In the world of real estate, love might be priceless — but in Queensland, being single could be worth up to $60,000.
That’s not a joke. With the Queensland Government now offering a $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) per eligible buyer and full stamp duty exemptions for new homes, many couples are wondering:
Should we buy together, or go solo — legally speaking?
Let’s unpack the rules (and realities), so you can make the right move.
💰 The $30,000 First Home Owner Grant — Updated for 2025–2026
If you’re buying or building a new home valued under $750,000, you may be eligible for a $30,000 grant — one of the most generous in the country.
✅ Eligibility period:
Contracts signed or building commenced between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026.
(Official Source – Queensland Government)
✅ Applies to:
- New homes
- Off-the-plan purchases
- Substantially renovated properties
🏡 Big Changes to Stamp Duty Too
As of 1 May 2025, Queensland first home buyers also receive:
✅ Full stamp duty exemption on new homes under a certain value (often saving up to $17,000)
✅ Concessions for homes and land slightly over the threshold
Combined with the FHOG, a single eligible buyer could receive $30,000 + $17,000 = $47,000 in benefits. Two independent buyers? Nearly $94,000 in total.
💡 So, What’s the Catch?
If you and your partner buy a home together, you are treated as one applicant unit for the grant and stamp duty.
But if:
- You are not married,
- Not in a de facto relationship (i.e. not living together for over 2 years),
- And you buy separate properties under your own names,
Then each of you may be eligible for the full $30,000 FHOG and full stamp duty exemption.
⚠️ However…
The Queensland Revenue Office and Australian Taxation Office apply strict rules when determining whether a couple is truly independent. They consider:
- Duration of cohabitation
- Joint finances or dependents
- Shared expenses or property
- Social and legal recognition of the relationship
If you live together, have joint bank accounts, or share a dependent child — you’ll likely be considered de facto, even if you’re not married.
Attempting to “split” purchases to game the system can result in:
- Repayment of the grant
- Loss of stamp duty exemption
- Potential penalties
🔍 Case Example: Double or Nothing?
Scenario A – Buy Together (Couple):
- 1 new home jointly owned
- 1 FHOG ($30,000)
- 1 stamp duty exemption (~$17,000)
✅ Total: ~$47,000
Scenario B – Buy Separately (Legally Single):
- 2 separate new homes
- 2 FHOGs ($60,000)
- 2 stamp duty exemptions (~$34,000)
✅ Total: ~$94,000
⚠️ Only valid if both buyers are legally and financially independent.
👩⚖️ Legal Considerations Beyond the Grant
It’s tempting to focus on the numbers — but don’t forget the long-term legal and tax implications of how you structure your purchase.
Advantages of buying jointly as a couple:
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) main residence exemptions
- Asset protection in estate planning
- Superannuation spouse contribution offsets
- Easier succession and decision-making
Buying separately can complicate:
- Future tax returns
- Property settlements
- Loan approvals
- Estate administration
🧾 How a Property Lawyer Can Help
At Ensure Legal, we assist first home buyers and couples with:
- Verifying FHOG and stamp duty eligibility
- Structuring joint vs individual purchases
- Drafting co-ownership agreements
- Estate planning for unmarried buyers
- Advising on de facto legal risks
We help you avoid unintended consequences and maximise your benefits legally.
✅ Final Thoughts: Love Smart, Buy Smarter
Getting married (or moving in together) doesn’t mean you should lose out on tens of thousands in government support — but the rules are clear, and enforcement is real.
Before buying, ask:
- Are we recognised as a de facto couple under Queensland law?
- Would buying separately offer us financial advantages?
- What are the legal and tax risks of each approach?
Book a consultation with Ensure Legal to get it right the first time.
Our team of property lawyers is ready to guide you through grants, exemptions, and joint ownership. Let’s make your first property purchase a smart one — legally and financially.
