Differences between first home concessions and first home owner grant

If you’re a first home owner in Queensland, you may be able to claim one of the first home concessions for transfer duty and the first home owner grant.

However, whereas some of the requirements for each benefit are the same, there are differences that you should know about so you can fulfil your obligations and avoid having to pay an amount back, including interest and penalties.

The table below explains the differences between each first home benefit and the requirements that you need to meet.

First home concession	First home vacant land concession	First home owner grant
When you must occupy the property as your principal place of residence
Within 1 year after the transfer date	Within 2 years after the transfer date	Within either: 1 year after the title registration date (purchased homes) 1 year after the final inspection date (for contracts to build or owner-builders)
How long you must live in the property
You can’t dispose of any of the property for 1 year	You can’t dispose of any of the property for 1 year	You must live in the property for a continuous period of 6 months
When you need to apply
You have 5 years to apply for a refund if you haven’t claimed a concession at the time of purchase	You have 5 years to apply for a refund if you haven’t claimed a concession at the time of purchase	You have 1 year from completion of the transaction
Renting the property out before moving in
You can’t rent the property out before moving in Exception: The vendor or vendor’s existing tenant may remain in possession for up to 6 months after the transfer date	You can’t rent the property out before moving in	You can rent the property out before moving in
Renting a room or granny flat
You can’t rent out any room or granny flat for the first year after you move in	You can’t rent out any room or granny flat for the first year after you move in	You may rent out one or more rooms in the house or a granny flat during your 6-month residency period, as long as this arrangement doesn’t affect your use of the home
Losing the concession or grant
You lose your concession if you either: don’t occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 1 year after the transfer date dispose of any of the property before moving in or within 1 year of the date you move in (including renting out a granny flat)	You lose your concession if you either: don’t occupy the constructed home as your principal place of residence within 2 years after the transfer date dispose of part or all of the property before occupying the constructed residence or within 1 year of the date you move in (including renting out a granny flat)	You may have to repay the grant if you: don’t move into the home within 1 year of buying it don’t live in the home as your principal place of residence for 6 months continuously
Exceptions to these requirements
You might not lose the concession if you can’t occupy the home because of an intervening event. You must apply in writing to the Commissioner of State Revenue	You might not lose the concession if you can’t occupy the home because of an intervening event. You must apply in writing to the Commissioner of State Revenue	We may approve the grant in special circumstances if you: are under 18 years of age move into the home after 1 year live in the home for less than 6 months

Last updated: 16 March 2023