence.

Speak With a Lender or Broker

Finance pre-approval can help you understand your borrowing capacity before you begin comparing homes or land more seriously.

A lender or mortgage broker can assess your income, savings, expenses and debts to give you a clearer picture of what may be possible. Burbank can also connect you with trusted lending partners, including Livi Lending, to help you explore your options.

Choose the Right Location

Your block of land plays a big role in your first home journey. Whether you are buying land separately or exploring a house and land package, find a location that suits your current lifestyle and future needs.

Access to work, schools, shops, transport, parks and the community around you, are all important considerations. For many first home buyers, the right location is about more than convenience it’s feeling connected to the place you’re choosing to call home.

Select a Home Design

Once you have a budget and location in mind, the next step is choosing a home design that works for your block, lifestyle and long-term plans.

The right design should feel practical, comfortable and easy to live in. At Burbank, our Queensland home designs are created to support modern living, with layouts that help first home buyers make the most of their space and the outdoors

Prepare to Build

After your contracts, approvals and selections are complete, your building journey can begin.

Burbank will guide you through each stage of the building journey, so you’ll always know what’s happening and what’s next. From site start to handover, our team is here to explain the process and support you every step of the way.

Build with Confidence

Once your build is complete and the keys are in your hand, your first home becomes the setting for everything that follows.

It’s where quiet mornings begin, friends gather, family celebrations take place and new routines settle in. For many first homeowners, this is when the journey truly becomes real.

How much can I borrow as a First Home Buyer?

Your borrowing capacity depends on your financial situation. Lenders will usually consider your income, savings, deposit, living expenses, debts, credit history and ability to make repayments.

For first home buyers, understanding this early can make the building journey feel much clearer. It can help you compare home designs, choose suitable locations and make decisions that feel right for your lifestyle and budget.

If you are unsure where to begin, speaking with a lender or mortgage broker can help you understand your options before you commit to a home or land purchase.

Understand Your Borrowing Capacity

Am I eligible for the First Home Owner Grant(FHOG)?

Eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant depends on the rules that apply in Queensland at the time you are building or buying.

Generally, first home buyer grants are designed for people purchasing or building their first new home and may include requirements around residency, previous property ownership, property type and property value.

Because eligibility criteria can change, it is important to check the latest Queensland Government guidance or speak with the Burbank team before making decisions. We can help you understand which grants, concessions or schemes may be relevant to your first home journey.

Not sure where you stand? Our team can talk you through the basics and help point you in the right direction.

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First Home Buyer Frequently Asked Questions

Building your first home comes with plenty of questions. From finance and eligibility to grants, council approvals and extra costs, the answers are not always obvious at the beginning. We have answered some common Queensland first home buyer questions below to help you feel more prepared before taking the next step.

You may be considered an eligible first home buyer if you are purchasing or building your first residential property and meet the relevant requirements for the grant, concession or scheme you are applying for. Eligibility can depend on factors such as your age, residency or citizenship status, whether you have owned property before, the type of home you are building and the value of the property. If you are not sure what applies to you, Burbank can help you understand the types of questions to ask and where to find the latest Queensland-specific information.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance, often called LMI, is a one-off cost that may apply if you are buying with a smaller deposit. Although it is paid by the borrower, LMI protects the lender if the borrower cannot repay the loan. Some eligible first home buyers may be able to avoid LMI through government-backed support schemes, depending on the loan, lender and eligibility criteria. A lender or mortgage broker can help you understand whether LMI may apply to your situation.

Some first home buyers in Queensland may be eligible for transfer duty concessions, depending on the property, land value and their personal circumstances. These concessions can help reduce upfront costs, but eligibility rules can change. Before you purchase land or sign a contract, it is worth checking the current Queensland requirements, so you know what may apply.

There is no single credit score that guarantees home loan approval. Each lender has its own criteria and will assess a range of factors, including your income, savings, employment history, debts, expenses and repayment capacity. Your credit history is one part of the assessment, but it is not the only consideration. Speaking with a lender or broker can help you understand how prepared you are before applying.

When building a new home, approvals may be needed before construction begins. These can depend on your land, chosen design, estate requirements, and local council rules. This process applies to many home building customers, not only first home buyers. When you build with Burbank, our team will guide you through the approvals stage and help explain what is required along the way.

Your deposit is only one part of the overall cost of building or buying your first home. You may also need to consider government fees, conveyancing, loan setup costs, insurance, site costs, utility connections, moving expenses and any upgrades or selections you choose. When you build with Burbank, we aim to communicate costs clearly from the beginning so you can plan your first home journey with more confidence.

Learn More About First Home Buyers

If you are planning your first home in Queensland, the right information can help you feel more confident at every stage. If you are considering your first home and considering if Burbank is right for you, you can find out more via our detailed articles and blogs.