If my child buys an older house instead of building a new one, what government help do they lose?

They would lose access to the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant, which is strictly reserved for new builds, off-the-plan purchases, or building on vacant land. However, they can still receive the full stamp duty exemption for established homes valued up to $700,000 and may still qualify for federal deposit guarantee schemes.

Should I put my name on the property title to help my child qualify for a larger mortgage?

Adding your name to the title is generally discouraged as it can disqualify your child from first home buyer concessions and grants entirely. It also creates potential capital gains tax liabilities for you and may complicate your own future borrowing capacity, so it is best to seek legal advice before being added to the deed.

Does giving my child a cash gift for their deposit disqualify them from these incentives?

No, receiving a financial gift from parents does not impact eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty exemptions. You will simply need to provide the lender with a signed 'gift letter' confirming the money does not need to be repaid and that you have no legal interest in the property.

Is there a specific deadline for the $30,000 grant before it decreases?

Yes, the boosted $30,000 First Home Owner Grant is a temporary measure available for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026. After this date, the grant is scheduled to revert to the previous amount of $15,000, so timing is critical for those looking to maximise government support.

How does the federal shared equity scheme work alongside the Queensland state grants?

The federal 'Help to Buy' scheme allows the government to contribute up to 40% of the equity for a new home, acting as a silent co-owner to lower the child's monthly mortgage payments. This can be combined with the $30,000 state grant and stamp duty exemptions, significantly reducing the total amount of money a parent needs to contribute to bridge the deposit gap.

Bank of Mum & Dad: QLD 2025 First Home Incentives

A $700,000 home in Queensland. Zero stamp duty. A $30,000 government grant. These numbers are real for eligible first home buyers in 2026, and they change the maths completely for parents wondering how much help their kids actually need.

If you're part of the "Bank of Mum and Dad" (and let's be honest, that's now a significant source of property funding for many buyers), you'll want to understand exactly what your adult child can access before you start moving money around.

What Queensland Offers First Home Buyers in 2026

The Queensland Government has stacked several concessions that work together. Each one reduces the amount your child needs to save or borrow.

Full Stamp Duty Exemption

Since June 2024, eligible first home buyers purchasing an established home valued up to $700,000 pay no transfer duty at all. On a $700,000 property, that's roughly $18,000 to $20,000 they don't need to find. While this threshold applies to established homes, new builds purchased from 1 May 2025 receive a full exemption with no price cap.

The $30,000 First Home Owner Grant

Queensland's First Home Owner Grant is $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026 for new homes under the price cap. That's cash from the government, paid at settlement, that reduces either the deposit needed or the loan amount. Your child must be buying or building a new home (not established property) to qualify.

The Federal Help to Buy Scheme

This one is worth understanding. According to QLD Treasury's announcement, Queensland participates in the federal shared equity program, which provides a Federal Government equity contribution of up to 30% for existing homes or 40% for new homes. The government essentially becomes a silent co-owner, reducing the loan your child needs.

The scheme targets buyers who can service a mortgage but struggle to save a large deposit. If your child later wants to buy out the government's share, they can do so as their financial position improves.

How These Concessions Change the Deposit Conversation

Here's where it gets interesting for parents.

A traditional 20% deposit on a $700,000 home is $140,000. That's a lot of avocado toast jokes aside, and a genuine barrier for most young Australians.

But stack the Queensland concessions:

$30,000 First Home Owner Grant reduces the effective purchase price or deposit needed
Zero stamp duty saves approximately $18,000-$20,000 in upfront costs on a $700,000 home
A 5% deposit with government guarantee schemes means $35,000 rather than $140,000
The equity scheme could reduce this further with government co-contribution

Suddenly, the gap between what your child has saved and what they need might be $20,000 rather than $100,000.

What Parents Need to Know Before Gifting

Gifting money for a deposit is straightforward in principle but has some practical considerations.

Lender Requirements

Most banks require a signed gift letter confirming the money is a genuine gift, not a loan that needs repaying. The letter typically states the amount, that no repayment is expected, and that the parent has no interest in the property. Your child's mortgage broker or lender will provide a template.

Impact on Concession Eligibility

Good news here. A gift from parents does not disqualify your child from the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty exemption. The eligibility criteria focus on whether the buyer has owned property before, their residency status, and the type of property being purchased.

Should You Go on the Title?

This question comes up often. A parent going on title can help with loan serviceability, but it creates complications. Your child may lose first home buyer concessions entirely. You'll have capital gains tax implications if you later come off title. And if you already own property, the purchase won't qualify as a "first home" at all.

We strongly recommend getting legal advice before adding anyone to a property title. The tax and legal consequences vary based on individual circumstances.

Federal Support Adds Another Layer

The federal government runs schemes that work alongside Queensland's concessions. Housing Australia continues to offer the First Home Guarantee scheme, which has had place limits removed as of 1 October 2025, offering unlimited places for all eligible first home buyers.

This scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance. Previously, places were capped and filled quickly. With the removal of place limits, the scheme provides a vital pathway for first home buyers to access the market sooner.

The Catch: The Grant is for New Homes Only

Queensland's First Home Owner Grant applies to new homes, off-the-plan purchases, or vacant land for building. However, the first home transfer duty concessions are available for both established and new homes, though new homes purchased from 1 May 2025 have no price threshold for the full exemption.

This provides flexibility for buyers. While the government encourages new construction to increase housing supply, the stamp duty relief ensures that those buying established homes in existing communities also receive significant support.

Timing Matters

The current stamp duty exemption thresholds for established homes have been in place since June 2024, while the full exemption for new homes with no price cap was introduced on 1 May 2025. Buyers should confirm current thresholds before signing contracts. Note that the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant is temporary. After 30 June 2026, the grant amount reverts to $15,000. Parents and buyers planning around these incentives should factor this deadline into their timeline.